At its simplest, a query can be just a word or a phrase. But with the tips on this page, you can change the focus of your query to give you more precise results. These tips will get you started with basic query language and acquaint you with the power of the search engine.

With all the words

• all words = contain ALL the search terms you type in your search
• default option
• equivalent to the AND operator
• example:  [cell citizenship]

finds documents containing both the words cell and citizenship

With any of the words

• any word = contain at least one of the words you type in your search
• equivalent to the OR operator
• example:   [cell citizenship]

finds documents containing the word cell, the word citizenship or both

With the exact phrase

• this phrase = contain the exact phrase you type in your search
• example:  [cell phone services]

finds documents containing the exact string (words in same order)  “cell phone services”

Without the words

• without the words = will NOT contain any of the words you type in your search
• equivalent to AND NOT operator (or the sign -)
• example [cell phone AND NOT services]

finds documents containing the words cell and phone, but not services