Both Lexis Advance and Westlaw Edge default to natural language searching. Natural language searching works like a Google search. Commands and connectors (aka Boolean logic) are used for advanced searching and return more targeted search results.
Lexis Advance
A space is interpreted as an “and” connector.
Lexis automatically recognizes many common legal phrases, (e.g., limited liability partnership, summary judgment, and search and seizure). However, if you want to be sure the phrase you’re searching is recognized, enclose it in quotation marks.
Connectors are not case sensitive.
Westlaw Edge
A space is interpreted as an "or" connector.
Using “and”, “or”, or quotations marks does not automatically trigger Westlaw's advanced search. To change this default: Go to Icon (top, right-hand corner), choose “preferences”, then “search.” Alternately, type "advanced:” or “adv:” in front of the search terms, (e.g., advanced: default or foreclosure).
Connectors must be in lowercase.
Lexis Advance
Westlaw Edge
SOLL Reference
| Purpose | Lexis | Westlaw | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both terms anywhere | and, & | and, & |
|
| Either term anywhere | or | or | landlord or lessor |
| Terms that appear within "n" words of each other | /n | /n | ruth /3 ginsburg |
| Term precedes the second within "n" words | pre/n | +n |
|
| Terms in the same sentence | w/s | w/s, /s |
|
| Terms that appear within the same paragraph | /p, w/p, /para | /p, w/p |
|
| Term or phrase appears at least X number of times | atleast# | atleast# | atleast5 "executory consideration" |
| Term or phrase should be excluded |
and not
|
but not, % |
|
|
A wildcard symbol replaces one letter in a search term (use one symbol for each character you want to replace). |
*, ? | * |
|
|
Expand word root |
! | ! | liab! would find liable or liability |
