I admit Perplexity isn’t my first alternative for AI. I actually overlook about it more often than not as a result of I rely so closely on what I name the Massive Three: ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude. Earlier than actually diving into every little thing Perplexity can do, I considered it as an AI search engine with citations. , kind a query, get a clear abstract, click on a supply or two and transfer on.
That’s, till I began utilizing Perplexity extra intentionally. As soon as I look past the search bar, Perplexity was a analysis assistant, comparability engine and productiveness shortcut that has saved me actual time in my each day workflow. In the event you’ve solely used Perplexity at floor degree, like I used to be doing, these are 10 options value making an attempt.
1. Focus modes truly change how solutions are generated
For starters, one element that’s straightforward to overlook is the row of subject shortcuts beneath Perplexity’s search bar — choices like Parenting, Journey, Well being, Internet, Tutorial, Writing or Math modifications which sources it prioritizes and the way solutions are structured. These context presets are much like ChatGPT’s custom GPTs, Gemini Gems or Claude Artifacts, as a result of they form how solutions are generated.
Tapping one nudges Perplexity towards completely different sources, tone and construction earlier than you even end typing your query. It’s a small UI element, however it could noticeably change the standard of the response — particularly if you’d like recommendation that’s extra sensible, much less technical or tailor-made to a selected scenario.
2. Mannequin picker: select how Perplexity thinks
One in all Perplexity’s strongest options is straightforward to miss: the mannequin picker. Not like Focus modes or subject shortcuts, this allows you to select which AI mannequin powers the response — and the distinction may be noticeable relying on what you’re making an attempt to do.
Inside Perplexity, you possibly can swap between fashions optimized for various strengths, like sooner solutions, deeper reasoning or extra pure writing. Some fashions are higher for fast fact-finding, whereas others shine whenever you’re asking nuanced questions, evaluating arguments or refining language.
The secret is that Perplexity retains its citation-first method regardless of which mannequin you select. In different phrases, you possibly can modify how the reply is generated and cater your mannequin to no matter it’s you’re asking. If a proof feels shallow or overly verbose, switching fashions can typically repair it with out altering your immediate in any respect.
It’s a delicate management, however when you begin utilizing it deliberately, the mannequin picker turns Perplexity from a single software into a versatile analysis setup.
3. Observe-up questions maintain full context
Not like conventional search, Perplexity treats follow-up questions as a part of the identical dialog, so that you don’t need to restate context each time you refine what you imply. It truly will get what you’re asking, so you can begin with a broad query, then slender it step-by-step as you be taught extra.
As a result of Perplexity remembers the thread, the solutions keep anchored to your authentic ask, which makes difficult subjects really feel far simpler to interrupt down and perceive.
4. Clickable citations that truly matter
Not like lots of the chatbots I’ve used, Perplexity lists citations and even numbers them so every one jumps straight to the supply behind the reply. It’s one of many quickest methods I’ve discovered to confirm and accuracy-check an AI output. It’s why I belief it greater than chatbots that don’t present the place their info comes from.
5. Ask it to check sources, not simply summarize
Talking of citations, right here’s a surprisingly highly effective trick most individuals miss: ask Perplexity to research its personal sources as an alternative of simply summarizing them.
Strive prompts like:
- “What do these sources disagree on?”
- “Which supply is most crucial, and why?”
Relatively than mixing every little thing right into a single impartial reply, Perplexity surfaces disagreements, highlights bias and explains the place views diverge. The result’s extra distinction; extra nuance and a a lot clearer understanding of what’s truly being debated — not simply what the consensus seems like.
You can too use Perplexity as a product comparability engine by asking it to weigh latest opinions, specs and pricing throughout a number of sources directly. As a result of each declare is cited, it’s simpler to identify outdated info, sponsored opinions or product hype that doesn’t maintain up.
I admire that I can use Perplexity simply with out scrolling by way of pages of sponsored buying outcomes, and might shortly see precisely the place every element comes from, then determine if any given product is value shopping for.
7. Ask for charts or timelines as an alternative of explanations
Perplexity is particularly good at producing timelines and charts, which I’ve discovered way more useful than lengthy explanations for complicated subjects. As an alternative of wading by way of dense paragraphs, you possibly can ask it to map out how one thing unfolded over time.
Strive prompts like:
- “Give me a timeline of how this developed”
- “Break this into key milestones”
The result’s a clearer, extra memorable technique to perceive difficult concepts — with out getting misplaced in a wall of textual content.
8. Rewrite solutions for various audiences
This one shocked me — particularly since I’ve at all times thought Claude was the gold commonplace for tone. Perplexity handles tone shifts much better than I anticipated. You’ll be able to ask it to clarify the identical subject for a kid, a newbie or an expert, and it adjusts the language with out watering down the information. It’s a delicate function, however extremely helpful whenever you want readability with out oversimplifying.
9. Deal with it like a analysis collaborator
Relating to analysis, Perplexity actually shines whenever you cease asking for solutions and begin asking for assist considering. As an alternative of returning a single response, it could assist floor gaps, angles and questions you won’t have thought-about.
Strive prompts like:
- “What questions ought to I be asking about this?”
- “What’s lacking from this dialogue?”
This straightforward shift turns Perplexity from a solution engine into an concept generator — particularly helpful for analysis, planning and early-stage considering.
10. Ask it to point out its uncertainty
Chatbots aren’t at all times correct — we all know that by now. What makes Perplexity completely different is how straightforward it makes fact-checking a part of the method. One of many smartest methods to make use of it’s to ask the place the bounds are as an alternative of assuming the reply is full.
Strive prompts like:
- “The place is the proof weak?”
- “What isn’t nicely established but?”
Perplexity is surprisingly good at flagging gaps, open questions and areas the place the info merely isn’t there — one thing many AI instruments gloss over in favor of confident-sounding solutions.
Backside line
After spending actual time with Perplexity, I’ve realized it’s way over simply an AI search engine. It’s a full-fledged analysis software hiding in plain sight. In the event you’re solely utilizing it for fast solutions, you’re barely scratching the floor of this free AI software.
When you begin leaning on options like citations, supply comparisons, timelines, mannequin choice and context-aware follow-ups, Perplexity instantly appears like a real AI assistant that thinks alongside you in actual time. And, when used deliberately, it goes far past conventional search to a degree that it genuinely feels laborious to interchange.
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