Web searching puts a vast amount of information on the public internet at your fingertips. However, if you just throw in a keyword or two, the number and variety of results can be overwhelming. The first thing to learn is how to use some of the more advanced search 'modifiers', from putting quotation marks around "exact phrases" to using Boolean (Google it!) operators to exclude or include specific terms.

Try looking at, and testing, some of the techniques on the Google Advanced Search page, then have a look at this video to see some very useful modifiers that extend your powers even further. Here is a handy 'cheat sheet' from Google with information on the search operators, and special punctuation marks you can use to refine your search results.

You can use search operators and other punctuation to get more specific search results.

Except for the examples below, Google Search usually ignores punctuation.

Punctuation & symbols

Even though you can use the punctuation marks below when you search, including them doesn’t always improve the results. If we don't think the punctuation will give you better results, you'll see suggested results for that search without punctuation.

Search operators

Search operators are words that can be added to searches to help narrow down the results. Don’t worry about memorizing every operator, because you can also use the Advanced Search page to create these searches.

Note: When you search using operators or punctuation marks, don't add any spaces between the operator and your search terms. A search for site:nytimes.com will work, but site: nytimes.com won't.

This handy graphic from HackCollege (like the video above) gives some real world examples , and their site is worth a visit for even more tips for students.