Search engines use a syntax to filter searches. This syntax is actually a boolean query. Using the syntax will allow you to zero in on the search results you want without having to use search options pages within search engines. Of course, you can use the advanced search options offered in most search engines such as Yahoo or Excite, but it is time consuming to fill in the form required. The end result is the same and the search engine has simply put in the syntax that you will see below.

DIRECTIONS:

Note: This page will remain open. Resize this window and drag it to the corner for you to refer to as you try out the search syntaxes. After each trial just close the new window and you will return to this page.

1. Try the examples in each section below and observe the different results. These examples will use Yahoo's search database to demonstrate how the syntax works.

2. Think of something you would like to find information on and go to a search engine such as Yahoo, Excite or HotBot

Required and Prohibited Search Words
Attaching one of the following operators will either require or prohibit words from appearing in the search results. 

+
Attaching a + to a word requires that the word be found in all of the search results.
compare: police versus police +sting

-
Attaching a - in front of a word requires that the word not be found in any of the search results.
compare: python versus python -monty
 

Document Section Restrictions
Attaching one the following operators to the front of a search word will restrict the search to certain document sections.

 t: - will restrict searches to document titles only
compare: joe boxer versus t:joe boxer

u: - will restrict searches to document URLs only
compare: intel versus u:intel

Phrase Matching (" ")
Putting quotes around a set of words will only find results that match the words in that exact sequence.
compare: great barrier reef versus "great barrier reef"

 

Wildcard Matching (*)
Attaching a * to the right-hand side of a word will return left side partial matches.
compare: cap versus cap*

Combining the Syntax
You may combine any of the query syntax as long as the syntax is combined in the proper order. The proper order for using the syntax is the same order that the operators are listed on this page. That is, +, -, t:, u:, "" and lastly *.
compare: (correct) +t:football -American versus (incorrect) t:+football -American