hi , using preg_match , how can i match "<", "_" , ">" " - " such special characters in a sentence ??? Eg: Strings are like this, 1.Ahgrwgsgd dfjb yuhh dfh <ABCD AFGHFDc GHJGKJ ------------------ here i want to match <ABCD 2.AFRYRGH vhGHJGB <ASD_ASD_DER> GHJGJ kjHGKJGK ---------- here i want to match <ASD_ASD_DER> 3.GHHTGH GHJK <BO-CA JKJ JLKL ---------------here i want to match <BO-CA what is the most suitable way to match those data ? plz guide me , Thanx in advance, chandana