We are living in a world where we can’t do without the internet. Doesn’t matter if we have to learn a new thing or entertain ourselves for few minutes, we always end up searching for it on the internet. Do you know that Google handles 3.8 million searches per minute on average, across the globe? In this article, let’s see 20 Google tips and tricks to make our searches more efficient and get the exact result we are expecting.
Table of Contents
20 Google search tips and tricks
Lets divide our tips and tricks in three categories:
- Basic Google search tips and tricks
- Intermediate Google search tips and tricks
- Advanced Google search tips and tricks
Basic Google search tricks
This set of Google search tips and tricks are something we use almost daily. It is recommended to know and use them properly in your daily Google search.
1. Use double quotes:
By using this trick you’ll be able to minimize the search results. For example, if you search the geography of India in quotes (” “) then it will give you result regarding that only. It’s is a very helpful trick especially when you’re trying to find results containing a specific phrase and trying to save time.
2. Use (-) Minus symbol to eliminate terms:
Sometimes searches generate a lot of results that aren’t of your interest. To exclude such search results find out what you’re not interested in and then add the minus sign. For example – you can write “best video editing apps – android” instead of “best video editing apps for android”
3. Use the tabs:
Most people use tabs already but if you’re not then it’s highly recommended to get associated with them. On the top of every search, there are several tabs. Usually, you’ll see Web, News, Images, and More. If you need images, use the Image tab, if you’re looking for recent news then use the News tab. If properly used, tabs can cut search times in half.
4. Use an asterisk within quotes:
Searching a phrase in quotes within an asterisk replacing a word will search all variations of that phrase. It’s helpful if you’re trying to find a song from its lyrics ( e.g. – “you can leave a * at my place” ) or to find all forms of expression ( e.g. – ” a penny saved is a penny * ” )
5. Compare anything using “vs”:
If you want to compare anything then you can simply add “vs” in between the two words and you’ll get better results in no time. For example – “PubG vs Free Fire”
6. Search for Multiple words at once:
Google knows that you might not find what you want by searching a single word or phrase so it allows you to search multiple. By using this trick you can search one word or phrase with another. Here’s an example-
- “how to use Instagram 2021” OR “Instagram tutorial 2021”
By searching that, you are searching both the phrases at the same time. We also used the quotes trick that was mentioned above.
7. Use important words only:
When you search too many words on Google, it may limit your result. Which will in turn take you a lot of time to find your desired result. Thus, it is recommended to use only important words while searching for something. Let’s see some examples:
- Use “Indian restaurant near me” instead of “where can i find Indian Restaurant in my city”
- Use “Best Justin Bieber songs” instead of “Which is the best song by Justin Bieber”
So remember to keep it simple and use important words only.
8. Use the word “define”:
If you want to learn the meaning of a certain word that appears in the dictionary then you can search it on google by typing “DEFINE: the word”, for example- “DEFINE etymology”. You can also search slang as it is also available on the internet.
9. Tilt your screen by searching “tilt”:
This is a fun addition by Google engineers. You should try it yourself and search without the quotation.
10. Use Google search as a converter:
Google will help you convert anything. From Fahrenheit to Celsius, KGs to Pounds, and even Millimeters to Lightyear. Not only Google provides you with the answer but also with an interactive conversion calculator for further converting. You can also find up-to-date currency conversion rates and can even search 1 bitcoin into dollars and then to Indian Rupee.
11. Spellings don’t matter :
Google has gotten smarter over the years. You don’t need to search for things with proper spelling, Google will do it for you as long as you are close to the word. Google can figure out what you’re actually trying to search. So if you search “bst andrd ap”, Google will automatically assume that you’re searching for “best android app”. This is helpful when you don’t remember the spelling of some word or you don’t know the spelling at all. It can be used in terms of capitalizations and grammar as well.
Intermediate Google search tricks
This set of Google search tips and tricks are helpful as well as fun to use, though they are not utilized that much.
12. Search websites for keywords:
The “site:” function provided by Google, searches only a particular website. So if you are particularly looking for a website then you can search “Google site: websites name” and you will come across the website you’re searching for and similar websites as well. For example – “Google site: Amazon“
13. Find similar sites:
This trick is not known by many but it can be very useful. Let’s say that you are on a website, it can be anything, but you are getting bored and you want to find a website that is similar to the one you’re using. Below is the syntax:
related:flipkart.com
Now if you search this, you won’t find a link to Flipkart. Instead, you’ll find the link to different online stores which are similar to Flipkart. Sites like Amazon, Myntra, and others. With the help of this, you’ll be able to find new sites to shop from.
14. Search images using images:
Google provides you with a feature where you can search for an image using the image. Let me make it simpler for you, if you have an image in your phone then you can use that image to search for similar things on Google by using the camera button provided by Google.
15. Press the mic icon on Google’s search bar to “flip a coin” or “heads or tails”:
Google comes with its assistant where you can click on the mic button and say “flip a coin” or “heads or tails”, Google will flip it for you when you do not have one on hand. It is a really fun feature but not everyone knows about it.
16. Track packages in Google search:
Google also allows you to tack most courier packages. All you need to do is to paste your tracking number in the Google search bar, Google will recognize it and provide a link to the tracking page.
17. Search for sunset and sunrise:
If you’re a fan of sunrise and sunset then this feature might come in handy for you. You can just type SUNRISE or SUNSET at the search bar and Google will provide you with a time at which it occurs. You can search for sunrise/sunset time for other locations, as well.
Advance Google search tricks
These tips are not known to many but can be used to get some fruitful information either for a project or for your knowledge.
18. Search news archives going back to mid1880s:
Google News has an option to search over 100 years’ worth of archived news from newspapers all around the world.
19. Shortcuts for Google search:
These shortcuts can not only help you to save time but also effort as you won’t have to click on a bunch of links. Some of the examples are down below: – If you want to learn the weather of a certain area then you can easily write “weather *zip code of the area* ” on the search bar and the results will be there. OR – Time *place* will display the time in whatever place you type in.
These are few examples which can help you get information easily. You can also use the same trick to find other things as well, like sunrise/set mentioned above or the definition of a word.
20. Play ‘Atari Breakout’ on Google:
The legendary brick breaker game is easily available for our access on Google. Just search “Atari Breakout” on Google Image and enjoy.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Google search is a very powerful search tool. You can use the above-given tips and tricks to get anything and everything you need on the World Wide Web. Whether it’s finding song lyrics or current stock prices, there is an effective way to make Google search work for you.
I hope this article was helpful for you. If it was then do not forget to leave a comment down below and make sure to tell us what you want to see more on our blog. Also, if you want to read similar articles then here are a few recommendations for you guys.
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