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Phrase & Proximity Searching
Why
do I need to know about phrase searching?
Different
databases interpret searches differently. One of the most common
variations is how databases interpret words that you type as a
phrase.
Some
databases assume that words typed next to each other should be
searched as phrases.
Other
databases automatically put a Boolean AND between your search
terms, requiring that they both be present but not necessarily
adjacent to each other.
These
searches can retrieve very different results.
How
can I manipulate the database to search my words as a phrase?
Most databases allow you to specify that adjacent words be searched
as phrases.
Using
parentheses quotes " " around search words is
a common way to do phrase searching but not all databases or search
engines use them.
Example:
"genetic
engineering"
Hint:
It
is often very easy to do phrase searching from the Advanced
or Guided search in a database. You can often just
click a button specifying that you want your words searched as
a phrase.
What
are proximity operators?
In addition to phrase searching, many databases allow you to specify
that the words you are searching are within a certain proximity
of each other. Proximity operators are more specific than Boolean
operators and can help make your search more precise.
What
are some examples of proximity operators?
Proximity operators also vary by database, but some common ones
include:
w#
= with
With specifies that the words appear in the order you type them
in. Substitute the # with a number of words that may appear in
between. If no number is given, then it specifies an exact phrase.
Examples:
genetic w engineering (searches the phrase genetic engineering)
Hillary w2 Clinton (retrieves Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham
Clinton, etc.)
n#
= near
Near specifies that the words may appear in any order. Substitute
the # with a number of words that may appear in between.
Examples:
cloning n3 human (retrieves cloning of humans, human cloning etc.)
Consult
the database Help screens to find out how to search by phrases
or to specify proximity.
You
can also Ask Us
for advice on database search techniques.
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