Perplexity for Research · Lesson 1
How to Phrase Queries
The principles of querying in Perplexity differ from Google and from a regular chat.
Perplexity isn't Google
Perplexity answers the question directly, with links. So phrase it precisely as a question, not as a set of keywords.
Bad: "AI Academy market Russia 2026". Better: "Which AI learning platforms operate in Russian in 2026, what are their monetization models and audiences?".
What to put in the query
- The question.
- Segment / geography / time range.
- What matters: numbers, sources, opinions.
- What you DON'T need: a feed of social opinions, corporate marketing.
Reading the answer
- The answer is a working hypothesis, not the truth. Always follow 2-3 sources.
- If the source is a press release, treat it critically. If it's academic / a regulator, more seriously.
- Always check the source date: the industry changes fast.
Modes
- Quick — a fast answer.
- Pro Search — a deeper search with more sources.
- Deep Research — a long report from several hours of agent work.
Practical exercise
What to do after this lesson
Phrase your real research question and run it in all three modes. Compare the depth and the cost.
Task grader
Phrase your real research question and run it in all three modes. Compare the depth and the cost.
Ready-to-use prompt
Template for this lesson
Copy and adapt to your context. Text in angle brackets should be replaced.
I'm researching <topic>. Help me ask the right question for Perplexity: 1. What I'd like to learn (in general terms): <…> 2. Which time range matters: <…> 3. Which segment / geography: <…> 4. What I'm NOT interested in: <…> Give 3 precisely phrased query variants of different depth.
Prompt sandbox
Common mistakes
What people get wrong
- They write like in Google — keywords — and lose Perplexity's strength.
- They don't verify sources.
- They rely on outdated sources.
Pro tips
What works but no one documents
- Add "give only sources newer than <date>".
- In Pro Search — ask "include opposing opinions too".
- Pin important sources in Spaces so you can return to them.
When to use
Research, fact-checking, comparing products, understanding a new topic.
When not to use
Generating long text / creative writing.
Official sources
Quiz — 2 questions
1.How is it best to phrase a query in Perplexity?
2.What to do with a Perplexity answer on a sensitive topic?
Answered: 0 of 2
Discussion
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