CONSTRUCT with multible tables?

I have a problem that Informix could not answer quickly. (They rarely answer anything quickly...and I pay for this support???? *BLECK*) Anyway, I have a construct that is sorta like the following: define where_clause char(200) construct by name where_clause on clnt.clnt_nmbr, clnt.clnt_nm_1, clnt_contact.contact_nm_1, clnt_contact.contact_nm_2, clnt.addr_1, ... let sql_var="select * from clnt,clnt_contact where ",where_clause, " and clnt_contact.clnt_nmbr = clnt.clnt_nmbr" This is inconsistant in it's selection. An additional problem is that I want to select the client record, and the contact record, but if a contact record is not present, I still want the client record anyway. I thought I could perform a little sql magic to do this but it looks as if I might have to resort to some serious coding to make it look as fluid as a construct. Any Ideas?? -- Harry Skelton - 1848 Beaver Dam Lane - Marietta, Georgia - 30062 404-590-7100 or 800-366-8181 Work -- 404-578-8085 Home skelton@jdp.dragon.com "He who flames improperly risks making an ash of himself!" --- Jeff Klumpp (jdk@ficc.uu.net)