Reevaluation or Re-evaluation? The Complete Guide to the Hyphen Rule

Ever paused mid-email wondering whether to write “reevaluation” or “re-evaluation”? You’re not alone. This tiny hyphen causes big confusion — even among professionals who pride themselves on flawless grammar and formal writing. Whether you’re drafting a business communication, updating a project management report, or preparing online booking instructions for a client, consistency in word form matters. The difference might seem minor, but using the right spelling can shape how polished and credible your writing appears.

In this guide, we’ll break down when to use “reevaluation” or “re-evaluation”, drawing on insights from major style guides and regional preferences — such as US vs. UK English usage. You’ll learn how the hyphen rule evolved, which version fits best in professional contexts like meetings, calendar scheduling, or broadcasting, and how to stay consistent across all your written materials. By the end, you’ll not only know the correct form but also understand the subtle principles that make your writing more precise, modern, and trustworthy.

What “Reevaluation” and “Re-evaluation” Mean

Both words share the same root idea: to evaluate again — to look at something with fresh eyes and possibly change your judgment.

However, the English language offers subtle distinctions worth noting:

Word	Meaning	Common Usage
Reevaluation / Re-evaluation	The act of assessing something again	“The board called for a reevaluation of the policy.”
Revaluation	Assigning a new value to something (especially in finance or currency)	“The revaluation of the dollar affected exports.”

The confusion arises because reevaluation (or re-evaluation) looks similar to revaluation. That’s where the hyphen helps — it visually separates the prefix re- from the root evaluation, making it clearer that you mean “to evaluate again,” not “to revalue.”

How Hyphens Work with Prefixes Like “Re-”

Understanding when to use a hyphen depends on a few consistent grammar principles. The prefix “re-” means “again” or “back,” and whether you attach it directly to the root word or use a hyphen depends on readability and potential confusion.

Here’s the general rule:

✅ Use a hyphen when the prefix ends with the same vowel that the root word begins with (especially ‘e’).

That’s why we write:

• re-enter (not reenter)
• re-elect (not reelect)

The double “e” can be hard to read without a visual break.

However, as English evolves, modern usage tends to simplify — dropping the hyphen when comprehension isn’t affected. That’s why reevaluate (without the hyphen) is now widely accepted.

Modern Usage: Reevaluation vs. Re-evaluation

Language changes with time. While older grammar handbooks insisted on the hyphen (especially before the 1980s), modern style guides lean toward the simpler, unhyphenated form.

Let’s look at what the most influential guides say:

Style Guide	Preferred Form	Notes
AP Stylebook	re-evaluation	Uses a hyphen if the root begins with the same vowel as the prefix.
Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)	reevaluation	Hyphen unnecessary unless clarity demands it.
APA (7th Edition)	reevaluation	Only use a hyphen if omitting it causes confusion.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary	reevaluate (primary), re-evaluate (variant)	Lists both as correct, prefers unhyphenated.
Cambridge Dictionary	re-evaluate (British), reevaluate (US)	Regional variation — UK English tends to keep the hyphen.

Key takeaway:
Both versions are correct, but reevaluation (no hyphen) is preferred in modern American English. The hyphenated re-evaluation remains more common in British English or in formal documents requiring extra clarity.

Examples in Context

To see the difference in action, compare these sentences:

• Without hyphen:
  “The team began a reevaluation of last year’s strategy.”
  → Clear, modern, and concise.
• With hyphen:
  “The committee called for a re-evaluation of its policies to avoid confusion with revaluation.”
  → Adds clarity and separates the prefix when context could confuse.

Both are grammatically correct. Your choice depends on tone, audience, and whether another word could be misread.

When the Hyphen Is Necessary

While dropping the hyphen works most of the time, there are moments when keeping it avoids misinterpretation.

Here’s a quick checklist:

When to Use Re-evaluation	When to Use Reevaluation
The root word begins with “e” and looks awkward without a hyphen (e.g., re-enter, re-educate).	The double vowel doesn’t create confusion (e.g., reevaluate).
The unhyphenated version could be mistaken for another existing word (e.g., recover vs. re-cover).	The word is widely recognized in its unhyphenated form.
Following style guides like AP or British English conventions.	Following American style guides (Chicago, APA).
Writing for highly formal or academic contexts.	Writing for general, digital, or conversational contexts.

Example:

• “We plan to re-emerge stronger next quarter.” (Hyphen needed)
• “We will reevaluate our marketing plan next month.” (Hyphen optional)

Common Prefix Confusions: Real-World Examples

The hyphen rule for “re-” mirrors similar patterns found in other prefixes. Understanding these helps writers stay consistent.

Prefix	Word	Correct Form	Explanation
re-	re-elect	✅ Hyphen	Avoids double “e”.
re-	reevaluate	✅ Often no hyphen	Accepted modern form.
re-	re-enter	✅ Hyphen	Double “e”, helps readability.
pre-	pre-existing	✅ Hyphen	Avoids double “e”.
co-	cooperate	✅ No hyphen	Common established word.
co-	co-owner	✅ Hyphen	Avoids “oo” confusion.

Tip: If removing the hyphen makes the word hard to read or changes meaning — keep it.

Case Study: Corporate vs. Editorial Usage

Let’s look at two real-world writing scenarios.

Corporate Writing

A financial report might say:

“Following market changes, the company initiated a re-evaluation of its assets.”

Here, the hyphen helps differentiate “re-evaluation” (assessing again) from “revaluation” (assigning new value). In finance, those terms have different meanings. The hyphen clarifies intention.

Editorial or Academic Writing

A university might write:

“The department announced a comprehensive reevaluation of its grading standards.”

Academic English often favors the unhyphenated form unless ambiguity arises. Most journals and style guides, such as the APA Manual, recommend consistency over perfection.

Regional and Stylistic Variations

American English

• Prefers reevaluation (no hyphen).
• Modern, streamlined, easier for digital readability.
• Backed by Merriam-Webster and Chicago Manual of Style.

British English

• Tends to use re-evaluation (with hyphen).
• Aligns with Cambridge Dictionary and traditional spelling norms.
• Seen as more formal and precise.

If you’re writing for a global audience, it’s fine to pick one and stick with it — just stay consistent throughout your text.

Common Pitfalls Writers Make

Even seasoned writers make small mistakes when dealing with prefixes like “re-.” Here are the most common — and how to fix them.

1. Omitting the Hyphen When It’s Needed

Example: “We must reenter the data manually.”
Better: “We must re-enter the data manually.”
Without the hyphen, “reenter” can momentarily confuse the reader’s eye.

2. Adding the Hyphen When It’s Not Needed

Example: “We will re-visit the proposal next week.”
Better: “We will revisit the proposal next week.”
“Revisit” is well-established; the hyphen only clutters the word.

3. Inconsistent Usage

Switching between “re-evaluation” and “reevaluation” in the same document signals carelessness. Pick one style and apply it everywhere.

4. Ignoring Style Guides

Every publication has its own conventions. If you’re writing professionally, check before submitting. For example:

• The APA Publication Manual prefers reevaluation.
  
• AP Stylebook may still use re-evaluation for clarity.
  

5. Forgetting About Readability

Ultimately, the reader matters most. If dropping the hyphen causes someone to misread or stumble, it’s worth keeping.

Style Guide Insights

Let’s compare official recommendations for prefix hyphenation from top authorities.

Source	Hyphen Rule for “Re-”	Notes
AP Stylebook	Hyphenate when the root begins with “e” (re-elect, re-evaluation).	Prioritizes clarity and tradition.
Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.)	Close up unless it creates confusion (reelect, reevaluation).	Modern, minimalist approach.
APA 7th Edition	Use hyphen only if needed for clarity.	Aligns with CMOS.
Cambridge & Oxford Dictionaries	British English retains hyphen more often.	Reflects regional difference.
Merriam-Webster	Lists both forms, unhyphenated as main entry.	Reflects US usage trend.

Bottom line:
If you’re writing for an American audience, use reevaluation. For British or AP-style contexts, go with re-evaluation.

Mini Guide: When Hyphens Change Meaning

Here are a few fascinating examples showing why hyphens matter.

Without Hyphen	With Hyphen	Meaning Difference
recover	re-cover	“Recover” = get better; “re-cover” = cover again.
reform	re-form	“Reform” = improve; “re-form” = form again.
resign	re-sign	“Resign” = quit; “re-sign” = sign again.
recreation	re-creation	“Recreation” = leisure; “re-creation” = making again.

The hyphen, though small, can completely change the meaning of a word. That’s why writers need to know exactly when to use it — and when to drop it.

Read More: Propose vs Purpose – What’s the Difference? A Complete Guide

Historical Note: How the Rule Evolved

Early 20th-century English heavily favored hyphenation. You’d often see forms like re-enter or re-evaluate in books and newspapers. Over time, as printing and digital writing simplified typography, hyphens started disappearing from common compounds.

Why the shift?

• Typing and technology: Fewer hyphens made text cleaner on screens.
• Language simplification: Readers quickly adapted to double vowels.
• Dictionary influence: Modern dictionaries began listing unhyphenated forms as primary.

So while re-evaluation may look more formal, reevaluation feels modern and streamlined — a reflection of how English evolves.

Quotes from Grammar Experts

“If a hyphen’s absence doesn’t confuse the reader, leave it out.”
— The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition

“Consistency is the heart of good writing. Choose a form and stick to it.”
— Grammar Girl (Mignon Fogarty)

“In most cases, prefixes like re-, pre-, and co- are closed unless readability suffers.”
— AP Stylebook, Prefix Section

FAQs: Reevaluation vs. Re-evaluation

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

In American English, the preferred form is reevaluation (without the hyphen). Most U.S. style guides like APA and Chicago Manual of Style recommend dropping the hyphen unless it helps avoid confusion or awkward reading.

2. Which spelling does British English use: “reevaluation” or “re-evaluation”?

In British English, the hyphenated form re-evaluation is still more common. It aligns with traditional UK style conventions, which tend to preserve hyphens in prefix-based words for clarity.

3. Why is there confusion about using the hyphen in “reevaluation”?

The confusion stems from evolving grammar rules. As English simplifies over time, many prefix + base word combinations (like reenter, reopen, reedit) lose the hyphen. But when two vowels meet—like “re” and “evaluation”—some writers keep the hyphen to improve readability.

4. Does it matter which version I use in formal writing?

Both forms are grammatically correct. What matters is consistency within your document or organization. In formal writing, especially in business communication or project management settings, pick one version and use it throughout.

5. How can I decide which form to use in my documents?

Check your regional preference or company style guide. If you write primarily for U.S. audiences, go with reevaluation. For international or UK-based readers, use re-evaluation. When in doubt, consult a dictionary like Merriam-Webster (U.S.) or Oxford English Dictionary (UK) for guidance.

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose “reevaluation” or “re-evaluation” depends on your audience, region, and preferred style guide. American English generally favors the streamlined reevaluation, while British English still leans toward re-evaluation with the hyphen. What matters most is consistency—especially in formal writing, business communication, and project management documents where clarity reflects professionalism.

When in doubt, check your organization’s house style or follow a trusted reference like the APA, Chicago Manual of Style, or Oxford guidelines. Language evolves, and so do spelling conventions, but a mindful writer keeps tone and readability front and center. Use this guide as your quick reference, and you’ll never second-guess your choice again when it’s time for your next reevaluation.

Quick Reference Table

Rule	Example	Preferred Form
Double vowels cause confusion	re-enter	Hyphenate
Readability unaffected	reevaluate	No hyphen
Regional preference (US)	reevaluation	No hyphen
Regional preference (UK)	re-evaluation	Hyphen
Ambiguous meaning possible	re-sign vs. resign	Hyphenate

Final Thought:
Writing is about making meaning effortless for your reader. The hyphen is a tool, not a decoration — use it when it helps, skip it when it doesn’t. Whether you write reevaluation or re-evaluation, the goal is the same: clarity, precision, and style.