---
title: Basic query expression
slug: '178'
canonical_url: https://docs.coveo.com/en/178/
collection: glossary
source_format: adoc
---
# Basic query expression
The {doctitle} (`q`) is a part of the combined [query](https://docs.coveo.com/en/231/) expression.
It typically comes from user input, such as when a user is typing [keywords](https://docs.coveo.com/en/2738/) in a search box.