10 Google Search tips and tricks you may not know about

Most of us do most of our online searches through Google. But did you know aside from simply typing your questions on the search bar, there are other, more powerful ways to do your search using Google? Here is a list of search terms you might not know about that can make searching easier.

1. SEARCH FOR SPECIFIC PHRASES: When you put your search parameters in double quotes, it tells Google to search for a whole phrase. For example, if you type in bacon mushroom pasta, the search engine will look for anything with those three words in any combination. However, if you write "bacon mushroom pasta" into the search bar, it will search for that phrase exactly as you typed it.

2. EXCLUDE WORDS FROM SEARCH: When you use a minus sign (-) before a word in your search, it excludes it from the search results. For example, if you want to search for smartphones but don't want to include iPhones, type smartphone -iphone on the search bar. Results will show relevant content, ignoring those with the word 'iPhone' in them. You can also add a plus sign (+) in front of any word you want to stress as necessary.

3. SEARCH A SPECIFIC SITE: If you want to see results from one site, use site: followed by the required website's URL. For example, if you search UAE public holidays only from Gulf News, type 'UAE public holiday site: gulfnews.com' and hit search. Google will search for all articles about UAE public holidays, but only from gulfnews.com. Search results will not include links from other websites.

4. DO TWO SEARCHES AT THE SAME TIME: Most of us are used to looking for one word or phrase at a time; search for 'R2D2' first, then 'C3PO' after that. You need to add search terms, then separate them by "AND" or "OR." Google can combine searches if you're unsure of what you're looking for.

5. LOOKING FOR CONTENT FROM SIMILAR SITES: If you think you've read all the articles from your favourite site but still want to read more similar content, this is an essential trick. It's a powerful Google search tool that can help you find new places to browse. Type the search term 'related:', add the URL of your favourite site, and then hit search. Search results will show content from related or similar sites.

6. SEARCHING FOR FILES: Here's another trick that can save you time. Suppose you're looking for a PDF, Word or any other document; type' filetype:' at the beginning of your search, then add the filetype. If it's a PDF, add the search word or phrase, then add 'filetype:pdf'.

7. USING 'WILD CARDS' IN SEARCHING A PHRASE: If you want to search phrases, quotes or lyrics but are unsure about some words, replace them with an asterisk. During a Google search, the asterisk symbol is translated as a 'wildcard,' which are placeholders, and will try to fill in the missing words.

8. LEARN WORD DEFINITIONS AND ETYMOLOGIES: If you want to check the definition, meaning, synonyms, and usage of any word, you can do so by typing 'define:' and then the word you wish to know. It will ignore content that does not match the criteria, like Hollywood or current events stories.

9. FIND YOUR ANDROID PHONE: If you can't find your Android phone, search 'find my phone' to locate it on a map or make it ring. You can also remotely secure your device or erase all of its contents if you think it has been lost or stolen.

10. SEARCH WHERE YOU CAN WATCH A MOVIE: If you want to watch a film but don't know which cinemas or streaming platforms they're on, you can search by typing 'movie:' and then the movie's name. Search results will show you showtimes or how you can watch it online, either by buying it or through OTT.