select query

A query that asks a question about the data stored in your tables and returns a result set in the form of a datasheet — without changing the data. A select query can contain specifications for the fields (columns) to return, the records (rows) to select, the order to put the records in, and the way to group (summarize) information. After the result set is displayed, you can view and, in some cases, make changes to the data in the underlying tables.

In contrast to select queries, action queries such as delete queries do make changes to your data.