If you’ve ever worked with PHP-based platforms like WordPress, you may have encountered the feared “Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_String.” The error tells you where, most likely in your website’s PHP code, the mistake is so you can fix it and your site can work.
Web developers and designers must know how to diagnose and repair this error.
This blog will help you discover what causes T_String error and how to resolve it.
Note: Please backup your website and database before you try out any steps mentioned in this blog.
What is a Parse Error?
Parse error means you have PHP code structure problems
The “unexpected T_String” part of the error message refers to a string being misused in the code.
Essentially, the PHP interpreter cannot parse the file because it’s confused by the unexpected string (T_String).
Causes of the Unexpected T_String Error
Missing Quotation Marks:
The most common cause of this error is missing single (‘) or double (“) quotation marks around a string.
If you open a string with a quotation mark and forget to close it, the PHP parser will throw the T_String error.
Mismatched Quotation Marks:
Using a single quotation mark (‘) to open a string but a double quotation mark (“) to close it (or vice versa) will trigger this error.
PHP expects quotation marks to match a string’s start and end.
Unescaped Characters:
Special characters like apostrophes (‘) or quotation marks (“) used inside a string need to be escaped with a backslash (\) to avoid being interpreted as the end of the string.
Example: $string = ‘It\’s a nice day’; instead of $string = ‘It’s a nice day’;.
Missing Semicolon:
Every PHP statement must end with a semicolon (;). Forgetting the semicolon at the end of a line will confuse the parser and may result in the T_String error.
Using Reserved Keywords as Variable Names:
PHP has a list of reserved keywords (e.g., class, function, return). Using these keywords as variable names will trigger an error.
Example: $class = ‘example’; is incorrect because the class is a reserved keyword.
Incorrect Function Syntax:
If you forget to add parentheses () after a function name or mistakenly add them after a non-function, PHP will raise a T_String error.
Example: $variable = ‘Hello’; echo ‘Hello world’; is correct, but omitting the parentheses in function calls or adding them where they don’t belong can cause the error.
File Encoding Issues:
Sometimes, file encoding can cause unexpected characters in the code, resulting in a T_String error.
This usually happens when you copy and paste code from other sources.
How to Fix the Unexpected T_String Error
Check the Error Message Location:
The error message will specify the file and the line number where the issue occurs. Start by checking that location for mistakes.
Example: “Parse error: syntax error, unexpected T_String in /path-to-file/filename.php on line 45” tells you to look at line 45 in the filename.php file.
Check Quotation Marks:
- Step 1: Review the code near the error location for missing or mismatched quotation marks.
- Step 2: Ensure all strings are enclosed adequately with either single (‘) or double (“) quotation marks.
- Step 3: If special characters are inside the string, ensure they are escaped with a backslash (\).
Add Missing Semicolons:
- Step 1: Look for lines near the error missing a semicolon (;).
- Step 2: Add semicolons to the end of each PHP statement if needed.
Review Variable Names:
- Step 1: Check for variables that might use reserved keywords (e.g., $class, $function).
- Step 2: If you find any, change the variable name to something that isn’t reserved, like $myClass or $myFunction.
Correct Function Usage:
- Step 1: Recheck all function calls around the error region.
- Step 2: After functions, use parentheses () correctly, and don’t use them after variables or nonfunctions.
Fix Escaping Issues:
- Step 1: A string may contain apostrophes (‘) or quotation marks (“) and if you see them in the string, they must be escaped.
- Step 2: To do this, you use a backslash (\) before anything special, like It\’s a sunny day.
Check for File Encoding Issues:
- Step 1: Grab the file in a code editor that supports UTF-8 encoding without BOM (Byte Order Mark).
- Step 2: If the file encoding has been messed up, then save the file using the proper encoding format.
Use a PHP Linter:
- Step 1: A PHP linter will check your code syntax automatically and help you find a problem faster.
- Step 2: Tools include PHP Code Sniffer or IDEs with native linting (VS Code, PhpStorm …)