Web query classification

A method, performed at least partially on a computer, for training a query classification technique, the method comprising:

• receiving a training query phrase including constituent parts;
• parsing the training query phrase into at least one constituent parts;
• receiving additional training query phrases having at least one constituent part in common with the training query phrase;
• recognizing a pattern of training query phrases having at least one common constituent part;
• determining a category associated with the at least one common constituent part;
• associating the pattern of training query phrases with the category associated with the at least one common constituent part;
• and
• storing the pattern in a computer readable medium as classification information.

An apparatus for enabling satisfaction of a search responsive to a query based on classification of the query, the apparatus being configured to:

• receive, from user input, a query phrase;
• parse the received query phrase into constituent parts;
• access, from classification information stored in a computer storage medium that includes patterns of query phrases, a pattern that is associated with at least one category;
• determine whether a constituent part parsed from the received query phrase corresponds to at least a subportion of an accessed pattern;
• based on a determination that a constituent part parsed from the received query phrase corresponds to at least a subportion of an accessed pattern, associate the category that is associated with the pattern also with the query phrase or the constituent part;
• and
• identify at least one search resource for satisfying the query phrase based on the associated category.

An apparatus for enabling satisfaction of a search responsive to a query based on classification of the query, the apparatus comprising:

• means for receiving, from user input, a query phrase;
• means for parsing the received query phrase into constituent parts;
• means for accessing, from classification information stored in a computer storage medium that includes patterns of query phrases, a pattern that is associated with at least one category;
• means for determining whether a constituent part parsed from the received query phrase corresponds to at least a subportion of an accessed pattern;
• means for associating the category that is associated with the pattern also with the query phrase or the constituent part based on a determination that a constituent part parsed from the received query phrase corresponds to at least a subportion of an accessed pattern;
• and
• means for identifying at least one search resource for satisfying the query phrase based on the associated category.