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Google Search Tips

Google search operators Google Scholar Google subject searching Google advanced searching

The Most Useful Search Tips To Remember

Operator Description Examples
" "

Exact phrase search

  • Search for words in the order as typed.
  • Type double quotes at the beginning and end of the phrase.

"eminent domain"

"rescue doctrine"

"federalist papers"

+

Include word(s) in the results

  • Type a plus sign before the word or phrase to include.
  • A space must be placed before the plus sign but not after it.
  • Use this operator to include stop words in the results.
    • earthquake +LA California  

theft +embezzlement

public schools +bullying

defamation +libel blog

 

-

Exclude word(s) in the results

  • Type a minus sign before the word or phrase to exclude.
  • A space must be placed before the minus sign but not after it.

 

"Michelle Obama" -Barack -president

-site: wikipedia.org   [to exclude wikipedia]

football -soccer -rugby

site:

Restrict search to a particular domain or website

  • Search top level domains such as .edu, .org, .com, .gov, .net
  • Search within a specific country's domain.
    • Find a list of country codes here.

Find volunteer opportunities in Cincinnati at non-profit companies.

volunteering Cincinnati site:.org

Find Supreme Court news from the New York Times.

Supreme Court site:nytimes.com