I’ve often paused mid-thought, wondering whether to write Reorder or Re-order. That small hyphen may seem minor, but it can significantly alter the meaning and clarity of a sentence. In American English, the rules around hyphenation – especially with the prefix re – can be pretty perplexing. Back when I first began editing professionally, I created a personal guide to help demystify these surrounding nuances. One authoritative source advised that a hyphen is necessary when “re” is followed by a word starting with “e”, such as “re-elect”, to preserve clarity. But if it doesn’t begin with a vowel or doesn’t spell another word altogether, you can skip the hyphen – reorder is perfectly fine.
This guide aims to enhance your writing precision by providing clear examples. I once reviewed a business document where “reorder” without the hyphen caused a moment of confusion – was the writer trying to say “order again” or “rearrange”? That tiny punctuation mark matters. Following established rules and style references helps your writing sound polished and professional. If you ever feel alone in your doubts, you’re far from it – many editors and writers frequently question the same thing. So whether you’re sending a casual message or composing a formal document, knowing when to use reorder versus re-order sharpens your communication and boosts your confidence.
Understanding the ‘Re-‘-‘ Prefix
The prefix “re” typically means “again” or “back.” It’s used to indicate repetition or a return to a previous state. For example:
- Rebuild – to build again
- Return – to come back
However, adding a hyphen can change the meaning of a word entirely. Consider:
- Recover – to regain health
- Re-cover – to cover again
In the first instance, “recover” relates to health, while “re-cover” implies covering something once more. The hyphen serves as a crucial tool to prevent ambiguity.
General Rule: When to Hyphenate ‘Re-‘ Words
The primary guideline is:
Use a hyphen with ‘re’ only when its omission would confuse with another word.
Examples:
| Word Without Hyphen | Word With Hyphen | Meaning Difference |
| Resign | Re-sign | Resign means to quit; Re-sign means to sign again. |
| Recover | Re-cover | Recover means to regain; Re-cover means to cover again. |
| Reform | Re-form | Reform means to improve; Re-form means to form again. |
In cases where no confusion arises, the hyphen is typically unnecessary:
- Rebuild, Recalculate, Reevaluate
The Role of Style Guides in Hyphenation
Different style guides offer varying recommendations on hyphenation. Let’s explore the perspectives of two major guides: the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook and the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS).
AP Style Guidelines on ‘Re-‘-‘ Words
The AP Stylebook advises:
“Use a hyphen if the prefix ends in a vowel and the following word begins with the same vowel.”
However, exceptions exist. For instance, words like reelect and reestablish are commonly used without hyphens due to widespread acceptance.
AP Style Examples:
- Reenter (no hyphen)
- Reelect (no hyphen)
- Re-sign (hyphenated to avoid confusion with resign)
Chicago Manual of Style’s Approach
The CMOS generally prefers closed compounds, meaning no hyphen, unless clarity demands it.
“Chicago now often recommends closing up words with prefixes and removing the hyphen, only recommending using it to separate two repeated vowels (as in re-educate), to avoid confusion with another word (re-creation/recreation), or to prevent misreading.”
CMOS Examples:
- Reeducate (no hyphen)
- Re-create (hyphenated to distinguish from recreate)
When Hyphenation Is Necessary: Exceptions to the Rule
Hyphenation becomes essential in specific scenarios to maintain clarity:
1. Avoiding Confusion with Other Words
As previously discussed, words like re-sign and re-cover require hyphens to differentiate meanings.
2. Preventing Misreading
Words that could be misread without a hyphen should include one:
- Re-collect (to collect again) vs. recollect (to remember)
3. Proper Nouns and Numerals
When the prefix precedes a proper noun or numeral, use a hyphen:
- Re-United Nations
- Re-2020
Common Mistakes with ‘Reorder’ and Similar Words
Writers often err by overusing hyphens or omitting them where necessary.
Common Errors:
- Re-order instead of reorder
- Re-enter instead of reenter (though re-enter is acceptable in some styles)
Tips to Avoid Mistakes:
- Consult the relevant style guide for your writing context.
- Use dictionaries to check standard usage.
- When in doubt, prioritize clarity.
American vs. British English: Does Hyphenation Differ?
Yes, there are differences:
American English:
- Tends toward closed compounds: reenter, reelect
British English:
- More likely to use hyphens: re-enter, re-elect
Understanding your audience’s regional preferences can guide appropriate hyphenation.
Hyphenation in Titles: Style Rules for Capitalization and Layout
Title capitalization varies between style guides.
AP Style:
- Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns: Re-sign the Contract
CMOS:
- Capitalize the first and last words and all principal words: Re-Sign the Contract
Consistency within a document is key.
Practical Tips for Writers and Editors
- Clarity is paramount: Use hyphens to prevent misreading.
- Consult style guides: Align with AP or CMOS as appropriate.
- Use dictionaries: Verify standard word forms.
- Be consistent: Maintain uniformity throughout your document.
Conclusion
Navigating the hyphenation of “re-” words in American English requires attention to detail and an understanding of context. By adhering to style guide recommendations and prioritizing clarity, writers can ensure their work is both professional and easily understood.
FAQs
When should I hyphenate a word that begins with ‘re-‘?
You should hyphenate when not using a hyphen would lead to confusion with another word that has a different meaning. For example:
- Re-sign (to sign again) vs. resign (to quit a job)
- Re-cover (to cover again) vs. recover (to heal or regain)
If no confusion exists, omit the hyphen – e.g., rebuild, reopen, revisit.
Is ‘reorder’ or ‘re-order’ correct in American English?
The correct form in American English is usually “reorder” (no hyphen). It’s a common, unambiguous term meaning “to place an order again.” Hyphenation is not necessary unless you’re following a specific style that requires it (e.g., certain legal or academic contexts).
Do AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style agree on hyphenation?
Not always. Here’s how they differ:
- AP Style often uses hyphens when the prefix ends in a vowel and the root word starts with the same vowel (re-enter, re-elect), and to avoid confusion.
- Chicago Style prefers closed compounds unless a hyphen is needed to prevent ambiguity or misreading (reelect, reeducate).
Always follow the style guide appropriate to your writing context.
Does British English use more hyphens than American English?
Yes. British English tends to retain more hyphens in “re-” words – re-enter, re-elect, re-examine – compared to American English, which prefers reenter, reelect, reexamine. When writing for an international audience, consider regional differences.
What’s the best way to check if I’m using the correct hyphenation?
Here are three reliable steps:
- Check a dictionary (like Merriam-Webster for American English or Oxford for British English).
- Consult your style guide (AP, CMOS, MLA, etc.).
- Use clarity as your guide – if your word might be misread or misunderstood, use a hyphen.
