7 Useful Things Google Can Do To Help In Solving Your Problems

Google has so many features that make our lives easier. But many of them, although extremely usuful and time-saving, don’t get the due praise and exposure they deserve.

The following 7 Google hacks will make you a better Google user. How many do you use already?

Google As A Dictionary

A simple, time-saving hack is to use the Google search bar to learn the definition of a word with a single click. Simply type the word “define” followed by the word in question. For example, type “define consumerism” and Google instantly gives you the following:

“the protection or promotion of the interests of consumers”

There you go!

This feature is especially useful for language learners as it helps boost vocabulary without the inconvenience of going back and forth between dictionary websites, or the drudgery of having to look up a word in a hard copy dictionary.

Google As A Converter

Just like word definitions, Google lets you instantly convert units from metric to imperial and vice versa. All you need is to type what you want to convert (for example, “100 USD to EUR”) and Google gives you the result you need (it’s roughly 72€, in case you were wondering). Apart from currencies, Google can convert any unit of measurement, weight, length, volume, temperature, and more.

Google As The Local (Or Global) Weather Report

Google gives you the day’s forecast in a single click. Type “weather” in the search bar followed by the name of your city, and you will instantly learn whether you should take that umbrella with you or not when you leave the house!

Google Translate

Although Google Translate can yield some funny results, especially when it comes to colloquialisms and idioms, it can be a very helpful tool for ESL learners and learners of other languages.

Google uses a vast array of online content to yield results and it even offers alternative interpretations, helping users to find accurate translations of a word or phrase.

Google’s Customizable Reading Level

This is a powerful tool, but one that not many people know about. However, it’s invaluable for ESL and other language learners, because it helps them find online related content that they can read and understand.

To use this feature when searching for a term (like “autodidactism”), go to “SEARCH TOOLS” – the last tab on the bar right under the search bar – and click “Reading Level” under “All Results.” Choose between basic, intermediate, and advanced to get the search results with the preferred reading level difficulty.

Google, Now At A Store Near You!

Not really, but it does a great job showing you where a local business is in your area. Simply type in the name of the business and then your city. The top search result will give you the address and other useful information like work hours and phone numbers.

You might even get a map showing the exact location of the business on the right side of the page, which links to Google Maps and lets you get directions from your current location to your destination.

Google Knows Your Needs

Lastly, among the thousands of features it offers you to make your life easier and solve your queries, Google also helps you search for particular file types, from pdfs to bmp images to exe files.

Simply type filetype:pdf into the search box, and the search results will exclusively be pdf files, just like you’ve asked for!

What’s the one Google feature you use daily, apart from Google Search?

Cross-posted on the Spreeder blog.

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