Proximity operators also vary by database, but some common ones include:
w# = with
- With specifies that words appear in the order you type them in.
- Substitute the # with a number of words that may appear in between. If no number is given, then it specifies an exact phrase.
- Examples:
genetic w engineering (searches the phrase genetic engineering)
Hillary w2 Clinton (retrieves Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, etc.)
n# = near
- Near specifies that the words may appear in any order.
- Substitute the # with a number of words that may appear in between.
- Examples:
cloning n3 human (retrieves cloning of humans, human cloning etc.)
Consult the database Help screens to find out how to search by phrases or to specify proximity. You can also Ask Us for advice on searching phrases.
