my $match; if ( $match = split(/\s/, 'somemail@yahu.com') == 1 ) { # do we have a whole string with no spaces in it? # if so check for '@' if ( $match = split("@", 'somemail@yahu.com') == 2 ) { # if it`s split by 2 then it must be 1 @ sign # then do some other nested checks # whith regex for validating mail ex. are there any # dots or hash signs in the end of domain etc. } } else { print "Mail verification form failed!\n"; # call back the mail form }