13 Boolean Operators (Research success? It’s all about the ANDs, ORs, and NOTs.)
Boolean operators help you search databases more effectively by connecting your search words in specific ways. The three main Boolean operators are AND, OR, and NOT
AND
Narrows your search.
It finds results that include all your search terms.
Example: diabetes AND exercise
Only shows results that talk about both diabetes and exercise.
OR
Broadens your search.
It finds results that include any of your search terms.
Example: teen OR adolescent
Finds results with either word, so you get more results.
NOT
Excludes terms.
It removes results that contain the word after NOT.
Example: Cancer NOT lung
Finds results about cancer but not lung cancer.
Why do Boolean Operators help with your search?
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Save time by getting more relevant results.
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Help you combine different keywords clearly.
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Let you control what shows up in your search.
Media Attributions
- List of Boolean
- AND Boolean
- checkmark
- Venn OR BOOLEAN
- NOT Boolean