Boolean Operators and Modifiers

Searching Effectively with Boolean Operators and Modifiers

Click a bubble to learn more!

AND

OR

NOT

" "

( )

OR

For expanding search

Mothman

Chupacabra

Example:Chupacabra OR Mothman

This search will return results that discuss either the "Chupacabra" or the "Mothman," allowing for a broader range of cryptid-related information.

" "

Quotation Marks

• Roswell, Colorado
• Roswell, Georgia
• Roswell, Idaho
• Roswell, New Mexico
• Roswell, Ohio
• Roswell, South Dakota

For narrowing search

Example:"Roswell, New Mexico" OR "Roswell, NM"

Results will only have terms as the appear between the quotes. In this example, the quotations make sure the results will only be about Roswell, NM, and not a different Roswell.

Yeti*

Yeti

Yetis

Yeti-like

AKA Trunication

For expanding search

Example:Yeti*

This search will find results that mention variations of the term "Yeti," such as "Yeti," "Yetis," or "Yeti-like," allowing for a more comprehensive search.

Parentheses (or brackets)

( )

For narrowing search

Example:("champ*" OR "loch ness monster") NOT (sea monster*)

Groups keyword "statements" together, can be used to help dictate the order of operation.

NOT

For narrowing search

Jersey Devil

urban legends

Example:Jersey Devil NOT urban legends

This query will help remove results about the "Jersey Devil" that are associated with urban legends, providing a more focused set of results.

AND

Bigfoot

Loch Ness Monster

Bigfoot AND Loch Ness Monster

For narrowing search

Example:Bigfoot AND Loch Ness Monster

Will retrieve results that discuss both "Bigfoot" and the "Loch Ness Monster." Ensures that the content is related to both.