See the Difference

One asks AI to summarize from memory. The other gives AI the actual text.

Without the source
You: "What are the termination clauses in a standard employment contract?"

AI: Standard employment contracts typically include termination clauses such as: notice periods (usually 2-4 weeks), termination for cause provisions, severance terms, and non-compete agreements...

Generic. AI is guessing based on what's "typical." Your contract may be completely different.

With the source
You: "Here's my employment contract: [paste full text]. What are the exact termination clauses?"

AI: Your contract has three termination clauses: (1) Section 8.1 allows either party to terminate with 30 days written notice. (2) Section 8.2 lists specific causes for immediate termination including breach of confidentiality. (3) Section 8.3 specifies that severance equals two weeks pay per year of service...

Specific. AI quotes your actual contract. No guessing.

Why This Works

AI doesn't have access to your documents, emails, reports, or data. When you ask about them without providing the text, AI has to guess based on what's "typical" — and that's where hallucinations happen.

When you paste the actual content, AI works from the real source. It can quote specific sections, reference exact numbers, and give you answers grounded in fact instead of assumption.

How to Use This

The Technique

Paste the actual document, article, email, or data into your prompt. AI answers based on what's really there, not what it imagines might be there.

When to Use This