Why Search in English?
English is the dominant language of the internet. Searching in English often yields:
- More comprehensive and up-to-date results
- Access to academic papers, technical documentation, and global news
- Better compatibility with international tools and platforms
Essential Google Search Operators
Use these symbols to refine your English searches:
"exact phrase" – Finds pages with that exact wordingsite:example.com – Limits results to a specific websiteintitle:keyword – Finds pages with keyword in the titlefiletype:pdf – Returns only PDF files-word – Excludes pages containing "word"OR – Searches for either term (e.g., car OR automobile)
Tips for Better English Searches
- Be specific: Instead of “dogs,” try “best dog breeds for apartments.”
- Use synonyms: If you don’t find what you need, rephrase using different words.
- Check spelling: Google usually corrects typos, but not always—especially with technical terms.
- Use quotation marks for names or titles: e.g.,
"Pride and Prejudice".
- Combine operators: Example:
site:github.com "machine learning" filetype:ipynb
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing vague terms like “good” or “best” without context
- Not using quotes for multi-word phrases
- Assuming Google understands implied context—it doesn’t!
- Ignoring regional differences (e.g., “lift” vs. “elevator”)