diff --git a/aider/commands.py b/aider/commands.py
index 89fc52494..9dc408690 100644
--- a/aider/commands.py
+++ b/aider/commands.py
@@ -724,7 +724,7 @@ class Commands:
             add = result.returncode != 0
         else:
             response = self.io.prompt_ask(
-                "Add the output to the chat?\n(Y/n/instructions)", default=""
+                "Add the output to the chat?\n[Y/n/instructions]",
             ).strip()
 
             if response.lower() in ["yes", "y"]:
diff --git a/aider/io.py b/aider/io.py
index a21dfb680..24c142df7 100644
--- a/aider/io.py
+++ b/aider/io.py
@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ class InputOutput:
 
         return is_yes
 
-    def prompt_ask(self, question, default=None, subject=None):
+    def prompt_ask(self, question, default="", subject=None):
         self.num_user_asks += 1
 
         if subject: