And Or Not to use Boolean search terms.
One of the best ways to avoid those long lists of links when entering a list
of keywords is to use Boolean logic operators. Each search engine will have
their own way to enter logical operators. Be sure to look at the rules page at
each site to learn how to use these words.
Boolean logical operators will either include or exclude items from a search. The following words are Boolean
operators. Take a look at the example and the Venn diagrams that show what kind
of results you can expect.
| And - Items found must have all the
words linked by the word "and" in the search. |
- for example: cats and dogs - displays only pages that have
both words cats and dogs.
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| Or - Items found can have a single word
or both words linked by the word "or" in the search. |
- For example: cats or dogs - displays pages that either have
both words cats and dogs, or only the word cats, or only the word
dogs.
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| Not - Items found cannot have the word
linked by the word "not" in the search. |
- For example: cats not kittens - displays pages that have
the word cats without the word kittens.
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| Using more than one operator
- You can use more than one Boolean operator for more complex searches. |
- For example: cats and dogs not kittens - displays
pages that have both words cats and dogs, but do not have the word
kittens.
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Remember that Boolean searches are
very specific. The word "kitten" and "kittens" are
considered separate. If you want to eliminate both from your search, you
need to include both words separated by the word "not."
- For example: cats and dogs not kittens not
kitten
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