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Google Search Tips

The document provides various tips for optimizing Google search, including using exact phrases, wildcards, and specific commands to refine results. It covers techniques for excluding words, searching within websites, and finding definitions, translations, and file types. Additionally, it highlights the functionality of Google Assistant for voice-activated searches and other tasks.

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Google Search Tips

The document provides various tips for optimizing Google search, including using exact phrases, wildcards, and specific commands to refine results. It covers techniques for excluding words, searching within websites, and finding definitions, translations, and file types. Additionally, it highlights the functionality of Google Assistant for voice-activated searches and other tasks.

Uploaded by

cs1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Author: Yatin Purohit Kalpataru Group – OneIT

Google Search Tips


With over 90% of all search queries worldwide and 99,000 searches every single second, Google is
undoubtedly dominating the global search engine market share. Average search per person on
Google is at least 3 – 4 times every day. As IT teams, we probably use Google search much more.
Therefore, it is essential to master search to efficiently get information and be more productivity.
Here are few useful Google search tips –

Use an Exact Phrase


Enclose your keywords within quotes and Google will do an exact phrase search.

Example: Look for add-in for Office 2019. It can be any add-in, but it must contain “Office 2019”.

Search String: "Office 2019" add-in

Google Search Wildcard (Missing or Unknown Words)


Can’t think of all the words? Include an * to tell Google to fill in the blanks for you. This works well
for song lyrics or book titles as an example.

Example: You’re looking for the book Jon <something> seagull.

Search String: book Jon*seagull

OR in search
By typing OR between your terms, Google will know it can look for one set of terms or the other.
Enter OR in UPPER CASE, or Google will assume it is part of your search phrase.

Example: I want to see food options for paneer or tofu

Search String: paneer OR tofu

Exclude Words
Exclude a word from Google search by adding a minus sign in front of that word. You can exclude
multiple words by adding space and minus sign in front of more words.

Example: You’re looking for Marvel characters, but you don’t want Thor and Thanos in the result.

Search String: Marvel character -Thor -Thanos

Search Within a Website


To get results from a specific website, use the site: syntax in front of the website URL, along with
your search term. This is particularly useful if a site does not have search function or poor search.

Example: You are looking for a product information about fusion on Oracle website.

Search String: fusion site:oracle.com


Author: Yatin Purohit Kalpataru Group – OneIT

Search Related Words


To find websites with similar or competitive content, use related: followed by the site you know.

Example: You are looking for email service that’s similar to something you know - MailChimp.

Search String: related:mailchimp

Get Definitions
Find the definition of a word without having to go to a dictionary website by using define: before
your word. Google will deliver the definition and an audio player (where relevant) that offers the
word's phonetic pronunciation.

Example: You’re looking for the definition of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

Search String: define: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

Location-based Searches
To find news or information within a specific location, enter your search term, followed by the
location: command.

Example: You are looking for biryani food options near Hyderabad.

Search String: biryani location:Hyderabad

Search for File Type


Search for file types such as PowerPoints, PDFs, etc use the filetype: command in your search words.

Example: Find only PowerPoint presentations about Internet Security.

Search String: internet security filetype:ppt

Translations
Google search has the ability to translate words between languages. This is particularly useful when
you are traveling and you can use this from your mobile phone.

Example: You’re looking to translate the phrase “where is the nearest railway station” in Tamil.

Search String: translate <Follow on-screen instructions. Select from and to languages. You can also
speak instead of typing. Audio player will also read out the translation>

Additional Tip: Install Google Translate app from iOS or Android App Stores.
Author: Yatin Purohit Kalpataru Group – OneIT

Conversions
Use Google to convert US to Metric or any other like measurements.

Example: You’re want to convert 230 cm to inches.

Search String: convert 230 cm to inches

Search Within Numeric Ranges


To find information that falls within a range of numbers (dates for example), use two periods
between a set of numbers. This tip is most powerful when combined with a set of keywords.

Example: You’re looking for Star Wars data between the years 1977 to 1983.

Search String: star wars 1977..1983

Google Images Search


Find images name, description, and type.

Example: You’re looking for SAAS model architecture in PNG format.

Search String: SAAS model architecture png

Google Search Fun


Try typing these keywords in Google search bar –

 do a barrel roll
 flip a coin
 Askew

Use Google Assistant to search from your mobile


Google Assistant is available on all Android phones. In most phones you can activate it by holding
down the Home soft button (Center). You can also activate it by watch word “Hey Google”. All these
search features can be voice activated – Search keywords, convert, translate, calculate. This is more
efficient than opening mobile browser and typing.

Google Assistant can do many more things like launching apps, calling contacts, typing messages,
updating shopping list, weather, timer, stop watch, reminders, control media, find photos, etc.

Useful links –

 Set up Google Assistant on your device - Android - Google Assistant Help


 Access Google Assistant with your voice - Android - Google Assistant Help
 42 ways Google Assistant can make you more efficient on Android | Computerworld

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