I change the search phrase, usually by adding words that I think will be used in the context of my search and using the - operator to exclude words (rough example, if I was searching for a Half-Life 2 compile error but wasn't interested in HL1 results, I'd add "vbsp" to my search, and think about using "-hlbsp"). You have to think about avoiding the potholes of false results and direct the stupid search engine down the route you want it to go.
Of course, the problem is with the English language and its non-standardisation, and I'm sure the next evolution in worldwide-used language will be some technology/heavily-information-friendly form 