# A macro which is similiar to \prescript but it can be used in text mode

How to define a macro, say \pretextsuperscript, to get a presuperscript ahead a word in text mode?

Just simply write \textsuperscript{2}hormone and \textsuperscript{2}population is incorrect. Why say that you can see from

\usepackage{mathtools}
\begin{document}
$\prescript{2}{}{h}$ $\prescript{2}{}{p}$
\end{document}


The prescript (in former sample is "2") should be vertically adjusted with the first letter of the argument of prescript. Also, the prescript should be upshape. I found the \prescript can only be used in math mode.

-

# Text mode

If you want a \textpresuperscript to be used in text mode, then

\newcommand{\textpresuperscript}[1]{%
\textsuperscript{#1}\nobreak\hspace{0pt}}


will give you the possibility to write

\textpresuperscript{2}longword


with the result that "longword" can be hyphenated, but there will be no break between the superscript and the (first segment of the) following word. Here's an example:

\parbox{4cm}{What's \textpresuperscript{2}supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?}


produces

# Math mode

If one needs to put a word in the presuperscript, then (mathtools is required)

$\prescript{\text{word}}{}h$


should be the solution. If the word should be in upright shape independent of the context outside the formula, then

$\prescript{\text{\normalfont word}}{}h$


will do. Of course one can define one's own macro:

\newcommand{\pretextsuperscript}[1]{\prescript{\text{#1}}{}}


(possibly adding \normalfont).

-
Thanks for your reply. There is a shortcoming in your solution: the word with superscript cannot automatically be hyphenated because the \text is basically a hbox. –  afternoon Dec 28 '11 at 14:40
You can't have hyphenation in superscripts; the only way would be using an "all-superscript-font". Moreover, text in math mode is never hyphenated. What's precisely your problem? –  egreg Dec 28 '11 at 14:51
I want the letter "h" (almost a word for notation, like \pretextsuperscript{2}{notation}) in upshape and can have hyphenation. If I place the all thing in math environment, I think I have to put "notation" in a box. –  afternoon Dec 28 '11 at 15:05
Please, edit your message to show your needs more clearly: where's the "h" in your last comment? –  egreg Dec 28 '11 at 15:07
Okey. By the way, "h" is in your solution too. –  afternoon Dec 28 '11 at 15:08