User Guide

Table Of Contents
582 Chapter 25: Using Verity Search Expressions
The query type determines whether the search words that you enter are stemmed, and whether
the retrieved words contribute to relevance-ranked scoring. Both of these conditions occur by
default in simple queries. For more information on the STEM operator and MANY modifier, see
“Stemming in simple queries” on page 583.
Note: Operators and modifiers are formatted as uppercase letters in this chapter solely to enhance
legibility. They might be all lowercase or uppercase.
Using simple queries
The simple query is the default query type and is appropriate for the vast majority of searches.
When entering text on a search form, you perform a simple query by entering a word or comma-
delimited strings, with optional wildcard characters. Verity treats each comma as a logical OR. If
you omit the commas, Verity treats the expression as a phrase.
Caution: Many web search engines assume a logical AND for multiple word searches, and search for
a phrase only if you use quotation marks. Because Verity treats multiple word searches differently, it
might help your users if you provide examples on your search page or a brief explanation of how to
search.
The following table shows examples of simple searches:
The operators AND and OR, and the modifier NOT, do not require angle brackets (<>).
Operators typically require angle brackets and are used in explicit queries. For more information
about operators and modifiers, see “Operators and modifiers” on page 592.
Natural One or more
words
Uses STEM operator
and MANY modifier,
by default
<cfsearch name = "my_search"
collection="bbb"
type = "natural"
criteria="Boston subway maps">
Internet Words,
operators,
modifiers
<cfsearch name = "my_search"
collection="bbb"
type = "Internet"
criteria="Boston subway maps">
Example Search result
low,brass,instrument low or brass or instrument
low brass instrument the phrase, low brass instrument
film film, films, filming, or filmed
filming AND fun film, films, filming, or filmed, and fun
filming OR fun film, films, filming, or filmed, or fun
filming NOT fun film, films, filming, or filmed, but not fun
Query type Content Use of operators
and modifiers
CFML example