Google Search Tools

Did you know that Google has filters called ‘Search Tools’ to help you refine your internet searching?  Usually the link appears in the menu above your search results. Once you have done your initial search simply click on the link to display your options. (Sometimes the Search tools will appear on the left hand side of your screen).

All Results

If you click on ‘All results’ you get two useful options – Reading Level and Verbatim.

Verbatim

Use this option to force Google to use your search terms exactly as you typed them.  This will stop Google from including synonyms or suggesting alternative spellings.

Reading Level

Using this option will give you the option to choose one of three reading levels – basic, intermediate, and advanced.  Click on the option you choose to retrieve just those results.  Be careful – Google does sometimes get it wrong!

Any Time

Clicking on this will give you the option to limit your search by date – last week, month, year.  Simply select the time period you require or use the custom range option if you want to set your own.

Location options

There are two different options you can use to limit by location.  

The first is Any country.  You can use this option to limit your search to the UK.

The second will often display an auto-detected location.  Click on the given location to access the option to set your own.