Azure AI Search - singular vs plural search terms

Question

I have a search index in Azure AI Search using the newest version of the API (2024-07-01). I have added searchable text fields with analyzer and synonym maps. I am using the "en.microsoft" lexical analyzer.

I have some problems with language handling of the query search term. More specifically, I have problems with handing of singular vs plural.

When I search with the term "squat" I get results containing "squat" or "squats". This is expected.

But when I search with the term "squats" (plural form) I only get results containing "squats". I was expecting the system to also return results containing "squat".

This example was in English, but I also have a Norwegian search index and I face the same singular/plural problem there, using the "nb.microsoft" lexical analyzer.

What do I have to do to solve this?

Answer 1

Hello @Vilhelm Heiberg there are a couple of ways to address the singular vs. plural search term issue in Azure AI Search:

• You can utilize Wildcard Searches. Azure AI Search supports wildcard searches using the asterisk () symbol. For your example, you can search for "squat" which would return results containing both "squat" and "squats". However, wildcard searches can be less precise and could potentially return unexpected results. Use them cautiously.
• Another option is to customize the Lexical Analyzer. The "en.microsoft" and "nb.microsoft" analyzers are designed for general-purpose use. If you have specific requirements for handling singular and plural forms, you can create a custom lexical analyzer using Apache Lucene analyzers.