Math & Science ⇒ Spacing of \left(

[chaos215bar2]

In the formula $$f \left( x \right)$$, there is some space inserted between the 'f' and '(', but in the formula $$f ( x )$$, there is no space. I know in this simple example I could just use the latter option, but this comes from a command which I use both for functions with regular sized arguments and tall arguments and I would like to maintain this flexibility. Is there anyway I can use the variably sized parentheses without this space being inserted before the $\left($?

[phi]

Insert a negative space (\!) manually before the \left command.

[chaos215bar2]

Thanks. That does indeed cause the two outputs to match. I don't know if it's possible, but I'm still open to suggestions that don't involve manually adding space.

[phi]

TeX always inserts a thin space between an ordinary and an inner symbol. This behavior is hard-coded and cannot be changed. You can convert one of the symbols to a different class or insert a void opening symbol, but that is still not automatic.