Combining IF and LEFT into a formula just creates an error message

Dear reader,

I want Excel to search column J accross 20 records. In all 20 J-cells there are different text strings. I want Excel to print the text string it finds in each of the J-cells into column K where I put the formula - if my formula's condition is met.

My formula is =IF(LEFT(J17,3)="AR ";J17;"")

This formula should look at the 3 leftmost characters in cell J17 and return the text string it finds in J17 - if it is true - into K17. If it is false, it should just return no visible content. However, this formula produces an error message. I just cannot find the reason for this malfunction.

Please help!

Thank you, Richard!

I hope the file is attached. If not I will keep trying.

Hi ChemistB,
yes, Ali got it immediately.
The error message read: "There's a problem with this formula. Not trying to type a formula? When the first chacter is an equal (=) or minus (_) sign, Excel thinks it's a formula: ..."
But this apparent standard message did not help me.
Many thanks for pointing the semicolons/ commas problems out to me.
frago

Hi Ali,
great many thanks for your help! Now it works. I was not aware of this semicolon/ comma issue.
frago