find if text is within an open link

[gerkintrigg]

Hi,

I'd like to work out how to find out if some text is within an open tag.

 

So:

$string='<span class="my_class">this text will be ignored</span> this text will be recognised';
#now find "this text"

#this code is wrong:
preg_replace('~this text~','~<span class="next_class">this text</span>~',$string);
echo $string;

 

I think I need a pattern like:

~(^<(.*?)>(.*?))unless</span>this text

but the correct syntax is escaping me and i can't find any specific help on the internet.

 

Anyone!?