Be sure you know the default syntax of the search engine you are using. For an overview of the default syntax of major search engines, see Quick Reference Guide to Search Engine Syntax. This search service find answers to questions stated in plain English. Search engines offer numerous features that help you hone in on what you want. For a review of these features, and the search engines that support them, see How to Choose a Search Engine or Research Database.
Search engines return results in a schematic order.
Most search engines use various criteria to construct a term relevancy rating of each hit and will present your search results in this order. One of the most interesting developments in search engine technology is the organization of search results by concept, site, domain, popularity and linking rather than by relevancy. Search engines that employ this alternative may be thought of as second generation search services. A more detailed look at second generation search services may be found in the tutorial Second Generation Searching on the Web. Often multiple pages are returned from a single site because they all contain your search terms.