Reorder or Re-Order? A Complete Guide

Hyphenation is one of those quirky aspects of American English that often leaves people scratching their heads. Specifically, the use of the “re-” prefix can be confusing, especially when deciding whether to hyphenate or not. Should we write reorder or re-order? What about reenter versus re-enter? 

It’s not just about aesthetics or preference; hyphenation rules can change the clarity and meaning of a sentence, making them a crucial part of effective writing.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the nuances of hyphenating words with the “re-” prefix in American English, compare how different style guides handle it, and offer you practical tips for mastering this often misunderstood rule.

Understanding the ‘Re-’ Prefix: To Hyphenate or Not?

The “re-” prefix is one of the most common in the English language. It typically means “again” or “back,” as in “redo,” “revisit,” or “replay.” However, whether to hyphenate words with this prefix depends on various factors, including the style guide you’re following and the ease of readability.

When to Hyphenate with ‘Re-’

Generally speaking, you should hyphenate when the word would otherwise be difficult to read or could cause confusion. The hyphen often clarifies the meaning. Here are some cases where a hyphen is recommended:

• When the root word starts with an e or a capital letter (e.g., re-enter, re-Evaluate).
• When the resulting word could be confusing or misinterpreted without a hyphen, such as re-sign (to sign again) vs. resign (to quit).
• When the prefix and root form a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., re-invented solutions).

When Not to Hyphenate

Most “re-” words do not require a hyphen, particularly when the meaning is clear and straightforward. Examples include:

• Reorder (to arrange again)
• Revisit (to visit again)
• Replay (to play again)

Quick Tip

If in doubt, consult a style guide—it will clarify what’s preferred in formal writing and publishing contexts.

The Role of Style Guides in Hyphenation

In professional writing, style guides are your best friend when it comes to navigating hyphenation. These guides help establish consistency across texts, ensuring that everyone follows the same rules, especially in large publications, academia, and corporate environments.

Why Style Guides Matter

Without a standard, hyphenation could vary widely, leading to confusion. For example, the AP Stylebook might recommend a different approach to hyphenating “re-” words than the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS). This could lead to inconsistencies across publications or even within a single document.

Here’s how some of the major style guides approach hyphenation:

AP Style: Clearing Up the Hyphenation Confusion

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, used by journalists and news outlets, has a fairly straightforward approach to “re-” hyphenation. In general, AP style does not hyphenate most words that begin with “re-” unless there is a risk of confusion.

Examples of AP Style Hyphenation:

• Re-enter
• Re-election
• Re-energize

Examples of AP Style without Hyphen:

• Reorder
• Replay
• Revisit

Chicago Manual of Style’s Stance on Reordering Hyphens

On the other hand, the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)—often used in academic writing, publishing, and books—offers slightly different rules. Chicago is known for its thoroughness and tends to favor more hyphenation than AP style.

Chicago Style and Hyphenation

The CMS often favors hyphenating “re-” words that are used as compound adjectives before a noun. For instance:

• Re-entered solution
• Re-evaluated plan

However, when the “re-” prefix is followed by a simple verb or noun, hyphenation is usually unnecessary:

• Reorder the files
• Revisit the topic

Words That Defy the Hyphen Rule

Not all “re-” words follow the same pattern. Some words, despite seeming to break the rules, are widely accepted in their non-hyphenated forms. Here are some common exceptions to the hyphenation rule:

Word	Hyphenated?
Reorder	No
Replay	No
Remake	No
Rejoin	No
Rebuild	No

While these words follow no specific rule for hyphenation, they have been adopted by most English speakers without confusion.

Common Mistakes with ‘Reorder’ and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned writers can stumble when it comes to “re-” hyphenation. Here are some common mistakes and tips for avoiding them:

1. Misplacing the Hyphen

It’s tempting to overuse hyphens, especially with words like reenter or reorder. Remember, these don’t require hyphens unless clarity is at risk.

2. Confusing Meaning

Some words may look similar but have vastly different meanings with or without a hyphen. For example:

• Re-sign means to sign again.
• Resign means to quit a job.

3. Overusing Hyphens in Titles

When writing titles, it’s easy to overdo the hyphenation. Hyphenate compound adjectives before nouns, but avoid excessive hyphenation just for emphasis.

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Reorder in American vs. British English: A Comparison

In American English, hyphenation rules for “re-” words tend to be simpler. For example, “reorder” is never hyphenated, regardless of context. However, British English often adds a hyphen, especially when the word would otherwise be confusing. So, “re-order” might appear in British writing.

Here are some comparisons:

Word	American English	British English
Reorder	No hyphen	Hyphenate
Re-enter	Hyphenate	Hyphenate
Replay	No hyphen	No hyphen

In both versions, the meaning remains the same, but stylistic choices will vary.

Capitalization and Hyphenation in Titles: AP vs. Chicago Style

When it comes to titles, both AP and Chicago offer rules about how to handle hyphenation, but the capitalization of hyphenated words adds another layer of complexity.

AP Style Capitalization Rules for Hyphenated Words

In AP Style, the general rule is to capitalize the first part of a hyphenated word but lowercase the second part unless it’s a proper noun or an important word.

Examples:

• Re-entering the workforce
• Re-evaluate your strategy

Chicago Style Capitalization Rules for Hyphenated Words

The Chicago Manual of Style is more lenient. It allows both parts of a hyphenated word to be capitalized if they are the first word in the title.

Examples:

• Re-entering The Workforce
• Re-Evaluating The Plan

Quick Tips: Hyphenation in Everyday Writing

For those not following a specific style guide, here are quick tips to help with hyphenating “re-” words in everyday writing:

• Don’t overuse hyphens – they’re only necessary when ambiguity or confusion could arise.
• Always follow your style guide – if you’re working in journalism, follow AP; if you’re writing a book or academic paper, use Chicago.
• Use hyphens for compound adjectives – when “re-” joins with a noun and acts as a modifier before another noun (e.g., re-done project).
• Consider your audience – American and British English have different rules, so ensure your writing matches the standards of your target audience.

FAQs

Should I use a hyphen in “reopen” or “re-open”?

In American English, “reopen” is not hyphenated unless there is a risk of confusion (e.g., “re-sign” vs. “resign”).

Is “reorganize” hyphenated in AP or Chicago Style?

Neither AP nor Chicago hyphenates “reorganize.” It’s simply written as one word.

Why does “reorder” rarely use a hyphen?

“Reorder” doesn’t require a hyphen because there is no ambiguity and the word is straightforward in meaning.

Can I ignore hyphenation rules in creative writing?

In creative writing, you may have more flexibility, but it’s still best to follow consistent style guidelines for clarity and readability.

Conclusion: Mastering Hyphenation in Your Writing

Hyphenating words with the “re-” prefix might seem confusing at first, but once you understand the rules and style guide preferences, it becomes easier to get it right. By adhering to guidelines like those from AP and Chicago, you can ensure clarity and consistency in your writing. Whether you’re tackling an article, a book, or a presentation, knowing when to hyphenate “re-” words can make all the difference in the readability and professionalism of your work.