#!/usr/bin/perl use strict; local $/ = '{IT}'; while (my $line = ) { my ($it) = $line =~ /(^\s\d+)/; print "{IT}$it\n" if ! ( $line =~ /{LINE}/ && $line =~ /{IT}/ ) && ( defined( $it) ); } __DATA__ {IT} 343 1 {DATE} 090104 {LINE} LEGISLATORS VISIT SENIOR APARTMENT COMPLEX {TAG} 1lutherridge0104.ART {ID} 234 {IT} 434 2 {DATE} 090104 {LINE} LEGISLATORS VISIT SENIOR APARTMENT COMPLEX