How to use free AI to write emails (UK prompts)
You don't need to pay to get help writing emails. The big free AI chatbots can draft, shorten, soften or tidy up a message in seconds. Here's how to use them well.
Last checked: . Prices and free allowances change often – check the provider's own site before paying.
This guide may contain links marked “(affiliate link)”. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change what we recommend. How we make money.
The main free options
- ChatGPT (OpenAI) – free tier available on web and phone app. Good all-rounder. ChatGPT
- Microsoft Copilot – free, and built into many Microsoft products such as Edge and Windows. Handy if you already use Outlook.
- Google Gemini – free with a Google account; paid Google plans add it inside Gmail.
- Claude (Anthropic) – free tier; many people like its natural writing tone.
All four can do the everyday email jobs below. Free tiers have usage limits that change over time.
Copy-and-paste prompts that work
- "Write a short, polite email to my landlord asking when the boiler will be fixed. It has been broken for 5 days. Keep it firm but friendly. UK English."
- "Make this email shorter and clearer: [paste]"
- "Turn these notes into a professional email to a customer: [notes]"
- "Rewrite this so it sounds less angry: [paste]"
Tip: say who it's for, what you want, and the tone. Ask for "UK English" so you get "colour" not "color".
Need to complain to an energy supplier, broadband provider, shop, council, landlord or airline? See our step-by-step guide to writing a complaint letter with AI, with UK escalation routes.
Always check before you send
- AI can make up details (dates, names, policies). Read every line.
- Don't paste in bank details, passwords, NHS numbers or other people's private information.
- Add your own sign-off and anything personal – it reads better.