Prompting
Negative instruction
A prompt instruction that tells the model what not to do or include.
Example
The instruction says not to discuss price but never explains what to say instead.
Why it matters
It helps set boundaries around unwanted wording or behavior.
You'll hear it
“Leave out personal details and use a general description instead.”
Can you control it?
Yes
Yes. You can often use or adjust a negative instruction directly when the product supports it. The available options and their effect still depend on the tool.
Common questions
- Can too many prohibitions become confusing?
- Yes. A long list of exclusions can obscure the actual task or create contradictions.
- Does saying 'do not' guarantee the behavior stops?
- No. Systems can misunderstand or fail to follow the instruction.
- Can an exclusion conflict with the main request?
- Yes. Asking for a detailed explanation while forbidding essential details can leave no satisfactory answer.