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Constructing Search Statements: A Basic Guide

How to construct simple statements for effective searches

Boolean - AND

Boolean - OR

Boolean - NOT

Combining Operators

You may use more than one operator in a command line.

Examples:      science AND (elementary OR primary)

                      (games OR play) AND (early childhood OR preschool) 

Notes:

  • Search terms/phrases and operators are not case-sensitive. 
  • Search statement is processed from left to right except when brackets (parentheses) are used.
  • Commands within brackets are executed first.
  • The results will then be combined with other search terms/phrases.
  • Order of processing:  brackets, proximity operators, NOT, AND, OR.