diff --git a/py4web/utils/grid.py b/py4web/utils/grid.py
index dd09340a6..91945f8e4 100644
--- a/py4web/utils/grid.py
+++ b/py4web/utils/grid.py
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@ def process(self):
         db = self.db
         if not self.param.search_form and self.param.search_queries:
             search_type = safe_int(request.query.get("search_type", 0), default=0)
-            search_string = request.query.get("search_string")
+            search_string = getattr(request.query, "search_string", None)
             if search_type < len(self.param.search_queries) and search_string:
                 query_lambda = self.param.search_queries[search_type][1]
                 try:
@@ -771,7 +771,7 @@ def join_style(items):
 
     def _make_default_form(self):
         search_type = safe_int(request.query.get("search_type", 0), default=0)
-        search_string = request.query.get("search_string")
+        search_string = getattr(request.query, "search_string", None)
         options = [
             OPTION(items[0], _value=k, _selected=(k == search_type))
             for k, items in enumerate(self.param.search_queries)