Merge similar array keys

Question

So I am searching a large body of text and extracting common phrases, then I end up with an array like this:

Array(
    [past due] => 21
    [past due notice] => 7
    [past due 60 day] => 17
    [60 day notice] => 32
)

The keys are the phrases and the values are the number of times that phrase appeared in the given text. In the example above, I would like to combine these keys and sum the values because they all mean the same thing, to me. So I would end up with an array like this:

Array(
    [past due] => 77
)

This is just an example, the keys, values, etc. will constantly be changing. I am just starting on this piece of the project so there is no code to post yet. I am just looking for ideas, direction, etc. so I don't have to reinvent the wheel if someone has done something similar or as an idea. As always, thanks in advance!

UPDATE:

With all of the contributions here and in reading other questions, I think I am going to try to group them using regex before I build the array.

This question does not show any research effort. It is important to **do your homework**. Tell us what you found and ***why*** it didn't meet your needs. This demonstrates that you've taken the time to try to help yourself, it saves us from reiterating obvious answers, and most of all it helps you get a more specific and relevant answer. [FAQ](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/how-to-ask). — Kermit, Mar 29 '13 at 16:44
@PolishPrince - Noted. Sounds like I posted this to soon. Thanks for the input on using array_map(). — Drewness, Mar 29 '13 at 16:49
possible duplicate of [How to sum values of the array of the same key](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1496682/how-to-sum-values-of-the-array-of-the-same-key) — Michael, Mar 29 '13 at 16:57
@MichaelRushton - It is very similar. The main difference being my array keys are not identical, as they are in that question. It is however good reference so thank you! — Drewness, Mar 29 '13 at 17:05

score 0 · Answer 1 · edited May 23 '17 at 10:25

0

I think there is very similar questions, where you can find your answer.

Check this:

Merging arrays with the same keys

PHP - Merge duplicate array keys in a multidimensional array

edited May 23 '17 at 10:25

Community

1
1

answered Mar 29 '13 at 16:44

mirsad

182
12

Thanks for the links, I'll check them out. – Drewness Mar 29 '13 at 16:50

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 29 '13 at 17:17

0

You can use array_sum:

$result = array('past_date' => array_sum($array));

Of course, this requires that you build the array first, grouping by a common meaning. PHP doesn't understand the semantics of language, obviously.

answered Mar 29 '13 at 17:17

Michael

11,912
6
49
64

Ah, I like where this is going. Let me try it out... – Drewness Mar 29 '13 at 17:24
Despite my update to the question, I am marking this as my answer since it got me the closest and your persistence to help me so thank you! – Drewness Mar 29 '13 at 17:51

Merge similar array keys

2 Answers2