How do I write a Boolean or proximity search?
Overview
Quick Search accepts operators written in capital letters. AND requires both terms, OR accepts either, NOT excludes a term, and NEAR/5 requires two terms within 5 words of each other (NEAR alone uses 10). Put phrases in “double quotes”, end a word with * to match its endings, and use brackets to group. Words typed side by side are treated as AND. A search that uses these operators is matched against the text of each passage. Plain searches and searches written as a /regular expression/ still work as before.
What to do
- Write operators in capitals: trust AND (teacher OR parent).
- Use NEAR/n between two words or phrases: homework NEAR/5 chatgpt.
- Use quotes for exact phrases and * for endings: “critical thinking” and learn*.
- Use NOT to remove noise: privacy NOT policy.
- If a search is rejected, check the brackets and that NEAR sits between two words or phrases.