When I first learned about hyphen rules, I found them tricky because different phrases and words seem to follow different rules. I remember reading an article that tried to explore the difference between reorder and re-order. It made me realize that the correct choice is almost always reorder, written as one word.
According to English style guides, the re- prefix should be grouped with the root word unless the root begins with the letter “e.” This means re-order is usually wrong because it doesn’t follow that rule. Over time, I noticed that once you know the logic, the decision becomes less tricky—it’s more about habit than guesswork.
From my own writing, I’ve seen how hyphenated forms like re-order can sometimes play a role in clarity, but most of the time, they just come from older conventions. Whether you’re writing for work or school, you should always use reorder when you want to be in line with style rules.
This helps with consistency, especially when trying to follow formal writing guidelines. If you like to keep things simple, it’s better to avoid unnecessary hyphens. Just begin with the main form, stick to the rules, and know that you’re making the right choice.
Understanding the ‘Re-’ Prefix in American English
The prefix “re-” is one of the most common in the English language. It comes from Latin, meaning “again” or “back.” When attached to a root word, it modifies the meaning in predictable ways:
- Again → rebuild (build again)
- Back → return (turn back)
But the way we spell these combinations — with or without a hyphen — depends on a set of rules, exceptions, and evolving usage trends.
Historically, hyphens were more common. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, writers often used “re-order” instead of “reorder” simply for clarity. Over time, usage trends shifted toward closed compounds (no hyphen) unless a hyphen was needed to avoid confusion.
The Core Hyphen Rule for ‘Re-’ Words
Here’s the general American English rule for hyphenating “re-” words:
Use a hyphen only when the word would otherwise be confusing or look like a different word.
For example:
| Without Hyphen | With Hyphen | Reason |
| reorder | re-order | Hyphen not needed; meaning is clear. |
| recover | re-cover | Needed to avoid confusion: “recover” = regain health, “re-cover” = cover again. |
| recreate | re-create | Needed to avoid confusion: “recreate” = enjoy leisure, “re-create” = make again. |
| reform | re-form | Needed to avoid confusion: “reform” = improve, “re-form” = form again. |
So “Reorder” in modern usage is correct without a hyphen — unless you’re using it in a rare context where “order” has a specific meaning and you need the hyphen to signal “order again” in a very literal sense.
Role of Style Guides in Hyphen Decisions
While the general rule seems straightforward, professional writing follows style guides that can tweak or override these rules.
- Students often follow MLA or APA (academic style).
- Journalists follow AP Style.
- Authors and publishers often follow the Chicago Manual of Style.
Each style guide has its own stance on hyphenation, especially with prefixes like “re-.” This means you can write “reorder” in one publication and “re-order” in another — and both can be “right” within their respective systems.
AP Style Guidelines for ‘Reorder’
The Associated Press Stylebook is widely used in journalism, marketing, and PR writing in the USA.
AP Rule for “re-” prefix:
Do not use a hyphen unless the word would be confusing without it.
AP-approved examples:
- reorder (correct)
- re-elect (hyphen to avoid “reelect,” which looks awkward)
- re-create (to distinguish from “recreate”)
- re-cover (to distinguish from “recover”)
AP Style explicitly lists “reorder” as no hyphen because there’s no risk of confusion.
Chicago Manual of Style on ‘Reorder’
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is standard in academic publishing, books, and nonfiction writing. Its rules align closely with AP but sometimes lean toward a more formal look.
CMOS Rule for “re-” prefix:
- No hyphen unless the root word begins with e and confusion is possible.
- No hyphen for “reorder.”
For example:
- reenter (CMOS: no hyphen, AP: prefers “re-enter”)
- reedit (CMOS: no hyphen)
- re-order (CMOS: only if needed for clarity in special cases)
In other words, if you’re writing for a Chicago-style publication, “reorder” is the norm.
Words That Break the Pattern
English wouldn’t be English without exceptions. Some “re-” words still take a hyphen even when there’s no immediate risk of confusion, often due to tradition or aesthetic clarity.
Examples:
- re-examine
- re-ignite
- re-enlist
And some have dropped the hyphen despite older rules keeping it:
- reenact (used to be “re-enact”)
- reeducate (used to be “re-educate”)
These shifts show how language evolves — often toward simpler forms.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers trip up with “re-” words.
Frequent errors include:
- Adding a hyphen unnecessarily (re-order instead of reorder)
- Forgetting the hyphen when clarity demands it (recover instead of re-cover)
- Mixing styles within the same document
Quick self-edit checklist:
- Does removing the hyphen cause confusion? Keep it if yes.
- Are you following one consistent style guide? Stick to it.
- Is your audience familiar with the word?
Mnemonic: “Hyphen if hazy” — if the meaning without a hyphen isn’t crystal clear, add one.
American vs. British English: Hyphenation Differences
British English often retains more hyphens than American English, especially in formal or academic writing.
Examples:
| American English | British English |
| reorder | re-order |
| reenact | re-enact |
| reelect | re-elect |
If you’re writing for a UK audience, “re-order” may be perfectly normal — but in the US, it will usually look outdated.
Capitalization & Hyphenation in Titles
When “re-” words appear in titles, capitalization rules from style guides kick in.
AP Style:
- Capitalize the “Re” if it’s the first word or part of a capitalized title.
- Example: Reorder Your Workflow for Better Results
- Hyphenation follows the normal rule: no hyphen unless needed for clarity.
Chicago Style:
- Similar capitalization rules.
- Hyphenation rules unchanged — don’t add a hyphen just because it’s in a headline.
Practical Tips for Deciding
Here’s a quick decision chart for “re-” words:
| Step | Question | Action |
| 1 | Would removing the hyphen cause confusion? | Keep the hyphen if yes. |
| 2 | Does the root word start with “e”? | Consider a hyphen for clarity. |
| 3 | Are you following AP, Chicago, MLA, or APA? | Apply that guide’s rule. |
| 4 | Is your audience American? | Default to fewer hyphens. |
For “reorder,” the decision is almost always no hyphen in American English.
Conclusion
Choosing between reorder and re-order is simpler than it seems once you understand the rules. The English style guides clearly recommend using reorder as one word because the re- prefix attaches directly to the root unless the root starts with the letter “e.”
While the hyphenated form might still appear in older writing or certain stylistic choices, it’s usually wrong in modern usage. By sticking to this guideline, you’ll follow proper standards and make your writing look professional and consistent.
FAQs
Q1: Is “re-order” ever correct?
In most cases, no. It’s considered outdated and does not follow modern style rules, unless used for rare stylistic emphasis.
Q2: Why is “reorder” preferred?
Because the re- prefix rules say you join it to the root word unless the root begins with “e.”
Q3: Do all “re-” words follow the same rule?
Yes, unless the root starts with “e,” where the hyphen helps with readability (e.g., re-enter).
Q4: Can I use “re-order” for clarity?
You can, but it’s not recommended in formal writing unless it prevents confusion.
Q5: Where do these rules come from?
They’re outlined in major English style guides, like APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual of Style.
