PHP problem with array keys / pointers

Hi all, I've a problem thats been bothering me for a week now I have an array $animals keys and values like this 1 => cat 2 => dog 3 => mouse 4 => horse I want to be able to access them using either a key or a pointer, however the key/pointer will be a variable without variables, if I want dog, I can either use $animals[1] or $animals['2'] but with a variable , eg. $x = 2 $animals[$x] will always give me 'mouse' what syntax do I need to use for $animals[$x] to give me 'dog' when $x=2 ? I've tried all manner of apostrophes and escaped apostrophes, but no luck. Can anyone help me Thanks for your time! jules