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Search Strategies: More About Truncation

Tips for using advanced search strategies in library databases

Truncation

Another way, besides OR, to increase the number of search results is to use a truncation symbol. This will find all words that have the same root or trunk. 

Databases use many different symbols for truncation, so remember to check the search tips. Most databases, such as those from EbscoHost and ProQuest, use the * (asterisk):

child* = child, children, childish, child's, childhood, children's, etc.