Methods and computer-readable media for binding a query containing one or more multi-part identifiers in a database. An attempt is made to bind a multi-part identifier that has at least one part to any data in a database that corresponds to the at least one part. A score that is proportional to the number of parts that bind successfully in each multi-part identifier binding attempt is generated for each unsuccessful binding attempt. A result is outputted if one successful multi-part identifier binding occurred. A first error message corresponding to the multi-part identifier binding attempt having a highest score is outputted if no successful bindings occurred. A second error message is outputted if more than one successful multi-part identifier binding occurred.