# Typing a search query

Once you select the Business View, the columns of the chosen Business View are displayed in the right pane. This visibility is crucial for formulating queries that are specific and relevant to your data.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/s16h5onryWtbaHwBa10b/blobs/4TjMHOydaSZ0T0iIiY64/Frame%2015.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Selected Business View</p></figcaption></figure>

After selecting the Business View, type your query in natural language. Use keywords that closely match the columns and values in the selected Business View for accurate results.

{% hint style="success" %}
If you're finding it challenging to begin with a query, check out our [Search Guide](https://help.tellius.com/6.0/search/search-guide). It offers a curated collection of ready-to-use queries, designed to get you started.
{% endhint %}

### What is a query?

In Tellius, a search query is a string of keywords in natural language, accompanied by interactive elements, which you can type or input via voice into the search bar to visualize real-time results. Tellius translates this query into an SQL command to retrieve the results from your dataset.

{% hint style="info" %}
Don’t worry about making typos; Tellius is designed to auto-correct and recognize the closest-resembling column or value.

For added convenience, you can provide your query through voice input. Tellius efficiently handles any pauses or breaks in your speech, adjusting the query as needed.
{% endhint %}

### Understanding query composition

Consider the query: "*<mark style="color:red;">Show me monthly profit by market</mark>*".

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/s16h5onryWtbaHwBa10b/blobs/blifi4K2tQGxYu0Dykr7/image.png" alt="" width="309"><figcaption><p>Highlighting tokens in query</p></figcaption></figure>

* The keywords <mark style="color:red;">"monthly",</mark> <mark style="color:red;">"profit"</mark>, and <mark style="color:red;">"market"</mark> are identified as tokens and highlighted in different colors for easy identification.
* <mark style="color:red;">"Profit"</mark> and <mark style="color:red;">"market"</mark> are columns within your Business View, as can be verified in the Business View panel.
* The <mark style="color:red;">"monthly"</mark> resolution is derived from the <mark style="color:red;">"Order\_date"</mark> column, indicating the time frame for your query.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/s16h5onryWtbaHwBa10b/blobs/6yv2qZEJGvnwpw80cjGZ/Frame%2016.png" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>The tokens identified in the Business View</p></figcaption></figure>

### Interacting with tokens and query modifications

* When you hover over these highlighted tokens, you'll notice they are clickable, unlike other parts of the query (e.g., "S*how me*") which only display a text cursor.
* Each token has a small 'x' in its top right corner and clicking on this 'x' removes the token from your query.
* As you type the search query, get suggestions for the next word or phrase.
* Clicking on a token reveals a list of suggested alternatives. Selecting an alternative will immediately transform your query and update the results accordingly.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/s16h5onryWtbaHwBa10b/blobs/gN5vTZ0w9PLxz3crwnLt/image.png" alt="" width="170"><figcaption><p>Suggested alternatives for keyword "market"</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Get dynamic results and suggestions**

As you type, watch the results dynamically update on the canvas.

For example, start with "*<mark style="color:green;">Show me total profit</mark>*" and then extend to "*<mark style="color:green;">Show me total profit</mark>* *<mark style="color:red;">by city in 2022</mark>*" to see how results evolve with each word.

Once you have your results, you can easily clear the current search query by clicking the "x" icon near the microphone in the search bar. This allows you to start a new query.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/s16h5onryWtbaHwBa10b/blobs/HaviZLWvpdYcp1Vm0hI6/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Clearing a search query</p></figcaption></figure>