Using The Google Search Engine Efficiently
Google is used to search a variety of subjects by millions everyday. Besides using proper terminology, tabs provided like Web,Images, and News, you can do a voice search on desktop by clicking on the microphone icon in the search field. Here are some of the most efficient ways to save time on your searches.
How would you search for an exact word or phrase?
- Using “quotations” will get results with only those words in that order
“dog parks Toronto”
- Without quotations it will contain all the words but not in a specific order
How would you search for something on a specific site?
- Type in the specific topic/item you are looking for, then type site: followed by the website without www. in front of it
dining chairs site:ikea.com
How would you correctly search for a definition?
- Type Define: followed by the word you are searching
Google will also search for slang words or acronyms
- Define:cap or Define:WHO
How would you search for a specific product available within a specific price range?
- In search engine type the item, followed by $, starting price, two periods/dots, $, end price range
dog collars$3..$40
How would you search for a specific file type?
- Type your search item:file type extension, this is useful for finding the specific format
waterfalls:jpg, mortgagecontract.pdf, hockeygame.mov
How would you include or ignore words in your search?
- Use a hyphen/minus - in front of the word you want to exclude, remember to put a space before the minus sign but not after the word
drum -music
- Use a + in front of the word you want to include
drum +music +oil
How would you find sites/pages similar to an existing one?
- Type related: and then the url/website
related:expedia.com
How would you confirm the exact form of a quote even if you were missing some of the words?
- Use an * as a placeholder for the missing word you are in search of
“you spin me*”
How would you search for pages containing two connected words?
- Group words together in quotation marks
“strawberry waffles”
How would you search for social media content containing a specific tag?
- Put # in front of your search word
#mindfulnessmeditation
- Put @ in front of search for social media account
@cbc
