How to understand a confusing letter with AI

By the end of this, you will understand what a confusing official, medical, or legal letter actually means, what it is asking you to do, and which parts you should confirm with a professional before acting.

What you will need

• Any AI chat tool: Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini all work well.
• The letter, typed out or copied as text.
• About 10 to 15 minutes.

Before you start: remove personal details you would rather not share, such as full account numbers or your date of birth. You can replace them with something like [account number] so the letter still makes sense.

Step 1: Ask for a plain-English translation

Paste the letter and ask the AI to explain it in plain terms. Telling it who you are and what you find confusing helps it pitch the answer at the right level.

I've received this letter and I'm finding it hard to understand. Please explain
what it means in plain English, as if you're talking to a friend with no
background in this. Here it is:

[paste the letter]

What to expect: a clear, calm explanation of what the letter is about, without the jargon. If it uses a term you still do not follow, ask it to explain that specific word.

If it does not work: if the explanation is still too technical, reply with “Simpler, please, and explain any specialist words you use.”

Step 2: Find out what it is actually asking of you

Understanding the letter is one thing; knowing what to do about it is another. Ask the AI to pull out any actions and deadlines so nothing slips past you.

Based on this letter, tell me: is there anything I need to do, and by when? List
any actions, deadlines, or decisions clearly, and flag anything that looks
time-sensitive.

What to expect: a short list of what is being asked and any dates that matter. If the letter genuinely asks nothing of you, the AI should say so.

If it does not work: if it seems unsure, reply with “If you’re not certain, say so, and tell me which part of the letter is ambiguous.”

Step 3: Prepare your questions or reply

If you need to respond or ask for clarification, the AI can help you draft something clear and polite.

Help me write a short, polite reply asking them to clarify [the part you don't
understand]. Keep it brief and straightforward.

What to expect: a tidy draft you can adapt in your own words. Read it through and change anything that does not sound like you before you send it.

Wrapping up

You now understand what the letter means and what, if anything, it wants from you. That alone can take a lot of the worry out of an intimidating envelope.

Here is the important part: AI is a helpful first reader, but it is not a lawyer, doctor, or official, and it can occasionally get things wrong or state something with confidence that is not quite right. For anything with real consequences, a medical result, a legal notice, a financial deadline, use the AI’s explanation to understand the letter, then confirm the details with the organisation that sent it or a qualified professional before you act.

A tip if the letter is not in your first language: you can ask the AI to translate it and then explain it in plain English, so you understand both the words and what they mean for you.