How To Find Quotations Using a Search Engine
The method I use for finding quotations and related information is the Google search engine. Read the below instructions to learn how to perform searches for various types of quotation information, including the wording or source of a specific quotation, quotes about a certain subject, quotes by a certain author, or biographical information about an author.
To search Google, type what you're looking for into their search box. If necessary, you may search for complete phrases by enclosing them in quotation marks. Words enclosed in double quotes ("like this") must appear together in the results exactly as you entered them. When you are ready to search, press the enter key on your keyboard or click the search button next to the search box.
Browse the returned documents to find the information you are looking for. Once you enter each document, use the Find feature on your browser (Ctrl+F in Netscape & Explorer) to search the document for one of the unique keywords.
If you're not getting enough results, try using fewer words in your search query or more general terms. Also, try leaving off the quotation marks if you've used any. If you're getting results that are too broad, try using more search terms or more specific terms. This searching technique takes a while to get the hang of, so try various combinations and with practice you'll learn how to search efficiently. If my instructions are too confusing or if you would like to learn more, I recommend Google Search Basics or the easy-to-fill-out Advanced Search Form.
Please keep in mind that information on the Internet is not always accurate. You may find that after looking through four different documents that you've found four conflicting sets of information. I usually try to search many pages and assume that the most frequently found information is probably the most accurate (or the document that has the most detailed source information). Also remember that you may have to search through A LOT of documents to find what you're looking for. And lastly, be forewarned that what you're looking for might not even be anywhere on the Internet at all. Even though it often seems like it, not everything is on the Web.
You may search now, or scroll further to read more tips on searching for various types of quotation information.
Search Engine Tips:
Exact Wording or Source of a Quote
1. To search for the exact wording or source of a specific quotation, choose a few sets of words from the quotation that you know are in the quote consecutively. For example, if you are searching for the exact wording to a quote that you think goes something like, "An army is like boy scouts but with no adult supervision," you might choose "army," "boy scouts," and "adult supervision." Remember that some of the words in the real quotation may be different than those in the paraphrase you're remembering, so try to search for only words distinct enough that you know for certain are in the quotation. Write your chosen words into the search area, being sure to put quotation marks around each set. Leave a space between each set of words. What you type should look exactly like this:
army "boy scouts" "adult supervision"
2. If you find that the search returns too many irrelevant documents, try adding the term "quotations" or "quotes" to your search query. This will give you mostly documents that are quotation pages and are therefore more likely to have what you are looking for.
3. On the other hand, if you get too few documents, try broadening your search by searching for fewer words or by leaving quotation marks out of your query. And beware of putting too many words in your search - Google's limit is 10 words per query.
Search Engine Tips:
Quotes about a Certain Subject
1. To search for quotations about a certain topic, type "quotations OR quotes" into the search area. Leave a space, then type in the topic you're searching for. For example, if you want quotes about teaching, what you type should look exactly like this:
quotations OR quotes teaching
2. If your topic is more than one word, you may put quotation marks ( " ) around the set of words. The quotation marks indicate that you want to search for only words that appear together exactly as you type them. So, if you're searching for quotes about laptop computers, what you type should look exactly like this:
quotations OR quotes "laptop computers"
3. If you're not getting good results, try variations of your keyword. For example, try searching:
quotations OR quotes teacher OR teachers OR teaching
Search Engine Tips:
Quotes by a Certain Author
1. To find quotations by a certain author, type "quotations OR quotes" into the search area. Leave a space, then type the author's name. For example, if you want quotes by Mark Twain, what you type should look like this:
quotations OR quotes mark twain
2. If you're using both the first and last name of the author, you may put quotation marks around the full name. The quotation marks indicate to the search engine that you want to search for only words that appear together exactly as you type them. In this case your search would look like this:
quotations OR quotes "mark twain"
3. If you're not getting good enough results, try variations of the author's name. For example, try using only the last name, just in case only the last name is cited or in case the name is cited using only a first initial or nickname instead of the real first name. Or, try removing the quotation marks from around the name. And of course, make sure the name is spelled correctly.
Search Engine Tips:
Author Biographies
1. To find out more about the author of a quotation, type the author's name into the search area. Leave a space, then type the phrase "biography OR bio." For example, if you want the biography for Bill Cosby, what you type should look like this:
bill cosby biography OR bio
2. If you're not getting good enough results, try variations of the author's name. For example, try using only the last name, just in case only the last name is cited or in case the name is cited using only a first initial or nickname instead of the real first name. Or, try removing the quotation marks from around the name, or putting them in if you didn't originally search using them. And of course, make sure the name is spelled correctly. You may also try leaving off the "biography OR bio" part of the search query if the person you're looking for is not very well known.
How To Find Quotations Using Archives
Try the search feature on these sites, using keywords or author names. Each site contains a large archive of thousands of quotations to search through.
How To Find Quotations Using Forums
Forums and discussion groups are great places to find all types of information. Try any of the below quotation sites - you can post messages, search the archives, or just browse.
Get Quotations & Quote Info from an Expert
To receive a personal response from a self-proclaimed quotation expert, try AllExpert.com's Dan or Angelina. You may also ask Mr. Amit Kothari, but please try his search portal first, to see if you can find the answer on your own.
Browse Quotation Directories
If you're just looking for quotations in general, browse through the following directories. Each contains an extensive list of quotation sites including short descriptions. Also, don't forget about your local library! Some of the quotes on my site are taken from books I borrowed from public libraries. And with books, you can read quotes anytime - not just when you're near a computer with an Internet connection. I read my library books on lunch break at work!
Glossary of Quotation-Related Terms
These definitions of various quotation terms may help you find what you're looking for and/or understand what you may encounter. Most of these definitions are from yourDictionary.com.
Adage: an old saying that has been popularly accepted as a truth; a saying often in metaphorical form that embodies a common observation. Example: "What goes around comes around."
Aphorism: a short, concise statement of a principle or a short, pointed sentence expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth; a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment. Example: "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." (Mark Twain) Related site: Aphorisms Galore!
Apothegm: a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation. Apothegms are more purposeful philosophical opinions than epithets. Example: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." (Lord Acton)
Attributed: regarded as belonging to, written or said by, etc.; to regard as characteristic of a person or thing. A quotation cited with an author's name followed by the word attributed was not necessarily said or written by that person but is commonly regarded as the author anyway because it seems to be in their style, something they would or could have said. The main point in cases of attribution is that the citation of the author is not certain.
Attribution: the ascribing of a work (as of literature or art) to a particular author or artist.
Axiom: a statement universally accepted as true; a maxim widely accepted on its intrinsic merit; an established rule or principle or a self-evident truth.
Bon Mot: a witticism, a clever or witty turn of phrase. A bon mot is a particularly well-turned phrase, distinguished more by wittiness than by profundity.
Chiasmus: an inversion of the second of two parallel phrases; an inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases. Example: "Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing." (Oliver Wendell Holmes) Related site: chiasmus.com
Cliché: an expression or idea that has become trite. Examples: "Beggars can't be choosers" or "like a bull in a china shop." Related site: Cliché Finder
Copyright: the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish, and sell the matter and form (as of a literary, musical, or artistic work).
Curmudgeon: anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretense and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner. (Source: Portable Curmudgeon Redux by Jon Winokur)
Dictum: a statement or saying, especially a formal statement of fact, opinion, principle, etc., or of one's will or judgment; a pronouncement; a noteworthy statement, as a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion, or an observation intended or regarded as authoritative.
Epigram: a terse, witty, pointed statement, often with a clever twist in thought, or a short poem with a witty or satirical point.
Epithet: a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing; a disparaging or abusive word or phrase; an adjectival characterization of someone. Example: Lyndon Johnson's characterization of a senatorial colleague as someone who could not chew gum and walk at the same time.
Excerpt: a passage (as from a book or musical composition) selected, performed, or copied.
Gnome: see Maxim, Aphorism.
Maxim: a concisely expressed principle or rule of conduct, or a statement of a general truth; a saying of proverbial nature. Example: "Friends must always be treated as if one day they might be enemies." (Napoleon)
Motto: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use; a short expression of a guiding principle or ideal of behavior. Example: "Take nothing but pictures; leave nothing but footprints; kill nothing but time" is the motto of the Baltimore Grotto, a caving society.
Passage: a usually brief portion of a written work or speech that is relevant to a point under discussion or noteworthy for content or style.
Platitude: a banal or stale remark; a commonplace or trite remark or idea, especially one uttered as if it were original or momentous. Bromide is an informal term for a platitude that is especially dull, tiresome, or annoying.
Proverb: a short, traditional saying that expresses some obvious truth or familiar experience - a piece of practical wisdom expressed in homely, concrete terms. A short pithy saying in general use, usually of unknown and ancient origin, containing words of advice, warning, or wisdom. Example: "If the thunder is not loud, the peasant forgets to cross himself." (Russian proverb) Related site: Famous Quotations Network Proverbs by Country
Quotation: a reproduction or repeating of any passage or statement; a passage referred to, repeated, or adduced; direct citation of the exact phraseology of a person or of a text.
Quote: shortened version of the word quotation.
Saw: an old, homely saying that is well worn by repetition. Example: "Better late than never."
Saying: any pithy expression of wisdom or truth.
Tag: a brief quotation used for rhetorical emphasis or sententious effect; a recurrent or characteristic verbal expression.
Tag Line: an ornamental, instructive, or strikingly effective ending for a speech, story, etc. - sometimes a short, familiar quotation used as such an ending; a final line (as in a play or joke), especially one that serves to clarify a point or create a dramatic effect; a reiterated phrase identified with an individual, group, or product.
Truism: a statement the truth of which is obvious or well known and whose utterance, therefore, seems superfluous; an undoubted or self-evident truth, especially one too obvious for mention.
Still confused? Me, too. That's why I just call everything on my site a quotation.
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