Proximity operators also vary by database, but some common ones include:
w# = within
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within specifies that words appear in the order you type them in.
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Substitute the "#" with a number of words that may appear in between. If no number is given, then it specifies an exact phrase.
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Example: tax W8 reform finds the words if they are within eight words of one another and in the order in which you entered them. (It retrieves tax changes proposed by the reform.)
n# = near
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Near specifies that the words may appear in any order.
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Substitute the "#" with a number of words that may appear in between.
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Examples: cloning n3 human (retrieves cloning of humans, human cloning etc.)
Consult the database Help screens to find out how to search by phrases or to specify proximity. You can also Contact us for advice on searching phrases.