Reevaluation or re-evaluation refers to the act of examining something again to form a new judgment. It is a noun built from the prefix re- (meaning “again”) and the word evaluation (meaning to assess or judge). Both spellings carry identical meaning only the hyphen differs.
Most writers stop mid-sentence the moment they type this word. That one tiny hyphen has caused more second-guessing, deleted drafts, and nervous Google searches than almost any other punctuation choice in modern English writing.
The good news is simple: both forms are grammatically correct. Reevaluation is the modern American English standard, backed by Merriam-Webster and the AP Stylebook. Re-evaluation is preferred in British English and formal academic writing. Knowing which one to use and staying consistent is the only rule that truly matters.
What Do Reevaluation and Re-evaluation Mean?
Both words carry identical meaning. Reevaluation is a noun. It refers to the process of examining, reviewing, or reassessing something that has already been evaluated forming a new judgment based on fresh information or a changed situation.
The word is built from three parts:
re-+evaluat(e)+-ion
- re- Latin prefix meaning “again” or “anew”
- evaluate verb meaning to assess, judge, or determine value
- -ion suffix that converts a verb into a noun (the act of)
Together: the act of evaluating again. That is the entire meaning. The hyphen does not change it.
Related words in the same family include: reassessment, reconsideration, review, reappraisal, reanalysis, and revisit. These are helpful synonyms when you want to vary your writing without repeating the same noun.
⚠️ Do not confuse reevaluation with revaluation. “Revaluation” is a finance and economics term that refers to adjusting the official exchange rate of a currency or the book value of an asset. One missing “e” changes the meaning entirely. Always double-check when writing about financial topics.
Parts-of-Speech Analysis of the Introduction (Word-by-Word)
Here is a sentence-level POS breakdown using a simple example sentence. This helps you see exactly how the noun fits into a clause and verifies that the verb is correctly conjugated.
Example sentence: “The board ordered a reevaluation of the safety standards.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Function / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The | Article (definite) | Determiner for “board” |
| board | Noun (common) | Subject of the sentence |
| ordered | Verb (transitive, past tense) | Main verb past simple, agrees with singular subject “board” |
| a | Article (indefinite) | Determiner for “reevaluation” |
| reevaluation | Noun (abstract, singular) | Direct object of “ordered”; the word in question |
| of | Preposition | Begins prepositional phrase modifying “reevaluation” |
| the | Article (definite) | Determiner for “safety standards” |
| safety | Noun (used as modifier) | Attributive noun; modifies “standards” |
| standards | Noun (plural) | Object of preposition “of” |
Verb check: “ordered” is past tense, transitive, and correctly agrees with the singular subject “board.” No errors in subject-verb agreement.
Now compare with the hyphenated form. The sentence “The board ordered a re-evaluation of the safety standards” is structurally identical. The POS labels are the same. The verb check passes the same way. Spelling affects style, not grammar.
Spelling Difference — Hyphen or No Hyphen?
This is the heart of the debate. Let’s be clear about what is happening linguistically.
When the prefix re- attaches to a root word beginning with the same vowel it ends with in this case, both end and begin with “e” you get a double vowel: re + evaluation = reevaluation. Some writers find the “ee” combination visually awkward at first glance. A hyphen (re-evaluation) breaks that visual run and makes the two parts easier to see separately.
Over time, as words become familiar and readers no longer need that visual cue, the hyphen tends to disappear. This process is called lexical solidification, and it has already happened with dozens of English words: email (not e-mail), cooperate (not co-operate), reedit, reenter, reelect.
🇺🇸 American English → reevaluation🇬🇧 British English → re-evaluation
| Form | Correct? | Used Where? | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| reevaluation | ✔ Yes | American English; modern business and digital writing | Merriam-Webster, AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style |
| re-evaluation | ✔ Yes | British English; academic, legal, formal writing | Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary |
| re evaluation (space) | ✘ No | Nowhere — always incorrect | |
| revaluation | ✘ Wrong word | Finance/economics only different meaning | Different entry in all dictionaries |
When to Use a Hyphen: Clarity and Style
Even in American English, a hyphen is sometimes the smarter choice. Here are the situations where keeping it makes sense:
1. When the Hyphen Prevents Confusion with Another Word
The clearest case: re-evaluation vs revaluation. In a financial context where both words could appear, the hyphen removes all doubt about which word you mean. Legal writing follows the same logic — when precision is essential, visual clarity is worth the extra character.
2. When Your Style Guide Requires It
Academic journals, university dissertation guides, and some government publications still specify the hyphenated form. Always defer to the house style. A consistent document that follows one guide looks more professional than a “correct” document that switches between forms.
3. When Your Audience Is British or International
If you are writing for a UK readership, Commonwealth academic audiences, or a globally mixed audience where you are uncertain, re-evaluation is the safer, more universally recognized choice.
Simple Rule: American audience + general writing → reevaluation. British audience, legal context, or academic journal → re-evaluation. Either way, pick one and never switch within the same document.
Verb Forms — Re-evaluate vs Reevaluate
The noun debate carries directly into the verb forms. The same logic applies: reevaluate in American English, re-evaluate in British English or formal contexts.
| Tense / Form | American English | British / Formal |
|---|---|---|
| Base form | reevaluate | re-evaluate |
| Third person singular (present) | reevaluates | re-evaluates |
| Past simple | reevaluated | re-evaluated |
| Present participle (-ing) | reevaluating | re-evaluating |
| Past participle | reevaluated | re-evaluated |
| Gerund (noun use) | reevaluating | re-evaluating |
Verb tense reminder: After will or modal verbs (can, should, must), always use the base form: “We will reevaluate the plan.” After have/has/had, use the past participle: “They have reevaluated the data.” Mixing these up is one of the most common grammar errors with this verb.
Contextual Examples with POS and Verb Checks
As a Noun (reevaluation / re-evaluation)
✔ The company announced a full reevaluation of its pricing strategy.
POS reevaluation = abstract noun, singular, direct object of “announced”
✔ After the audit, a re-evaluation of internal controls was scheduled.
POS re-evaluation = same noun; subject of passive verb “was scheduled”
As a Verb (reevaluate / re-evaluate)
✔ The doctor will reevaluate the treatment plan next month.
Verb check will reevaluate modal + base form. ✔ Correct.
✔ The committee has reevaluated the proposal twice this year.
Verb check has reevaluated present perfect, auxiliary + past participle. ✔ Correct.
✔ She is reevaluating her career goals after the promotion.
Verb check is reevaluating present continuous, auxiliary + -ing. ✔ Correct.
Common Mistakes and Simple Fixes
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Fix |
|---|---|---|
| We will re-evaluate vs we will reevaluate (switching in same document) | Inconsistency looks like a proofreading error, even though both forms are individually correct | Choose one and apply it throughout |
| “They have re-evaluate the case.” | After have, need past participle, not base form | “They have re-evaluated the case.” |
| “We need a re evaluation.” | Space between re and evaluation always incorrect | “We need a reevaluation.” or “re-evaluation.” |
| “The revaluation process took three weeks.” | Wrong word entirely revaluation is a finance term | “The reevaluation process took three weeks.” |
| “The reevaluations is complete.” | Plural subject + singular verb: subject-verb disagreement | “The reevaluations are complete.” |
American vs British English — Any Difference?
Yes — but it is a preference, not a rule. Here is the honest picture:
- American English follows Merriam-Webster, AP Stylebook, and Chicago Manual of Style. All three prefer the closed, unhyphenated form: reevaluation. American business writing, journalism, and digital content almost universally use this form today.
- British English follows the Oxford English Dictionary, which prefers re-evaluation. Cambridge Dictionary recognizes both forms but leans toward the hyphenated version. UK academic journals, government publications, and formal reports typically use this form.
- The global trend is toward the unhyphenated form. Even in British publications, the hyphen is appearing less frequently as writers adopt more digital-friendly, simplified spelling conventions.
Neither region is “wrong.” If you are unsure of your audience, note that choosing re-evaluation is the safer bet for international readers it reads clearly in both traditions.
Idiomatic Expressions and Related Words
The concept of reevaluation appears in several natural English phrases and collocations. Here are the most common ones writers use:
- undergo a reevaluation “The policy will undergo a complete reevaluation.”
- call for a reevaluation “New data calls for a reevaluation of our assumptions.”
- prompt a reevaluation “The audit prompted a reevaluation of spending controls.”
- conduct a reevaluation “The board will conduct a formal reevaluation next quarter.”
- trigger a reevaluation “Market changes triggered a reevaluation of the investment portfolio.”
Common synonyms and near-synonyms you can rotate in to avoid repetition:
- reassessment · reappraisal · reconsideration · review · reexamination · revisit · second look
Rewrite — Improve Clarity and Style
Here are four original sentences rewritten for better clarity, correct spelling, and polished style:
Original: “We will re evaluation the whole project plan soon.”
Rewritten: “We will reevaluate the entire project plan next week.”
Fix Added hyphen correctly (or removed space), used base verb after modal, replaced vague “soon” with specific timing.
Original: “They have re-evaluate the data for the report.”
Rewritten: “They have reevaluated the data for the report.”
Fix Changed base verb to past participle after auxiliary “have.”
Original: “After the new findings, a revaluation of the evidence may be needed.”
Rewritten: “Following the new findings, a reevaluation of the evidence may be necessary.”
Fix Corrected “revaluation” (wrong word) to “reevaluation,” improved sentence opener and word choice.
Exercises — Practice Sentences and Answers
📝 Exercise 1 — Choose the Correct Spelling
Pick the better form for an American English business document:
- The manager requested a (reevaluation / re-evaluation) of the vendor contracts.
- We will (reevaluate / re-evaluate) the budget after Q3 results.
- The team has (reevaluated / re-evaluated) the risk assessment twice already.
- A thorough (reevaluation / re evaluation) is overdue.
Show Answers
- reevaluation American English standard; no hyphen needed in business writing.
- reevaluate base form after modal verb “will.” Both spellings are acceptable, but reevaluate is preferred in US style.
- reevaluated past participle after “has.” Correct tense form.
- reevaluation “re evaluation” with a space is always wrong. No space, no hyphen for American English.
📝 Exercise 2 — Spot and Fix the Error
Each sentence has one error. Find it and write the correction.
- “The committee will re-evaluating the proposal tomorrow.”
- “They need to do a revaluation of the safety manual.”
- “She have reevaluated her priorities since the move.”
- “A re evaluation of procedures is required by law.”
Show Answers
- Error: “will re-evaluating” after will, use the base form. Fix: “will re-evaluate” or “will reevaluate.”
- Error: “revaluation” wrong word. Fix: “reevaluation” (they mean “evaluating again,” not adjusting a currency value).
- Error: “She have” subject-verb agreement. Fix: “She has reevaluated her priorities.”
- Error: “re evaluation” with a space. Fix: “A reevaluation” or “A re-evaluation.”
Conclusion
Choosing between reevaluation and re-evaluation is not a grammar test it is a style decision. Both spellings are correct, both mean exactly the same thing, and no careful reader will judge you for choosing either one. What they will notice is inconsistency. That is the only real mistake.
If you write for an American audience or follow AP or Chicago style, use reevaluation no hyphen, no hesitation. If you write for a British or academic audience, or if your style guide specifies the hyphenated form, use re-evaluation consistently. Lock in your choice at the start of any project, note it in your style sheet, and run a final find-and-replace check before you publish.
The verb form follows the same rule: reevaluate in American English, re-evaluate in British or formal writing. And always check your tense base form after modals, past participle after have.
Language evolves toward simplicity. The modern trend is clear: hyphens are fading, and reevaluation is winning. But clarity always comes first that is the one rule that never changes.
FAQs
Is “reevaluation” one word or two?
It is always one word — either reevaluation (no hyphen) or re-evaluation (with hyphen). Writing “re evaluation” with a space is always incorrect.
Which spelling does Merriam-Webster prefer?
Merriam-Webster lists reevaluation (without hyphen) as the primary spelling for American English.
Does the hyphen change the meaning?
No. The hyphen has zero effect on meaning. Both forms mean exactly the same thing: the act of evaluating something again.
Is “reevaluation” the same as “revaluation”?
No — they are completely different words. Revaluation is a finance term for adjusting the value of a currency or asset; reevaluation means reviewing something again.
What is the correct verb form after “will”?
Always use the base form: “will reevaluate” — not “will reevaluated” or “will reevaluating.”
Can I use “re-evaluation” in an American English document?
Yes, it is grammatically acceptable anywhere. However, for American audiences, reevaluation (no hyphen) looks more modern and aligns with major US style guides.
Which form do academic journals prefer?
Many academic journals — especially UK-based ones — still prefer re-evaluation. Always check the journal’s specific style guide before submitting.
Is it wrong to switch between both forms in one document?
Not grammatically wrong, but it looks like a proofreading error. Consistency within any single document is essential for professional credibility.
