Retrieves pages with all the words entered to the top of the returns.

AND provides great flexibility in finding the terms in any order.

The highest returns match, as close as possible, the word order of the query.

When searching for every term in a query.

Any time you are not sure what other operator to use.

Any regular search box that interfaces with a search engine performs the AND function.

Entering AND (+ or &) between words is unnecessary. Every space is interpreted as AND.

Retrieves pages with at least one of the words entered.

OR provides maximum flexibility in finding one or more of the terms in any order.

When searching for two or more terms that represent the same concept.

Example: Bigfoot OR Sasquatch

Using OR with one word (has the same effect as AND).

Using OR with multiple terms that represent different concepts (when the search should include all terms).

Entering OR between words is unnecessary.

Not using upper case. Use OR not or .

Retrieves pages with all the words in the order they are entered.

"Quotation marks" restricts the search to instances that match the phrase exactly.

The more terms in quotes, the fewer the results.

When searching for two or more words that you are certain must be kept in that order, especially combinations of keywords that are not highly unique.

Examples: "New York City" "News for March 2007"

When searching for a person's name.

Using "quotation marks" with one word (has the same effect as AND).

Combining keywords that would be more effective with AND or OR.

Example: "News March 27 New York"

Entering too many words in quotes (may not retrieve a match--try fewer words in quotes).

Using single quotes ' ' instead of double quotes " "

Retrieves none of the pages that contain the words entered.

When results are cluttered by pages with one or more unwanted terms, typically because of a close association with one of your search terms.

Example: Spears -Brittney (if you want to find pages about the weapon)

Using NOT (-) in cases where it will eliminate pages you want to retrieve.

Example: Dangerous fish -piranhas (this query will likely eliminate information you want because those pages also mention piranhas)

In Google the minus sign (-) MUST be used instead of NOT.