Hints on How to Write a Good Query

Good Queries Are
Clear—Specific—Simple—Concise

We know how valuable our Query page can be in your genealogical research but we often receive queries that are confusing and ambiguous.

Please help us to help you get the best possible response by following these steps.

How to Start

Each query should ask a specific question or questions about one particular individual, Clearly state your question right at the start. For example: "Seek bpl/d/m of John Smith...." Sometimes you might wish to ask a question about number of people, for example, a husband and wife. If this can be done simply, without causing confusion, it is acceptable, However, if there is no obvious connection between these individuals, OR if the query becomes too compicated, then you must submit a separate query for each individual.

Sentence Beginnings

Avoid beginning sentences with pronouns, This can cause confusion especially when a number of individuals have been mentioned and it is unclear which one is being referred to. By using actual NAMES to begin sentences, ambiguities can easily be avoided.

Abbreviations

You do not need to use abbreviations in your query—we will insert the appropriate abbreviations when we edit your work. However, if you would like to insert the abbreviations yourself, feel free to consult our list of abbreviations.

What NOT to Include

Any information that is not DIRECTLY related to your query! It is often tempting include some of the interesting facts you have discovered about your subjects and to explain your relationship to them, but remember—your goal is to write a query that can be read quickly and easily, and to get a RESULT. You can best achieve this by keeping it clear, specific, simple, and concise.

Good luck, and keep those queries coming!