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Queries from NGS Members
Abbreviations | Hints for a Good Query | Queries 2005
Members may submit queries to be published here and in the NGS NewsMagazine. Please include your membership number and use the hints and abbreviations shown here. Members may submit queries by e-mail: newsmagazine@ngsgenealogy.org. NGS members can also use the Queries Message Board in the Members-Only section on the NGS web site.
 Abbreviations Used in Queries
abt=about
aft=after
aka=also known as
anc=ancestor/ancestry
arr=arrived
b=born
bap=baptized
bef=before
bd=birthdate
bpl=birthplace
bro=brother(s)
bur=buried
ca=circa
cem=cemetery
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cen=census
ch=child(ren)
Co=County
d=died
dau=daughter
dd=death date
desc=descendant(s)
d/o=daughter of
dpl=death place
em=emigrated
esp=especially
exch=exchange
f=father
fam=family
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fr=from
g=grand
gg=great grand
h=husband
imm=immigrated
incl=includes
liv=lived
m=married
m1=married first
md=marriage date
mo=mother
mov=moved
mpl=marriage place
par=parent(s)
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poss=possibly
prob=probably
r=resided
re:=regarding
rel=relationship
Rev=Revolutionary War
s=son
sib=sibling(s)
sis=sister
s/o=son of
vic=vicinity
w=wife
wid=widow
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Hints on How to Write a Good Query
- Good Queries Are: Clear—Specific—Simple—Concise
- 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.
- Subject Lines
Subject lines in e-mail queries and on message boards should be short and to the point. Do not include unnecessary text. Surnames, place names, and dates are all that is necessary. More complete details can be provided in the body of the message.
- 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
If you would like to insert the abbreviations in your query, consult our list of commonly used abbreviations above.
- 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.
- See also:
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