Reorder or Re-order?

When I first started editing professionally, I found hyphens to be tricky, especially with prefixes like re. I’d often pause and ask: should I write reorder or re-order? That question isn’t always straightforward, and knowing the rules, exceptions, and best practices in American English matters.

When it comes to consistency, always follow what recognized dictionaries and editorial standards recommend. Though “re-order” may look clearer, it’s not typically the preferred form. Learning this logic made decision-making easier and helped me see language structure in a new way.

Understanding the “Re-” Prefix

The prefix “re” originates from Latin, meaning “again” or “back.” In English, it’s commonly used to indicate repetition or restoration. For example:

• Rebuild – to build again
• Return – to come back
• Reorder – to order again or arrange differently.

However, when attaching “re” to a word, hyphenation can sometimes be necessary to avoid confusion or mispronunciation.

General Rule: When to Hyphenate “Re-” Words

According to the AP Stylebook, the general guideline is:

Do not hyphenate “re-” words unless the hyphen is needed to avoid confusion with another word.

This means that in most cases, “re-” words are written without a hyphen. However, if omitting the hyphen creates a different word with a different meaning, the hyphen should be used.

Examples:

• Reform (to improve) vs. Re-form (to form again)
• Recover (to get back) vs. Re-cover (to cover again)

In these cases, the hyphen clarifies the intended meaning.

Style Guide Perspectives

AP Stylebook

The AP Stylebook advises:

• No hyphen for “re-” words unless omitting the hyphen would confuse.
• Use a hyphen when the word that follows “re” starts with the same vowel, especially “e,” to prevent misreading. Reddit

Examples:

• Reenter (AP now allows this without a hyphen)
• Re-elect (hyphenated to avoid confusion)

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

CMOS generally prefers closed compounds (no hyphen) but recommends hyphenation in specific cases:

• Use a hyphen to avoid doubling vowels that might cause misreading (e.g., “re-enter”).
• Use a hyphen when the second element is a proper noun or numeral (e.g., “pre-1950”).
• Use a hyphen when the word could be misread or has a different meaning without it (e.g., “re-cover” vs. “recover”).

“Reorder” or “Re-order”: The Verdict

The AP Stylebook and CMOS agree that “reorder” is the correct form in most contexts. The hyphenated form “re-order” is generally unnecessary unless required for clarity.

Why “Reorder” is Preferred:

• Clarity: “Reorder” is unlikely to be confused with another word.
• Pronunciation: No vowel duplication might cause misreading.
• Consistency: Major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster list “reorder” without a hyphen.

Exceptions: When to Use a Hyphen

While “reorder” doesn’t require a hyphen, some “re-” words do. Here are common exceptions:

Word	Hyphenated	Reason
Re-enter	Yes	Avoids double “e”
Re-elect	Yes	Prevents confusion with “reelect”
Re-cover	Yes	Differentiates from “recover”
Re-sign	Yes	Differentiates from “resign”
Re-creation	Yes	Differentiates from “recreation”

In these cases, the hyphen ensures the reader understands the intended meaning.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Overusing Hyphens: Adding hyphens that aren’t needed can make writing look cluttered.
  • Incorrect: “Re-order the items.”
  • Correct: “Reorder the items.”
• Omitting Necessary Hyphens: Failing to use a hyphen when needed can lead to confusion.
  • Incorrect: “She will resign the document.”
  • Correct: “She will re-sign the document.”
• Inconsistent Usage: Switching between hyphenated and non-hyphenated forms can confuse readers.
  • Be consistent: If you choose “reenter,” use it throughout your document.

American vs. British English

Hyphenation practices can differ between American and British English.

• American English: Tends to favor closed compounds (e.g., “reenter”).
• British English: Often uses hyphenated forms (e.g., “re-enter”).

When writing for an international audience, consider the preferred style of your readers.

Capitalization and Hyphenation in Titles

When it comes to titles, hyphenation and capitalization rules can vary.

AP Style

• Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns.
  • Example: “Reordering the Process”

Chicago Manual of Style

• Capitalize both parts of a hyphenated compound in titles.
  • Example: “Re-Ordering the Process”

Choose the style guide that aligns with your publication or organization.

Practical Examples

Understanding how “reorder” is used in real-world contexts can solidify its correct usage.

• E-commerce: “Click here to reorder your previous purchase.”
• Inventory Management: “We need to reorder stock for the upcoming season.”
• Personal Organization: “It’s time to reorder my priorities.”

In each case, “reorder” is used without a hyphen, aligning with standard American English conventions.

Summary Table: “Re-” Words and Hyphenation

Here’s a quick reference for common “re-” words:

Word	Hyphenated	Notes
Reorder	No	Standard usage
Re-enter	Yes	Avoids double “e”
Re-sign	Yes	Differentiates from “resign”
Recreate	No	Means to create again
Re-create	Yes	Differentiates from “recreate” (leisure)
Re-cover	Yes	Differentiates from “recover”

Final Tips for Writers and Editors

• Consult Style Guides: Refer to the AP Stylebook or CMOS for guidance.
• Use Dictionaries: Merriam-Webster is a reliable source for standard spellings.
• Prioritize Clarity: When in doubt, choose the form that best conveys your intended meaning.
• Be Consistent: Maintain uniformity in your hyphenation choices throughout your document.

Conclusion

In American English, “reorder” is the correct and standard form. Hyphenating it as “re-order” is generally unnecessary and can be considered outdated. By understanding the rules and exceptions for hyphenating “re-” words, you can write with greater clarity and professionalism.

FAQs

What is the correct spelling: “reorder” or “re-order”?

“Reorder” is the correct and standard spelling in American English. It does not require a hyphen, as there’s no risk of confusion or mispronunciation. Major style guides like AP and the Chicago Manual of Style support this usage.

When should I use a hyphen with the prefix “re”?

Use a hyphen only when not hyphenating would create a different word with a separate meaning or if the resulting word could be misread.
Examples:

• Re-sign (to sign again) vs. resign (to quit)
• Re-cover (to cover again) vs. recover (to regain)

Is “reorder” used differently in British English?

Yes, in British English, it’s more common to see hyphenated forms like “re-order,” though both are understood. American English favors the closed compound form: “reorder.”

Should I capitalize both parts of “re-order” in a title?

If you’re following Chicago style, capitalize both parts: “Re-Order the System.”
If you’re following AP style, capitalize only the first word and proper nouns: “Re-order the system.”
That said, “reorder” is usually not hyphenated, so:

• Chicago: “Reorder the System”
• AP: “Reorder the system.”

Are there any style guides that require hyphenating “reorder”?

No major style guide-not AP, CMOS, nor Merriam-Webster-requires the hyphen in “reorder.” Unless you’re following a specific in-house style guide that mandates hyphenation, the correct and most accepted form is “reorder.”