i run command in sql workbench , returns desired results, return syntax error in browser... $sql = "select substring(`last_name`, 1, 1) alpha, substring(`middle_name`, 1, 1) submiddlename, `idclients`, `type`, `first_name`, `middle_name`, `last_name`, `address`, `primary_number`, `secondary_number`, `home_number`, `office_number`, `cell_number`, `fax_number`, `ext_number`, `other_number`, `comments` `clients` `user_id` = 2 , `is_sub` = 0 , `prospect` = 1 order `last_name`"; also user_id , is_sub , , prospect of int data type if wants know. tried treat them strings in query, still didn't help. this error get you have error in sql syntax; check manual corresponds mysql server version right syntax use near 'and prospect = 1 , type = 'buyer'' @ line 1 you're not showing same ...