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What is the easiest way to superscript text outside of math mode?

For example, let's say I want to write the $n^{th}$ element, but without the math mode's automatic italicization of the th. And what if I still want the n to be in math mode, but the th outside?

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See this column in TUGboat for information about not using a superscript "th" – egreg Mar 8 '12 at 22:41
@egreg Interesting! – Nico May 14 at 15:17

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You can use \textsuperscript{th}. It sets its contents in text mode and can be used in math or text mode.

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Actually, this only really works outside math mode. If I try $n^\textsuperscript{th}$, the superscript gets raised too high, creating an awkwardly large space between lines. But $n$\textsuperscript{th} works great--thanks! – jamaicanworm Mar 9 '12 at 0:49
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@jamaicanworm: You should use $n\textsuperscript{th}$. – Werner Mar 9 '12 at 0:50
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$n^\textsuperscript{th}$ is a double superscript. – Philipp Mar 9 '12 at 0:51
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Right! Silly mistake... :) – jamaicanworm Mar 9 '12 at 0:52

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