Reevaluation vs. Re-evaluation: Mastering the Hyphen Rule

When it comes to writing, punctuation and spelling are often taken for granted. Yet, these small elements can significantly affect the clarity and readability of your work. One of the most common and confusing areas is hyphenation, particularly when it comes to the prefix “re-.” Should you write reevaluation or re-evaluation? Do you need a hyphen?

In this post, we’ll dive deep into hyphenation rules and offer a clear guide to help you understand when and why a hyphen is necessary, especially with words starting with the prefix “re-.”

Hyphenation Rules in American English

Before diving into the specific cases of reevaluation versus re-evaluation, it’s important to first understand the general rules of hyphenation in American English. Hyphenation can be tricky, and while it’s a small detail, getting it right can improve the overall flow and comprehension of your writing.

The General Rule for Hyphenation in American English

In general, hyphens are used in the following cases:

• Compound modifiers: When two or more words come together to describe a noun, and they are placed before the noun, they are often hyphenated. For example, “well-known author” or “high-quality products.”
• Prefix + base word: This is where our specific question lies. In some cases, when a prefix is added to a base word, a hyphen is used for clarity or due to historical language development. For instance, “re-enter” requires a hyphen, but “reboot” does not.

However, not all combinations of prefix and root word will need a hyphen, especially when the meaning is clear without one.

Key Considerations in Hyphenation:

• Clarity: If not using a hyphen leads to confusion, then it’s better to use one. Consider the difference between “re-sign” (to sign again) and “resign” (to quit).
• Consistency: Stick with a hyphenation rule throughout your document. If you start hyphenating one instance of a prefix, do the same for others unless there’s a clear reason not to.
• Style Guides: American English style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, may differ slightly on hyphenation rules. When in doubt, refer to the guide you are following.

The “Re-” Prefix: When to Use a Hyphen

The prefix “re-“ means “again” or “back” and is used to form verbs and adjectives. In many cases, the word that follows doesn’t require a hyphen. For example, rethink or replay. However, there are exceptions where the re- prefix requires a hyphen.

When Does “Re-” Need a Hyphen?

• When the following word starts with a capital letter: If you’re referring to something specific, like a product name or a legal term, you might need to add a hyphen. For example, re-Create (a specific trademarked product).
• To avoid confusion with another word: For example, “re-sign” (to sign again) needs a hyphen to avoid being confused with “resign” (to quit a position).
• When the root word begins with the letter “e”: This rule isn’t rigid, but many people choose to include a hyphen in words like re-elect or re-enact to preserve clarity and pronunciation.
• In some cases, to preserve the original meaning: This rule applies when the prefix “re-” would form an ambiguous or odd-sounding compound. For example, re-enter (to enter again) uses the hyphen to maintain clarity, whereas “reenter” would be harder to decipher quickly.

Reevaluation vs. Re-evaluation: Breaking Down the Debate

Let’s get to the heart of the matter. Should you write reevaluation or re-evaluation? In both cases, the word means “the act of evaluating again,” so what’s the correct choice? The truth lies in understanding why some words require hyphens and others don’t.

Historical Usage Trends and Lexical Shifts

Historically, the use of a hyphen was more common. However, as language evolves, many compound words have dropped the hyphen, becoming standard as single words. Reevaluation is one of those cases. Over time, the hyphen has been omitted, and reevaluation has become the more accepted spelling in modern American English.

So, what’s the verdict?

• Reevaluation is the preferred form without a hyphen.
• Re-evaluation is still acceptable, especially in contexts where clarity is paramount, but it’s less common.

It’s important to note that in British English, re-evaluation is more frequently used than reevaluation. Therefore, if you’re writing for an American audience, it’s safer to go with the hyphen-less version.

The Role of Dictionaries and Style Guides

Dictionaries are crucial when deciding on the correct spelling. Many modern dictionaries, such as Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, list reevaluation as the primary form without a hyphen. However, style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style often note that when clarity is a concern, you can use the hyphen.

The Consequences of Omitting a Hyphen

You might be thinking: “What’s the big deal if I leave out the hyphen?” The truth is, omitting hyphens can cause confusion. In certain contexts, it may even affect the meaning of a sentence.

Real-World Examples of Misinterpretation

Consider the following examples:

• Recover vs. Re-cover:
  • Recover means to regain something lost (e.g., “She will recover her health”).
  • Re-cover means to cover again (e.g., “I need to re-cover the couch with new fabric”).

Without the hyphen, these words would be indistinguishable, which could lead to errors in interpretation. Another common confusion arises in the word re-sign (to sign again) versus resign (to quit).

Legal and Medical Writing:

In fields like law or medicine, a missing hyphen can cause significant misunderstandings. Imagine a legal document that says, “The contract will re-sign,” when the intention was to say “re-sign the contract,” meaning to sign it again. In such cases, a simple hyphen would make a world of difference.

Clarity in Professional and Academic Writing

In professional and academic writing, precision is key. Whether you’re drafting an email to a colleague, composing a legal document, or preparing a research paper, you need to communicate your message clearly. Proper hyphenation helps to ensure your audience understands your intent immediately.

Why Precision Matters

Here’s an example: A researcher writes, “The results will be re-evaluated.” The hyphen here can convey a sense of structured, formal reevaluation. Without the hyphen, reevaluated might seem like a casual or hasty action. The hyphen adds formality and clarity to the statement.

Best Practices for Writers and Editors

• Follow a consistent style guide: Whether you’re using APA, MLA, or Chicago, consistency in hyphenation is important.
• Proofread for clarity: Look for compound words with prefixes like re- and double-check if a hyphen might be needed for clarity.
• Understand the context: In professional writing, consider whether your audience will need extra clarity. If in doubt, use a hyphen.

Special Cases: Hyphenation in Titles and Capitalization Rules

When it comes to titles and headlines, hyphenation can be especially tricky. Some style guides require different hyphenation rules when titles are involved.

For example, in the case of reevaluation vs. re-evaluation, different styles may apply depending on whether the term is part of a headline or a book title.

Titles and Headings

The AP Stylebook suggests that hyphens are used in compound modifiers only when they precede a noun. For instance, re-evaluation of the case is correct, but the case’s reevaluation is fine without the hyphen.

In contrast, The Chicago Manual of Style might be a little more lenient, allowing the use of a hyphen for better readability or formality in titles.

Conclusion: The Best Approach to Hyphen Usage

So, should you use reevaluation or re-evaluation? The short answer: reevaluation is generally the correct choice in American English. However, if you feel the hyphen enhances clarity or formality in your writing, don’t hesitate to use re-evaluation.

Key Takeaways:

• Reevaluation is the preferred form in modern American English.
• Use a hyphen when needed for clarity, especially if the word could be misunderstood without one.
• Stick to a style guide to maintain consistency throughout your writing.
• Be mindful of your audience—professional and academic writing often requires the utmost clarity.

Hyphenation may seem like a small detail, but getting it right makes a big difference. By understanding the rules and exceptions, you’ll ensure your writing is clear, precise, and professional. Happy writing!

FAQs on Reevaluation vs. Re-evaluation

1. Is “reevaluation” or “re-evaluation” correct in American English?

Both forms are technically correct, but reevaluation (without a hyphen) is the preferred spelling in modern American English. Major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford American Dictionary list “reevaluation” as the standard form. However, “re-evaluation” is still commonly used in British English and in formal writing when clarity is needed.

2. When should I use a hyphen with the prefix “re-“?

You should use a hyphen when not using it could create confusion or change the meaning of a word. For example:

• Re-sign (to sign again) vs. Resign (to quit)
• Re-cover (to cover again) vs. Recover (to regain something)
• Re-evaluate (less common but still used) vs. Reevaluate (preferred)

If the root word starts with an “e” (as in “evaluate”), some writers add a hyphen for clarity, but this is becoming less common.

3. Do style guides like APA, Chicago, and AP have a preference?

Yes, different style guides have varying preferences:

• Chicago Manual of Style (CMS): Prefers reevaluation but allows “re-evaluation” for clarity.
• AP Stylebook: Prefers simpler, unhyphenated words whenever possible, so reevaluation is generally recommended.
• APA (American Psychological Association): Also favors reevaluation, unless the hyphen improves readability in specific cases.

4. Is “reevaluation” more common in professional and academic writing?

Yes. In business, legal, and academic writing, reevaluation is widely accepted. However, when clarity is critical (such as in legal contracts or medical documents), re-evaluation may be used to avoid misinterpretation.