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Using Google for College-Level Research: Google

How to Get Better Search Results: Be a Google Pro

A Google search is likely to give you more results than you can possibly look at.  How many do YOU go through before you "settle on any old thing?"

The Search Tips below may help narrow your search and improve your chances of getting results you can use for your academic work:

 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.

 "chemical engineering"

 "10 smoots"

 "futuristic world of science fiction"

 "As you like it"

+

 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.
  

"exciton transfer" +temperature

 turbine +"Pelton wheel"

 Picasso +Guernica

-

 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

 violin music +sonata -concerto

 Gehry -Stata

 football -soccer -rugby

site:

 Restrict search to a particular domain or website

  • Search top level domains such as .edu, .org, .com, .gov, .net

 Find volunteer opportunities in Boston at non-profit companies.

 volunteering Boston site:.org

 

Advanced Search Page (you can find this after you've run a search; just click on Settings and select Advanced search)

Advanced search allows you to refine a search by filling in special fields or using a series of pull-down menus.