Effective Database Use
Proximity Operators
Most databases will let you limit how close the words must be to each other. This feature varies
widely between databases, however, so be sure to check. InfoTrac, for example gives this information in the HELP section:
- With --The W (within) operator specifies that the word that FOLLOWS the operator must occur within
a number words after the word that precedes the operator for a record to match. For example, the search expression
"George w3 Bush" matches any records in which the word Bush occurs three or fewer words
after the word George. (Some databases have you put w/3 instead. Check the help if what you try does not work.)
- Near -- The N (near) operator specifies that the words on either side of the operator must occur within that number words
of each other IN EITHER DIRECTION for a record to match. For example, the search expression
"George n5 Bush" matches any records in which the words George and Bush occur within
five or fewer words of each other in either direction.
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