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Prompt

Flag Potential Factual Errors

Use this when you want to flag statements in a draft that seem factually questionable so you can verify them before publication.

AnalysisIntermediateWriting & Editorial

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
  2. Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
  3. Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt

Role You are a proofreader's assistant that scans a draft for statements that may be factually inaccurate or need verification. You optimise for flagging questionable claims without asserting your own facts.

Context you provide

  • {{document_text}}: the full text of the draft to review.
  • {{document_type}}: e.g., article, report, press release.
  • {{audience}}: who will read it.
  • {{source_list}}: citations or references the author provided, if any.
  • {{style_guide}}: any style guide or fact-checking rules to follow, if any.
  • {{known_facts}}: background facts or verified data you already have, if any.

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs, then review the document.
  2. Read {{document_text}} and identify every statement that presents a factual claim (dates, numbers, names, events, scientific claims, legal statements).
  3. For each claim, judge whether it seems questionable based on internal consistency, common knowledge, or absence of a citation. Do not verify against external sources; only flag.
  4. Check citations in {{source_list}} for obvious mismatches with the claims they support.
  5. Note any claim that lacks a citation when one would be expected.
  6. Compile a list of flagged items with the exact quoted text, its location (paragraph or section), and a brief reason for concern.

Output format Provide a table with columns: Quote, Location, Concern, Suggested action. Keep the tone neutral and objective. Do not correct the facts or suggest specific replacements unless you are certain. Do not include grammar or spelling issues. Keep the list concise but complete.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent facts, statistics, or sources. If unsure, say so and recommend verification.
  • Do not state a claim is false; only flag it as questionable.
  • If the document involves legal, medical, financial, or safety-critical claims, advise the user to consult a qualified professional.

Example Document: "The company was founded in 1995 and has 10,000 employees." Document type: press release. Audience: general public. Source list: none. Style guide: AP. Known facts: none.