How to search for information: Find search words

Successful information search begins with good search terms. Be bold in trying different keywords and their synonyms. Combine your search words in different ways.

• DON'T use full sentences
• DO use synonyms and relating words: part-time work / fixed-term work / transient employment.
• DO think about words that describe your topic either more broadly or in more detail, e.g. part-time work > work.

Creating a mind map can sometimes help in formulating your search topic and finding good search terms.

You can ask various AI tools to brainstorm search words for you. The prompt you provide will influence the response you receive, so it's worth trying out different prompts. You can, for example, just briefly request for search words or you can describe your topic in more detail, specify the sources of information or the type of information searching you need search words for, etc. Remember to always evaluate whether the search words you receive are useable and, if needed, modify them. Learn more about AI tools in our guide section AI in information searching.