Boolean Search Terms 

What are Boolean search terms?  

Boolean search terms, also known as Boolean operators, refer to a set of terms used in online searches to refine and optimize search results. These operators enable users to create complex search queries by combining keywords and specifying relationships between them.  

Named after mathematician George Boole, Boolean search terms are widely used in online databases, search engines, and research platforms to help users find specific and relevant information more effectively. 

Common Boolean operators 

There are three main Boolean operators used in research queries:  

• AND: The AND operator narrows down search results by requiring all specified keywords to appear in the search results. For example, "mergers AND acquisitions" will return results that contain both "mergers" and "acquisitions."
• OR: The OR operator broadens search results by including any of the specified keywords. For example, "mergers OR acquisitions" will return results containing either "mergers" or "acquisitions" or both.
• NOT: The NOT operator excludes specific keywords from search results. For example, "mergers NOT acquisitions" will return results containing "mergers" but exclude any results related to "acquisitions." 

Using parentheses and quotation marks 

When conducting complex searches, parentheses and quotation marks can be used to group keywords and specify exact phrases when order or exact wording is important: 

• Parentheses (): Group keywords to control the order of operations. For example, "mergers AND (acquisitions OR takeovers)" will return results containing "mergers" and either "acquisitions" or "takeovers."
• Quotation Marks " ":Specify exact phrases by using quotes. For example, "mergers and acquisitions" within quotation marks will only return results containing the exact phrase "mergers and acquisitions." 

Advantage of using Boolean search terms  

Leveraging Boolean search terms has several benefits for researchers: 

• Precision: Users can target specific information and eliminate irrelevant results that can clutter.
• Customization: Boolean operators allow users to create highly tailored search queries to find exactly what you need.
• Efficiency: By refining search queries, users can find the information they need in a fraction of the time.
• Complexity: Boolean operators enable users to conduct intricate searches involving multiple keywords and criteria, so you don’t have to conduct multiple searches to see the whole picture.  

While it may not seem like a big change, taken together, using Boolean operators can save you time—which ultimately saves you money.  

How to use Boolean search terms within LexisNexis  

LexisNexis is equipped with advanced search capabilities, including support for Boolean search terms, to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of research.  

Nexis^® Research Solutions supplies content from the world's leading publishers, aggregating information from more than 40,000 international news and business outlets, as well as from thousands of business-relevant websites, blogs, and forums. Within the platforms, users can employ Boolean search terms to refine their queries and access relevant data. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to include AND, OR, and NOT operators, as well as parentheses and quotation marks, in search queries. 

Plus, the Nexis^® archive dates back more than 40 years, so the tool provides results that can serve up the big picture – not just today’s headlines. And Nexis® adds to its archives every minute, every hour, every day. 

Furthermore, LexisNexis' proprietary SmartIndexing Technology™ ensures that search results are classified by topic, industry, location, people, company, and other relevant tags. This categorization streamlines searches and provides users with accurate and verifiable data. 

With LexisNexis, researchers, legal professionals, and businesses can harness the power of Boolean search terms to conduct in-depth and targeted searches, leading to more insightful conclusions and informed decision-making. 

 

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