Prefer this :- $arrayDatetime = explode(" ",$input); $datePiece = $arrayDatetime[0]; $timePiece = $arrayDatetime[1]; $arrayDate = explode("-",$datePiece); $monthPiece = $arrayDate[0]; $dayPiece = $arrayDate[1]; $yearPiece = $arrayDate[2]; $arrayTime = explode(":",$timePiece); $hourPiece = $arrayTime[0]; $minutePiece = $arrayTime[1]; $secondPiece = $arrayTime[2]; Much more long winded, but you can then easily put it into a function or class to return any part of the string, and reuse it on other projects Rob. -----Original Message----- From: php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of malayappa2000 Sent: 02 February 2009 12:01 To: php-objects@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: how to split the stirng(02-02-2009 13:24:27) hi guys we are the fallowing sting 01-31-2009 13:24:27 we need to split sec in the above stirng i.e we need out put in the fallowing formta 01-31-2009 13:24 provide some help ho to achive this. ------------------------------------ Are you looking for a PHP job? Join the PHP Professionals directory Now! http://www.phpclasses.org/professionals/Yahoo! Groups Links *********************************************************************************** Any opinions expressed in email are those of the individual and not necessarily those of the company. This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient or entity to whom they are addressed. It may contain material protected by attorney-client privilege. If you are not the intended recipient, or a person responsible for delivering to the intended recipient, be advised that you have received this email in error and that any use is strictly prohibited. Random House Group + 44 (0) 20 7840 8400 http://www.randomhouse.co.uk http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk http://www.kidsatrandomhouse.co.uk Generic email address - enquiries@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name & Registered Office: THE RANDOM HOUSE GROUP LIMITED 20 VAUXHALL BRIDGE ROAD LONDON SW1V 2SA Random House Group Ltd is registered in the United Kingdom with company No. 00954009, VAT number 102838980 ***********************************************************************************