What should be avoided in search criteria to ensure results are returned?

To effectively ensure that search criteria yield results, it is important to avoid using a comma. Commas are typically used to separate items in a list or to denote a slight pause in language, which can lead to ambiguity in search queries. When a search engine interprets a comma, it may treat the terms before and after the comma as separate, thus limiting the search to only those distinct parts. This can result in fewer or no relevant results being returned, as the search engine may not combine those terms effectively in the search process.

In contrast, periods, spaces, and semicolons may function differently depending on the specific search engine or database being used. Some systems can handle spaces effectively by treating them as logical operators, and semicolons may similarly not disrupt the cohesiveness of search terms. Therefore, the proactive avoidance of commas ensures that the search engine interprets the query as a unified statement, maximizing the potential for comprehensive search results.