Grok lessons: workflows, costs, mistakes, prompts
Reference lessons to use after the step-by-step tutorial.
Prompt library
Summarize the latest on [topic] with dates and links. Mark anything unverified.Write 3 versions of this announcement under 280 characters. No hashtags.Explain [concept] simply, then give 3 sources to read.Mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Unofficial resellers | Buy only via official checkout |
| Unchecked news | Open the links |
| Shared pool surprise | Track Grok and Cursor use together |
Use-case playbooks
News check
- Ask for stories with links.
- Open each link.
- Note anything unverified.
Draft a post
- Give the facts.
- Ask for 3 versions under 280 characters.
- Edit and post yourself.
Research brief
- Ask for 5 dated sources.
- Check each.
- Write a brief from them.
Troubleshooting
I ran out of usage.
The pool refreshes weekly and is shared with Cursor. Upgrade or wait for the refresh.
Why does the page say SpaceXSI?
Some official xAI pages now show SpaceXSI branding. Pricing is still at x.ai/pricing.
The answer cites a page that doesn't say that.
Treat the claim as unverified. Ask it to quote the exact sentence from that page, or say it isn't there. Then open the page yourself.
It forgot my earlier instructions.
Long sessions push early text out of context. Put standing instructions where Grok keeps them (Keep one chat per topic, and save prompts that work for recurring checks.) and start fresh.
It agrees with everything I say.
Ask it to argue the other side and list the strongest evidence against your view, with sources.
Cost control
- Free: $0, limited.
- Plus: $8/month.
- Premium: $30/month; Grok Bot, latest models, 4x usage.
- Super: $100/month; 15x usage.
- Ultra: $200/month; 50x usage.
The usage pool is shared across Grok and Cursor and refreshes weekly. Plans are sold only directly through X Subscription Corp (x.ai/pricing, checked Oct 30, 2026).
A weekly-refreshing usage pool shared across Grok and Cursor; Premium 4x, Super 15x, Ultra 50x (x.ai/pricing).
- Test with the free tier (if there is one) on real tasks for a week first.
- Set a calendar reminder 2 days before any renewal.
- Keep one paid tool per job, not three, unless each earns its place.
Prompt library: bad vs good
Bad: help me
Good: What are the 3 biggest tech news stories this week? For each: one-sentence summary, date, and a link to the original source. Say "unverified" for anything without a source.
Why: situation, task, format and limits.
Bad: research this
Good: Find the 5 most relevant official sources from the last 12 months on [topic]. For each: title, date, link, and one sentence it actually says.
Why: asks for dated, quotable, checkable sources.
Bad: make it better
Good: Rewrite this for a busy customer: max 100 words, one ask, no jargon. Then list what you cut.
Why: a reader, a length and an audit of changes.
Bad: should I do X?
Good: List the 3 strongest reasons for and against X for someone in [situation]. Mark which reasons depend on facts I should check.
Why: balanced, and separates facts from judgement.
Privacy and safety
- Don't paste passwords, ID numbers, card numbers or other people's private details.
- Assume the company can read and keep your chats unless its official policy says otherwise.
- For health, money or legal decisions, confirm with a professional or an official source.
- Check data and training settings in your account.
- Posts you make on X are public; chats are separate, but treat both carefully.
Failure modes to watch
- Fast-moving news that later changes. Check dates.
- Posts on X quoted as fact. Open the original.
- Usage running out mid-week because of shared Cursor use.
When to use it vs other bots
| Use Grok for | Consider another bot when |
|---|---|
|
See: ChatGPT · Claude · Gemini · Perplexity · Copilot · comparison |
Leveled tutorials
Where these facts come from
Checked Oct 30, 2026. Plans change, so confirm on the official page before you pay.
Next: Grok Beginner tutorial →