Hyphenation can be a tricky part of English grammar, especially when it comes to words with prefixes like “re-“. Should you write “reorder” or “re-order”? This question often confuses even the most experienced writers.
In this article, we will break down the hyphenation rules for words with the “re-“ prefix and give you a clear understanding of when to use a hyphen and when to leave it out.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to handle words like “rearrange”, “reenter”, and “replay” with confidence.
We’ll explore the rules, exceptions, and style guide differences to ensure you’re hyphenating correctly. Let’s dive into the world of hyphens, style guides, and language evolution!
Understanding Hyphenation with the Prefix “Re-”
The “re-“ prefix is one of the most commonly used prefixes in English. It typically means “again” or “back.” For example:
- Rebuild: to build again.
- Rewind: to wind back.
However, the question remains: should we always hyphenate these words, or is it okay to just write them without a hyphen?
When to Use a Hyphen with “Re-“
Generally, a hyphen is used with the “re-“ prefix when the second part of the word is a capital letter or when its absence would create ambiguity. Here’s when you should hyphenate:
- Avoiding confusion: When omitting the hyphen could lead to misunderstanding.
- Capitalization: If the second part of the word begins with a capital letter.
When Not to Use a Hyphen
Most of the time, you don’t need a hyphen when the word is clear without it. Here are some guidelines:
- Words like reorder, replay, and reopen don’t require a hyphen because they are commonly understood.
- Simple combinations like recharge and reorganize do not need hyphens either.
To Hyphenate or Not: The Rule Behind “Re-”
The question of whether to hyphenate or not comes down to clarity. It’s all about avoiding confusion and ensuring readability. Here are the key considerations:
Key Guidelines for Hyphenating “Re-” Words
- No Hyphen: When the second word begins with a consonant, and the combination isn’t confusing.
- Examples: reorganize, rebuild, reconnect.
- Hyphenate: When the second word starts with a capital letter or could cause confusion.
- Example: re-enter, re-apply.
- Ambiguous Words: If not using a hyphen might confuse the reader, a hyphen is necessary.
- Example: re-cover (to cover again) vs. recover (to regain health).
The Influence of Style Guides on Hyphenation
Different style guides offer varying rules for hyphenating words with the “re-“ prefix. Let’s look at the two most influential ones: AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style.
AP Style
The Associated Press (AP) Style is commonly used in journalism, and it has very specific rules about hyphenation. According to AP Style:
- No Hyphen: Use no hyphen for most common words with the “re-” prefix unless it’s needed for clarity.
- Examples: rejoin, reenter.
- Hyphen Required: Hyphenate when the second word is capitalized or if the word could be confused with another.
- Examples: re-enter, re-apply.
Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) allows more flexibility in hyphenation than AP. In general, CMS:
- Hyphenates more often: It suggests a hyphen for clearer readability, especially in longer or more complex combinations.
- Examples: re-enter, re-sign.
- No Hyphen: It still agrees with AP on most simple words.
- Examples: rebuild, replay.
AP Style’s Approach to Hyphenating “Re-”
In AP Style, the goal is simplicity and clarity. While it suggests no hyphen in most cases, it will allow hyphenation when the word could cause confusion. Here’s a detailed look:
No Hyphen in Common Words
- Rearrange, recharge, replay: Simple combinations that are widely understood.
Hyphenate When Confusion Could Arise
- Re-enter (to enter again) vs. reenter (potentially unclear if written without a hyphen).
- Re-sign (sign again) vs. resign (quit a job).
Chicago Manual of Style: A More Flexible Approach
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) tends to be more flexible with hyphenation. Unlike AP, CMS doesn’t shy away from using hyphens to make things clearer. Here’s what it recommends:
When to Hyphenate According to CMS
- Re-evaluate (to evaluate again) – CMS prefers a hyphen here for clarity.
- Re-enter – A hyphen is used to avoid confusion with the word “reenter” (which could mean different things).
CMS’s General Hyphenation Rule
- CMS’s main focus is making sure the reader doesn’t get lost. Therefore, when in doubt, it encourages using a hyphen, especially with longer or more complex words.
Common Mistakes with “Reorder” and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes people make when dealing with “re-” words is forgetting the rules or mixing up similar-sounding words. Here are some tips to avoid the common pitfalls:
Mistake #1: Confusing “Reorder” and “Re-Order”
- Correct: Use reorder without a hyphen.
- Incorrect: Writing it as re-order is not necessary unless following a style guide that demands it.
Mistake #2: Overuse of Hyphens
- Incorrect: Writing reapply, reenter, or replay with hyphens.
- Correct: These words are commonly accepted without hyphens.
Mistake #3: Not Hyphenating When Needed
- If the second word begins with a capital letter or the combination could confuse the reader, always use a hyphen.
- Example: Re-enter (enter again).
Reordering Hyphenation: American vs. British English
When it comes to hyphenation rules for words with the “re-“ prefix, there’s a noticeable difference between American and British English.
American English
- No Hyphen for most “re-” words.
- Examples: reopen, rejoin, reconnect.
British English
- Often uses a hyphen for words like re-enter, re-organize.
- Examples: re-organize, re-align.
Comparison Table: Hyphenation in American vs. British English
| Word | American English | British English |
| Reenter | No hyphen | Hyphenate |
| Rejoin | No hyphen | Hyphenate |
| Reorganize | No hyphen | Hyphenate |
Capitalization and Hyphenation in Titles: AP vs. Chicago Style
When you’re writing titles, capitalization and hyphenation rules get a little tricky. Here’s how both AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style handle them:
AP Style
- Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns.
- Do not hyphenate unless necessary for clarity.
- Example: “Re-enter the competition” vs. “Reenter the competition.”
Chicago Style
- Capitalize all important words in titles.
- More likely to use hyphens in compound terms.
- Example: “Re-sign the contract” vs. “Resign from the post.”
Words That Defy the Hyphen Rule
Some words seem to defy the typical hyphenation rules. These exceptions have evolved over time and are widely accepted.
Examples of Irregular Words
- Reelect – no hyphen despite the apparent “double E.”
- Revisit – accepted without a hyphen.
Conclusion: Mastering Hyphenation with the “Re-” Prefix
Hyphenation with the “re-“ prefix can be confusing, but with the right knowledge, you can navigate it with ease. Always consider clarity, readability, and the style guide you’re following. Here are some final tips:
- Use a hyphen when the second word begins with a capital letter or could cause confusion.
- Check the rules in your style guide (whether AP, Chicago, or others).
- Be aware of differences between American and British English.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a hyphen in “reenter”?
- A: In most cases, no. However, AP Style may suggest using a hyphen (re-enter) for clarity.
Q: When should I use a hyphen with “re-“?
- A: Use a hyphen when the second word begins with a capital letter or could cause confusion, such as re-apply.
Q: What’s the difference between American and British English hyphenation?
- A: British English often uses hyphens more than American English, such as in re-enter and re-organize.
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