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search_emails

Perform advanced email searches in Gmail using custom queries (e.g., sender, subject, date, attachments). Limit the number of results to quickly find the emails you need.

Instructions

Search emails with advanced query

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "query": "<query>"
    },
    "name": "search_emails"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`query`	Yes	Gmail search query (e.g., "from:example@gmail.com has:attachment")
`maxResults`	No	Maximum number of emails to return (default: 10)

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv1.0.1Jul 4, 2026

TDQS

C2.9/5.0

Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries full responsibility for disclosing behavioral traits. It only states the purpose, omitting details like read-only nature, pagination behavior, or rate limits. The tool name implies a read operation, but no explicit confirmation is given.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence with no wasted words. It is front-loaded with the core purpose, but it could be slightly more structured (e.g., including output behavior) without becoming verbose.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the absence of an output schema, the description should at least hint at what the tool returns (e.g., a list of email objects). It does not mention return format, pagination details, or error conditions, leaving the agent with incomplete information for a simple search tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already provides detailed descriptions for both parameters (query and maxResults) with examples and defaults, achieving 100% coverage. The tool description adds no further semantic value beyond the schema, meeting the baseline for adequate coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Search emails with advanced query' clearly states the action (search) and resource (emails), and the phrase 'advanced query' hints at the query parameter's capabilities. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'list_emails', leaving room for ambiguity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'list_emails' or 'modify_email'. The description lacks any context about appropriate scenarios, prerequisites, or exclusions, leaving the agent without decision support.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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