The Basics of Google Search
To enter a query into Google, just type in a few descriptive words and hit the
'enter' key (or click on the Google Search button) for a list of relevant web
pages. Since Google only returns web pages that contain all the words in your
query, refining or narrowing your search is as simple as adding more words to
the search terms you have already entered. Your new query will return a smaller
subset of the pages Google found for your original "too-broad" query.
Choosing Keywords
For best results, it's important to choose your keywords wisely. Keep these tips
in mind:
* Try the obvious first. If you're looking for information on Picasso, enter
"Picasso" rather than "painters".
* Use words likely to appear on a site with the information you want. "Luxury
hotel dubuque" gets better results than "really nice places to spend
the night in Dubuque".
* Make keywords as specific as possible. "Antique lead soldiers"
gets more relevant results than "old metal toys".
Automatic "and" Queries
By default, Google only returns pages that include all of your search terms. There
is no need to include "and" between terms. Keep in mind that the order
in which the terms are typed will affect the search results. To restrict a search
further, just include more terms. |
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Automatic Exclusion of Common Words
Google ignores common words and characters such as "where" and "how",
as well as certain single digits and single letters, because they tend to slow
down your search without improving the results. Google will indicate if a common
word has been excluded by displaying details on the results page below the search
box. If a common word is essential to getting the results you want, you can
include it by putting a "+" sign in front of it. (Be sure to include
a space before the "+" sign.)
Another method for doing this is conducting a phrase search, which simply means
putting quotation marks around two or more words. Common words in a phrase search
(e.g., "where are you") are included in the search.
Capitalization
Google searches are NOT case sensitive. All letters, regardless of how you type
them, will be understood as lower case. For example, searches for "george
washington", "George Washington", and "gEoRgE wAsHiNgToN"
will all return the same results.
Word Variations (Stemming)
Google now uses stemming technology. Thus, when appropriate, it will search not
only for your search terms, but also for words that are similar to some or all
of those terms. If you search for "pet lemur dietary needs", Google
will also search for "pet lemur diet needs", and other related variations
of your terms. Any variants of your terms that were searched for will be highlighted
in the snippet of text accompanying each result. |
