Where Is The Semicolon?

<?php

#[A (new B(4), 2, 3)]

// Parse error: syntax error, unexpected token ";" in /in/vNMQk on line 5
?>

This code is an attribute. A attribute always expects to be followed by a structure that it will characterize. Here, without anything else to parse, the parser displays a mysterious error about a semi colon, while none is in sight.

In fact, the closing PHP tag has a built-in semi colon, to end any expression that was still open.

This is similar to another tip, that relies on echo.

See Also

• No Semicolon in sight
• Unexpected token ; [Try me]

PHP Error Messages

• syntax error, unexpected token “;”

PHP Features

• semicolon
• close-tag

Last updated: 10 September 2026