Reorder or Re-order? Understanding the Hyphen Rule in American English

When it comes to writing in American English, certain rules around punctuation can be perplexing. One such rule is the use of the hyphen—specifically when it comes to compound words that include prefixes like “re-“. A common debate arises when deciding whether to use a hyphen in words such as “reorder” versus “re-order.” Should we include the hyphen or leave it out? The answer depends on understanding the nuances of hyphenation rules in modern English.

In this article, we’ll break down the hyphenation rule for words with the prefix “re-” and explore when it’s correct to use a hyphen. We will also cover style guide differences, common mistakes to avoid, and offer practical tips for proofreading your work. Whether you’re a writer, student, or professional, mastering these subtle rules will elevate your writing and help you maintain clarity in your work.

What is a Hyphen and Why Does It Matter?

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to link words or parts of words. It plays an essential role in the clarity of written communication. Without it, meanings could become muddled or cause confusion. In American English, we use hyphens to connect words that are closely related, particularly in compound words, compound adjectives, and some compound nouns.

For instance:

• A well-known actor is someone widely recognized.
• A high-quality product is of superior standard.

The importance of the hyphen lies in its ability to show relationships between words. Without it, readers may misinterpret the message or be forced to pause and reread, which can disrupt the flow of the sentence. The hyphen’s role is essential in distinguishing between two different meanings that might arise from a similar combination of words.

The General Rule for Hyphenation in Compound Words

Compound words are those made up of two or more smaller words that work together to form a new meaning. Some of these compounds are formed with prefixes such as “re-“, “un-“, or “pre-“. The general rule for hyphenating compound words is to use a hyphen when combining two or more words into a single adjective before a noun.

Examples of hyphenated compounds:

• A well-respected individual (compound adjective before a noun)
• A high-speed chase (compound adjective before a noun)

However, when the compound adjective follows the noun, the hyphen is often omitted.

For example:

• The actor is well respected.
• The chase was high speed.

It’s important to remember that not all compound words need a hyphen. Many compound words, particularly those that have become commonly used, are now written without hyphens. For example, “email” used to be written as “e-mail”, but the hyphen is no longer necessary in modern English.

The Prefix “Re-” and Its Role in Hyphenation

One of the most common prefixes in American English is “re-“, which means “again” or “back.” When adding the prefix “re-“ to a base word, a hyphen is generally not needed unless clarity dictates otherwise.

Here’s the breakdown:

No Hyphen Needed:

• Reorder (to order again)
• Rebuild (to build again)
• Rearrange (to arrange again)

These words don’t need a hyphen because they are simple, clear, and commonly used in this format. The meaning is obvious, and the reader won’t experience confusion when reading these words.

Hyphen Needed:

• Re-enter (to enter again)
• Re-evaluate (to evaluate again)
• Re-elect (to elect again)

In these examples, a hyphen is needed because the base word starts with a letter that might cause confusion or lead to awkward reading. Without the hyphen, words like “reenter” or “reevaluate” could appear clumsy or difficult to read. The hyphen helps break up the combination and makes the meaning clear.

“Reorder” vs. “Re-order”: What’s the Difference?

One of the most debated words is “reorder” versus “re-order.” While it may seem like there’s an obvious distinction, there’s actually little difference in meaning. However, understanding when and why to use the hyphen can help clarify your writing.

Why “Reorder” is More Common:

The simpler version of the word, “reorder” without a hyphen, is now widely accepted in modern American English. It is the most commonly used form in everyday writing. The reason for this is that language tends to simplify over time, and since “reorder” is easily understood without the hyphen, there’s no need to complicate it.

When the Hyphen Still Appears:

In some professional or formal contexts, you may still see “re-order” with a hyphen. This might happen in situations where there’s potential for ambiguity, especially in older publications or specific industries that prefer consistency in their style. For instance, technical manuals, formal documents, or legal texts might still use the hyphen to avoid any misinterpretation.

In most cases, however, the hyphen is unnecessary for everyday writing. You can confidently use “reorder” unless you’re working under a strict style guide that demands otherwise.

Style Guide Differences in Hyphen Usage

Different style guides have their own recommendations for hyphenation, especially when it comes to words with the prefix “re-.” The key style guides to consider are:

AP Style:

• The Associated Press (AP) style is widely used in journalism and media writing. According to AP style, you would typically omit the hyphen in words like “reorder,” “rebuild,” and “rearrange”.
• AP style is clear and concise, aiming for easy readability.

Chicago Manual of Style:

• The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) often permits hyphenation for clarity, particularly in more formal writing. For example, “re-enter” and “re-evaluate” might be hyphenated when the meaning could be unclear without the hyphen.
• In this guide, hyphens are used to enhance readability when necessary.

APA and MLA Styles:

• Both APA and MLA styles tend to follow the same basic rules as Chicago Manual of Style, with slight differences in their preference for certain word combinations. Both will hyphenate compound adjectives but will usually avoid hyphenation in compounds with prefixes unless necessary for clarity.

Conclusion:

In the world of hyphenation, no single style guide dictates every rule. However, understanding these style guide differences will help you adapt to the context in which you’re writing.

How to Know When to Use a Hyphen

Now that we’ve explored the basic rules, how can you tell when to use a hyphen in re- prefixed words? Here are some tips:

• Check if the word is commonly used: If the word is familiar and widely accepted without a hyphen (e.g., reorder), you probably don’t need one.
• Consider ambiguity: If the word might cause confusion or appear difficult to read (e.g., re-enter), use the hyphen to clarify the meaning.
• Consistency is key: Stick to a consistent approach to hyphenation throughout your writing. Switching between “reorder” and “re-order” in the same article can confuse the reader.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While hyphenation is simple in some cases, many writers still make common mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid them:

Mistake 1: Overuse of Hyphens

• Some writers unnecessarily hyphenate words like “re-schedule” or “re-sign” when no hyphen is needed. The correct forms are “reschedule” and “resign.”

Mistake 2: Inconsistent Hyphenation

• Using a hyphen in one part of your writing and not in another part can confuse the reader. Always be consistent with your use of hyphens in compound words.

The Evolution of Hyphenation in English

Over time, English has evolved to simplify and standardize many of its rules, including the use of hyphens. Words like “reorder” or “rebuild” used to be written with hyphens, but modern usage tends to favor the simplified versions. This shift is especially noticeable in digital communication, where speed and ease of understanding are crucial.

Practical Tips for Proofreading Hyphenation

Before submitting any written work, ensure you’ve proofread for correct hyphenation. Here are a few tips:

1. Read your writing aloud to check if it sounds natural. If you hesitate or find yourself rereading a sentence, the hyphen might be necessary.
2. Use grammar-checking tools: Tools like Grammarly or the built-in checkers in Microsoft Word will flag potential hyphenation errors.
3. Create a checklist: When proofreading, ask yourself:
   • Does this compound word need a hyphen for clarity?
   • Is it part of a compound adjective or a compound noun?
   • Does the hyphen enhance readability or cause confusion?

Conclusion

In American English, deciding whether to use a hyphen in words like “reorder” or “re-order” depends on several factors, including clarity, style guide rules, and the evolution of language. As we’ve seen, the general rule is to avoid the hyphen unless it’s necessary for readability or to avoid ambiguity.

By understanding these rules and keeping consistency in mind, you’ll improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing. Whether you’re writing a blog post, business email, or academic paper, paying attention to these nuances can elevate your writing to the next level.

FAQs: Reorder or Re-order? Understanding the Hyphen Rule in American English

1. Is “reorder” or “re-order” correct?

“Reorder” is the correct and most commonly accepted form in modern American English. The hyphen is generally unnecessary unless needed for clarity.

2. When should I use a hyphen in “re-” prefixed words?

Use a hyphen when the base word starts with “e” or another vowel that could cause confusion. Examples:

• Re-enter (instead of “reenter”)
• Re-evaluate (instead of “reevaluate”)
• Re-elect (instead of “reelect”)

3. What is the general rule for hyphenation with “re-“?

• If the word is easily understood without a hyphen, omit it (e.g., rebuild, reorder, rename).
• If not using a hyphen could create a different meaning (e.g., re-sign vs. resign), then use it.

4. Do style guides recommend using “reorder” or “re-order”?

Most major style guides, including AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style, recommend “reorder” without a hyphen. However, some older or more formal texts may still use “re-order.”

5. Can I use “re-order” in professional writing?

While it’s not incorrect, it’s unnecessary in most cases. Professional writing generally follows modern conventions, where “reorder” is the preferred spelling.