Intro
Track definition-style search demand in GSC so you can see whether your content answers foundational SEO questions.
Use this regex to isolate what is queries in GSC when you want to measure definition-led or concept-led informational demand.
The Regex
How This Regex Works (Explained Simply)
.*
Dot-star means any characters can appear here. In GSC it is commonly used when you want to allow extra words before or after a core phrase.
^
The caret anchors the regex to the start of the query. Use it when you want to match terms only if they appear first in GSC.
\b
Backslash-b marks a word boundary. It helps stop short terms from matching inside longer words in GSC queries.
GSC regex is case-insensitive by default, so capital letters do not need separate variants. GSC also uses partial matching by default, so the regex can match part of a longer query unless you anchor it with ^ or $.
What This Regex Does
- Matches queries that begin with what is.
- Keeps the segment focused on definitional intent rather than all question formats.
- Highlights content opportunities where searchers need a clear explanation first.
What it does not match
- what are search operators - Plural phrasing is not included unless you use the variation.
- how to improve ctr - This is instructional rather than definitional.
Edge Cases
- Queries such as what's are excluded unless you add them explicitly.
- Anchoring keeps the segment strict, which is useful when you want definition traffic only.
Example Matches Table
| Query | Match | Why |
|---|---|---|
| what is search intent | Match | Starts with what is, so it matches. |
| what is cannibalisation in seo | Match | Uses the exact opening phrase. |
| what are search operators | No | Plural phrasing is not included unless you use the variation. |
| how to improve ctr | No | This is instructional rather than definitional. |
How to Use This in Google Search Console
- Open Performance and go to Search results.
- Click Add filter and choose Query.
- Select Custom (regex).
- Paste the regex and click Apply.
When to Use This
- Audit how your glossary and explainer content performs.
- Find topics where the SERP rewards simple, direct definitions.
- Split definitional demand from broader question traffic.
Pro Tips
- Add what are if your topic set includes many plural concepts.
- Review CTR carefully because definition queries often get zero-click behaviour.
- Compare this segment with FAQ and documentation pages to see where definitions land.
- Use matched queries to build glossary hubs or support article intros.
Variations
Include plural definitions
Adds plural phrasing so broader definition queries are included.
Related Regex Recipes
Regex for Definition Queries
Use this regex to isolate explicit definition queries in GSC when users are trying to understand a concept or term clearly.
Regex for Question Keywords
Use this regex to isolate question keywords in GSC and see how well your content captures query-led informational demand.
CTA
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