> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/guides/write-a-search-query/write-a-search-query.md).

# Write a search query

Learn how to write search queries for each of the databases we offer an automatic search with.

Query syntax differs by database but most use Boolean operators. This page covers syntax for each database that Nested Knowledge's Automatic Search supports.

Use with any review type guide's Search step, or with Smart Search if you'd rather have a starting query generated for you and then refine it using the syntax below.

### PubMed

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-book-medical">:book-medical:</i><br><strong>PubMed</strong></td><td>Write a search query for PubMed.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/pubmed.md">PubMed</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Clinicaltrials.gov

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-flask">:flask:</i><br><strong>Clinicaltrials.gov</strong></td><td>Write a search query for Clinicaltrials.gov.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/clinicaltrials.gov.md">ClinicalTrials.gov</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Embase

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-database">:database:</i><br><strong>Embase</strong></td><td>Write a search query for Embase.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/embase.md">Embase</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### OpenAlex

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-globe">:globe:</i><br><strong>OpenAlex</strong></td><td>Write a search query for OpenAlex.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/openalex.md">OpenAlex</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### MAUDE

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-file-medical">:file-medical:</i><br><strong>MAUDE</strong></td><td>Write a search query for MAUDE.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/maude.md">MAUDE</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### EuropePMC

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-book-open">:book-open:</i><br><strong>EuropePMC</strong></td><td>Write a search query for EuropePMC.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/europepmc.md">EuropePMC</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### DOAJ

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><i class="fa-building-columns">:building-columns:</i><br><strong>DOAJ</strong></td><td>Write a search query for DOAJ.</td><td><a href="/guides/write-a-search-query/doaj.md">DOAJ</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.nested-knowledge.com/guides/write-a-search-query/write-a-search-query.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.