Keep in mind that /(center)/ will match the first occurence of 'center' in the string, while /(.*)(center)(.*)/ will match the last occurence of center (leaving aside for the moment the issue of newlines).

This might be preferred:
/(.*?)(center)(.*)/s;

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On the other hand, sometimes using $` et al. is appropriate.

In reply to Re: Answer: How do I get what is to the left of my match? by chipmunk
in thread How do I get what is to the left of my match? by NotProud

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