The logical operator "OR" is used in an online search to accomplish what?

The logical operator "OR" is used in online searches to expand the scope of the search by including multiple terms or phrases. When you use "OR," the search results will include records that contain any of the terms listed, effectively broadening the search. This operator is particularly useful when searching for synonyms or related concepts, as it ensures a wider array of results.

For example, if you search for "cats OR felines," the search engine will return results that mention either "cats" or "felines," thus encompassing a broader range of relevant information. This flexibility aids users in capturing all variations of information on a topic, making it a powerful tool for comprehensive research.

In contrast, narrowing a search would typically involve the use of "AND," which specifies that all terms must be present in the results. Deleting portions of a set is not the function of "OR," nor is it meant for grouping identical concepts—that function aligns more with the use of parentheses or grouping techniques.