Cannot Use Isset On Expression, So Use What?

<?php

var_dump(isset(NULL !== A));
    
// Fatal error: Cannot use Isset() on the result of an expression

isset() works on data containers, such as variables, properties, array elements, but not on literal or constant values.

For literal values, it is recommended to avoid using isset, but make a comparison to null, instead.

And of course, the error message is the same when the code uses both solutions at the same time. This may lead to confusion: the message suggests using null !== (NULL !== A), instead of isset(NULL !== A).

See Also

• isset (PHP manual)
• isset on expression [Try me]

PHP Error Messages

• Cannot use isset() on the result of an expression (you can use “null !== expression” instead)

PHP Features

• isset
• expression

Last updated: 10 September 2026