The following syntax is supported for searches:
• Phrase search: Use " " (quotation marks) to search for an exact phrase.
Example: "Find this exact phrase"
• Proximity search: Use " " (quotation marks) around words followed by ~ and a number to find words near each other, in any order.
Example: "These words"~20 finds 'these' and 'words' within 20 words of each other.
• Boolean operators: Use AND, OR, and NOT (in uppercase) between words or phrases.
Example: This AND That | "This phrase" OR "That phrase" | This NOT That
• Grouping terms: Use ( ) (parentheses) to group terms or phrases.
Example: (This OR That) AND ("This phrase" OR "That phrase")
• Required/excluded terms: Use + directly before a word to mark it as required, or - to exclude it.
Example: +This -That ensures 'This' is included and 'That' is excluded.
• Boosting terms: Use ^ (caret) followed by a number to increase the relevance of a word or phrase. Use lower numbers (e.g., 2-10) for a small boost or a large value (e.g., 40 or more) for a strong boost.
Example: This That^5 gives "That" more weight.
• Wildcards: Use ? to match any single character or ✱ to match zero or more characters.
Example: W?rd finds 'word' and 'ward'; Wor✱ finds 'word', 'world', 'worthy', etc.
For more detailed search help, visit the Search Help Index.
Not finding what you expect?
Feedback is always welcome. Please contact us at support@ein.org.uk.