# AQL sentence form

In an AQL sentence, the command and file reference are required. The AQL command must be
 the first word of the sentence. All other elements are optional and are used to modify
 either the operator, operand, or output.

```
command file.reference{item.list} {selection.criteria} {sort.criteria}
{output.specifications} {print.limiters} {modifiers} {(options}
```
Selection criteria, sort criteria, output
specifications, print limiters, and modifiers follow the item list.

Relational operators can be used with many of the elements of AQL sentence to allow exact
 specification of the conditions to be met.

Options, if used, must be placed last and must be preceded
by a left parenthesis. The right parenthesis is optional.

The user forms AQL sentences that specify the preferred data retrieval functions. The AQL
 processor, together with the use of dictionaries, permits requests to be stated
 directly in the terminology used by the application.

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Source: https://d3codex.com/access/aql-sentence-form/ - part of the D3Codex reference.