Put quotation marks around words "[Searching keywords]" to search for an exact phrase in an exact order.
To see the differences, try searching "to be or not to be" the famous opening phrase of a soliloquy in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet with/without the quotation marks around.
Try to search for specific types of documents, such as PDF, PPT, by adding filetype: with the file extensions.
Try to exclude some of the terms within your searching by placing the - sign immediately in front of your searching keywords.
For example: renewable energy -nuclear
Use a tilde (~) before a word to include all of its synonyms.
For example: Star Wars ~Presents
When you get access failure to a site, you can check the Google cached version that accessible in some time by adding cache: with the web link.
For example: cache:www.ust.hk
Try to search websites containing all of the specified words in the title tag.
by adding allintitle: with words or phrases.
For example: allintitle:"digital nomad"
Try to search with site: ,If you would like to retrieve results from within a specific domain or type of domain (like rthk.hk .org).
For example: election site:rthk.hk
Use a double period (..) between two numbers to convey ranges. This is handy for pricing, dates and measurements.
For example: Surface Pro buy $5000..$7000
Finding the definition of a word, try to put define: in front of your searching keyword.
Try to search for either meaning OR in between two searching keywords.
For example: location of World EXPO 2015 OR 2020
Speaking of exact words, what if you can’t remember them all? No problem—just use an asterisk (*) in place of the unknown word/s.
For example: “Play * Sam”
Try to search websites with similar subjects, or categories, by adding related: with the URL.
For example: related:times.com
Need help with finding information or doing your research? Ask a Librarian!
 |
WhatsApp 9701-1055 |
 |
Email lbref@ust.hk |
 |
Schedule a Research Coaching session |
Icons source: Flaticon
