Latex ``helpfully" inserts missing $ for math mode, when I don't want math mode

Question

I'm trying to compile a document in overleaf where I need to quote a reviewer comment. The comment has underscores in a word i.e. Number_of_Nodes.

For some reason I think the compiler sees the underscores and tries to be helpful by adding $ to enter inline math mode. Firstly, I don't want math mode, and secondly this conflicts with the quote environment.

How can I stop this "helpful" behaviour?

MWE:

\documentclass{article}
\begin{document}
\begin{quote}
\itshape 
(Number_of_Nodes_at_step(n)).
\end{quote}
\end{document}

Probably you want (Number\textunderscore of\textunderscore Nodes\textunderscore at\textunderscore step(n)).. _ has a special meaning: it creates subscripts in math mode, which is why TeX switches to math mode. — , May 05 '21 at 02:57
See also: Prevent LaTeX from thinking I'm writing an equation — leandriis, May 05 '21 at 05:36
If you are using OpTeX instead LaTeX, then you can write {\it (Number_of_Nodes_at_step(n))} without problems. :). — wipet, May 06 '21 at 16:21

BoomBoom - ブームブーム · Accepted Answer · 2021-05-06T16:15:48.503

6

Use \textunderscore instead, _ switches to math mode

Edit:

You could also escape _ character with \_

Like this (Number\_of\_Nodes\_at\_step(n))

Thanks Don Hosek and Zarko!

edited May 06 '21 at 16:15

answered May 05 '21 at 03:17

BoomBoom - ブームブーム

84

4

\_ is the usual command or printing an underscore. – Don Hosek May 05 '21 at 03:32
1

See my comment below question ... – Zarko May 05 '21 at 05:24

Latex ``helpfully" inserts missing $ for math mode, when I don't want math mode

1 Answers1