Grep with multiple nots

[nmsroberts]

I am working in InDesign CC. I am trying to create a GREP script that finds all "normal periods" without a space, another period, forced line break, or com after it. So far I can find a period without one of these using something like: \d\.(?! ) but cannot figure out how to add the additional nots. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Jongware · Accepted solution]

A lookahead does not consume characters so the (virtual) text cursor stays in its position after the last found text, but before the to-be-lookahead text. So you can add another lookahead right after that – even mix positive and negative ones.

For example, any word character except an uppercase would be

xxx(?=\w)(?!\u)

where both act on the same next character.

[winterm]

Ha! Seems so simple and straightforward. Sure, used to use lookahead and lookbehind simultaneously to get some kind of *look-around*, but due to obscured reason never thought about doubling parts. Very useful idea, thank you!

[nmsroberts]

I have not tried it yet but I assume it will work. Thanks so much!