# Using Boolean Operators to Refine Your Search

### Summary

Refine your **vlex legal research** by using Boolean operators to control your search terms. These simple commands (like `AND`, `OR`, `NOT`) and symbols (like `""` and `*`) allow you to create highly specific queries for more accurate results.

### Why This is Important

Mastering Boolean operators transforms your searching from a simple guess into a precise instruction. This allows you to eliminate irrelevant documents, pinpoint critical information faster, and build a stronger legal argument by ensuring you find exactly what you are looking for.

### How to Use Boolean Operators

You can use Boolean operators directly in the **Smart Searchbar** or in the **Advanced operators** field within Advanced Search. The operators must be written in **ALL CAPS**.

Below is a list of the most common operators and how to use them.

<table><thead><tr><th width="145">Operator</th><th width="178">Purpose</th><th>Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><code>AND</code></td><td><strong>Narrows your search.</strong> Finds documents containing <strong>both</strong> terms.</td><td><code>contract AND remedy</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>OR</code></td><td><strong>Broadens your search.</strong> Finds documents containing <strong>either</strong> term or both.</td><td><code>breach OR non-performance</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>AND NOT</code></td><td><strong>Excludes terms.</strong> Finds documents with the first term but <strong>not</strong> the second.</td><td><code>obligation AND NOT discharge</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>"exact phrase"</code></td><td><strong>Finds an exact phrase.</strong> Searches for the words together in that specific order.</td><td><code>"liquidated damages"</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>*</code> (Wildcard)</td><td><strong>Finds variations of a word.</strong> Searches for all words that start with the root term.</td><td><code>negoti*</code> (finds negotiate, negotiation, etc.)</td></tr><tr><td><code>[ ]</code> (Proximity)</td><td><strong>Finds words near each other.</strong> Searches for terms within a default proximity of 30 words.</td><td><code>[damages compensation]</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>[ ]/N</code> (Custom Proximity)</td><td><strong>Specifies proximity.</strong> Finds terms within a specific number (N) of words of each other.</td><td><code>[negotiation performance]/5</code></td></tr><tr><td><code>( )</code> (Grouping)</td><td><strong>Combines operators.</strong> Groups parts of a query to be processed first, for complex searches.</td><td><p><code>contract AND (negotiation</code></p><p> <code>OR performance)</code></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

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<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FN2GcuEztvLGHtkYeIfWa%2FCombine%20operators%20using%20the%20Smart%20Searchbar%20or%20the%20Advanced%20operators%20field.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=8b03a630-b033-4e3d-b203-5c5cf95e2926" alt=""><figcaption><p>Combine operators using the Smart Searchbar or the Advanced operators field.</p></figcaption></figure>
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{% tab title="Interfaz en Español" %}

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FLZZKUOz7zrcYaETfAl9i%2FCombina%20operadores%20usando%20la%20Barra%20de%20Bu%CC%81squeda%20Inteligente%20o%20el%20campo%20de%20operadores%20Avanzados..gif?alt=media&#x26;token=93189f6d-77b6-4622-8641-d1822a4601ba" alt=""><figcaption><p>Combina operadores usando la Barra de Búsqueda Inteligente o el campo de operadores Avanzados.</p></figcaption></figure>
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### Best Practices & Pro Tips

* **Combine Operators with Parentheses:** For the most precise control, use parentheses `( )` to group `OR` statements or other complex logic. The search engine will process the query inside the parentheses first.
* **Case is Critical:** All operators (`AND`, `OR`, `AND NOT`) must be in uppercase to be recognized by the search engine.
* **Start Simple:** Begin with a basic search and then add operators to refine the results if you get too much irrelevant information.

### Relevant Video Content

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/917899575?share=copy>" %}

### Related Articles

* [How to Use Advanced Search for Precision Queries](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/getting-started/how-to-use-advanced-search-for-precision-queries)
* [How to Start Your Research in vLex Library](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/getting-started/how-to-start-your-research-in-vlex-library)
* [How to Use Key Number Topics for Research](https://support.vlex.com/vlex-library/vlex-library-home/content-and-document-types/how-to-use-key-number-topics-for-research)

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