RAG & Search
Query rewriting
Rephrasing a user's request into a form that works better for search or retrieval.
Example
The system rewrites “What about contractors?” using the prior conversation before searching.
Why it matters
It turns incomplete or conversational requests into clearer searches.
You'll hear it
“Use the earlier question to explain what 'those ones' refers to.”
Can you control it?
Set by the team
The people building or running the AI choose this setup. An everyday user generally needs their help to change how this part works.
Common questions
- Can rewriting change the intended meaning?
- Yes. The system may guess the wrong subject or add an assumption the user never made.
- Does a rewrite have to be shown to the user?
- Not always. Some products perform the step in the background.
- Can a clear original question still need rewriting?
- Sometimes. The search service may work better with a different form or selected terms.