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A number of years ago, I figured out pretty quick that using Google search was a great way to check the correct spelling of word. It would return a search with a mis-spelled word with a question, Did you mean — ? Instead of taking the time of using the ol’ dictionary, I would just type the word into google and have my answer instantly. I have continued to use this means to check for correct spelling of words, even as recently as today. It’s quick and easy!

But I have found so many other quirky things that a google search is good for. Here is a list of my favorite uses of google search:

  • the latest stock price by typing in your stock symbol
  • word definitions — type “define:” followed by the word or phrase
  • synonyms — place the tilde sign (~) immediately in front of your search term
  • find the time anywhere in the world — type in “time” and the name of the city
  • weather reports — type “weather” followed by the city and state, U.S. zip code, or city and country (I like this one.)
  • zip codes/area codes — just type it in and viola, the location
  • unit conversions — (I just used this today to remember how many ounces are in a pint) to convert between many different units of measurement of height, weight, and mass among others, enter your desired conversion into the search box, ie. pint = ounces

In looking into this further, I found that other interesting uses include:

  • air travel information — type in the name of the airline and the flight number into the search box to see flight status for arriving and departing U.S. flights
  • currency conversions — 100 usd in euros (Currently approximately $65.23, ouch.)
  • maps — just type Phoenix map or any combo of a location and it comes up
  • get an answer to a question — type your question using an asterisk to fill in the blank. Columbus discovered * (I think this might be an interesting approach to finding relative information.
  • package tracking — never tried this, but the next time I have a tracking number, I am going to try it.
  • movie show times: type movies and your zip code or the name of the movie and zip. This can also be used to find types of businesses, ie. Italian food and zip.

Interesting stuff. And pretty accurate — I just checked the weather here in Phoenix as it is THUNDERING out there. What was the result? Google came back with a current report in bold, THUNDERSTORM. Oh, and the temp was a cooling off NINETY-FIVE. Love it!