Hyphen usage in English can be puzzling, especially when deciding whether to hyphenate certain words or phrases.

One common area of confusion is whether to write “reorder” or “re-order.” Understanding the rules of hyphenation is crucial for clear and effective communication. 

Use “reorder” without a hyphen unless clarity requires “re-order,” such as when avoiding confusion with another word.

In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of hyphen usage in American English, focusing on cases like “reorder” vs. “re-order” and providing guidance for correct hyphenation.

The Basics of Hyphenation

What is a Hyphen?

A hyphen (-) is a small horizontal line used to join words or parts of words.

It plays a crucial role in English grammar by ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. Hyphens are primarily used in the following ways:

• Compound Words: To connect two or more words to form a single concept (e.g., mother-in-law, well-being).
• Prefixes and Suffixes: To separate prefixes from the main word when needed (e.g., ex-president, non-negotiable).
• Line Breaks: To split a word at the end of a line when space is limited.

Historical Context

Hyphenation has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, hyphens were used more liberally, but modern usage has trended toward simplicity and clarity.

The goal is to make reading easier by reducing unnecessary hyphenation.

“The evolution of language is often a reflection of societal changes.”

The move toward simpler hyphenation reflects a broader trend in the English language towards conciseness and efficiency.

Reorder vs. Re-order: The Specific Case

Definition and Usage

The terms “reorder” and “re-order” both refer to the act of arranging something again.

However, the decision to use a hyphen depends on the context and style guide being followed.

• Reorder: This is the more common form in American English. It’s used when the meaning is clear without the hyphen.
• Re-order: This form might be used for emphasis or clarity, especially if the prefix “re-” could lead to confusion with another word (e.g., “re-sign” vs. “resign”).

Examples in Sentences

• Reorder: “I need to reorder my books on the shelf.”
• Re-order: “Please re-order the items if they are out of stock.”

In most cases, “reorder” is preferred, as it aligns with the trend of using fewer hyphens in modern English.

Grammatical Rules

When dealing with prefixes like “re-,” it’s important to consider whether the prefix changes the meaning of the word or if the base word begins with a vowel.

In such cases, a hyphen can help prevent confusion:

• Re-sign vs. Resign: “Re-sign” means to sign again, whereas “resign” means to quit.
• Re-cover vs. Recover: “Re-cover” means to cover again, while “recover” means to regain health.

The hyphen clarifies the intended meaning, making it easier for readers to understand the writer’s intent.

General Rules for Hyphenation in American English

Compound Adjectives

Hyphens are commonly used to join words that function as a single adjective before a noun. This helps clarify the relationship between the words and prevents misinterpretation.

• Examples:
  • Well-known author: The hyphen shows that “well” modifies “known,” and together they describe the author.
  • High-quality product: The hyphen clarifies that the product is of high quality.

Rule of Thumb: Hyphenate compound adjectives when they come before a noun, but not when they come after.

• Correct: “A well-known author.”
• Incorrect: “An author is well-known.”

Prefixes and Suffixes

Hyphen usage with prefixes can be tricky. Here are some guidelines:

• Always Hyphenate:
  • When the prefix ends with the same vowel that the root word begins with (e.g., co-op, pre-existing).
  • To avoid confusion with another word (e.g., re-sign vs. resign).
• Do Not Hyphenate:
  • Common prefixes like “un,” “in,” “pre,” “post,” “anti,” and “non” usually do not require a hyphen (e.g., unimportant, nonprofit).

Line Breaks

When splitting a word at the end of a line, use a hyphen to indicate the break. This should be done according to syllable breaks, ensuring that the split makes sense:

• Example:
  • “The cat jumped over the fence, but it didn’t quite make it all the way.”
• Correct Line Break:
  • “The cat jumped over the fence, but it didn’t quite make it all the
  • way.”

Breaking at the end of syllables ensures that the text remains readable and maintains the integrity of the word.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Over-Hyphenation

Overusing hyphens can clutter writing and make it harder to read. This often occurs when writers are unsure of the rules and choose to hyphenate unnecessarily.

• Examples of Over-Hyphenation:
  • Incorrect: “The well-educated-teacher gave a high-quality-presentation.”
  • Correct: “The well-educated teacher gave a high-quality presentation.”

Avoiding unnecessary hyphens keeps writing clean and easy to read.

Under-Hyphenation

Under-hyphenation occurs when writers fail to use hyphens where they are needed, leading to potential confusion.

• Examples of Under-Hyphenation:
  • Incorrect: “I saw a man eating chicken.”
  • Correct: “I saw a man-eating chicken.”

In the incorrect example, it’s unclear whether the man is eating chicken or if it’s a type of chicken. The hyphen resolves this ambiguity.

Impact on Readability

Incorrect hyphenation can affect readability and comprehension. Readers may struggle to understand the intended meaning, leading to confusion and misinterpretation. Proper hyphenation ensures clarity and professionalism in writing.

Tips and Tools for Correct Hyphenation

Style Guides

Several major style guides provide rules for hyphenation in American English. While these guides may have slight differences, they offer a solid foundation for understanding hyphen usage.

• Chicago Manual of Style: Offers comprehensive rules for hyphenation, especially in formal writing.
• AP Stylebook: Commonly used in journalism, it provides guidance for consistent hyphenation.

Online Resources

Numerous online resources and tools can help with hyphenation, offering quick guidance and examples:

• Merriam-Webster Online: Provides definitions and examples, including hyphenated forms.
• Grammarly: Offers real-time writing suggestions, including hyphenation guidance.

Proofreading Strategies

Proofreading is essential for catching hyphenation errors. Here are some strategies to ensure correct usage:

• Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can help you hear where hyphens might be needed.
• Peer Review: Having someone else review your writing can provide a fresh perspective and catch mistakes you might have missed.

The Future of Hyphenation

Trends in Modern English

As language evolves, so do the rules and trends surrounding hyphenation. In recent years, there has been a move toward simpler, more streamlined writing that favors fewer hyphens.

“Language is not static; it reflects the society that uses it.”

Digital communication and informal writing styles are influencing these changes, leading to a gradual shift in hyphen usage.

Language Evolution

The rules of hyphenation may continue to change as English evolves. Writers should stay informed about these changes by consulting style guides and staying updated on language trends.

Conclusion

Hyphenation plays a vital role in ensuring clarity and precision in writing. By understanding the rules and applying them correctly, writers can enhance the readability and professionalism of their work.

Whether you’re dealing with “reorder” vs. “re-order” or other hyphen-related challenges, following established guidelines will help you navigate the complexities of hyphenation in American English.