# How can I help an agent avoid making assumptions about my request?

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HELP CENTER · FAQ Agent 1 min read
# How can I help an agent avoid making assumptions about my request?
State the desired outcome, define ambiguous terms, and identify which choices the agent may make independently. Ask it to list unresolved assumptions before taking actions that could change files, settings, or external resources.
IaGenify
Agent

## Turn ambiguity into explicit choices
Words such as 'clean up', 'optimize', or 'professional' can mean different things to different people. Add a concrete example, target audience, or acceptance rule so the agent can distinguish required changes from optional polish.
If a choice depends on your preference, say whether the agent should ask, use a stated default, or present alternatives. This is especially useful when changing navigation, public copy, data formats, or other decisions that are costly to reverse.
## Review assumptions before impact
For low-impact reversible work, a reasonable default may keep progress moving. For deletion, publication, permission changes, or external communication, require the intended target and effect to be clear first.
At completion, compare the result with the original outcome and check any assumptions the agent disclosed. If the result missed the mark, clarify the specific decision and continue from the current work instead of restarting without context. [← Back to Agent FAQs](https://help.iagenify.com/faqs/agent)