The words reorder and re order can be confusing because the prefix re means “again” and English sometimes writes prefixes as separate words in other constructions. When you want to say that something should be ordered again or arranged differently, the standard spelling is usually reorder as one word.
Reorder is a standard English verb meaning to order again or to arrange something in a different sequence. The noun reorder can also refer to a new order for a product, especially in business or retail. Re order, written as two separate words, is generally not the standard spelling when re means “again.”
Quick Answer
Use reorder as one word when you mean order again or arrange differently.
- ✅ Reorder the list.
- ✅ I need to reorder some supplies.
- ✅ Please reorder the items alphabetically.
- ❌ Re order the list. (Usually incorrect when “re-” means again.)
However, re order can occur in unusual contexts where re is a separate word or abbreviation, but this is not the normal spelling of the verb.
Why People Confuse It
People confuse reorder and re order because re- is a productive English prefix meaning again.
For example:
- rewrite = write again
- reread = read again
- rebuild = build again
- reorder = order again
Since re- is functioning as a prefix, it normally joins the verb:
re + order = reorder
The same applies when reorder means to change the sequence of something.
Reorder
Reorder is the standard spelling when re- means “again.”
It has two common meanings.
1. Order Again
Reorder can mean to place another order for something.
Examples:
- We need to reorder more supplies.
- The store allows customers to reorder products.
- I want to reorder the same item.
- The restaurant had to reorder its ingredients.
2. Arrange in a Different Order
Reorder can also mean to change the sequence or arrangement of something.
Examples:
- Please reorder these sentences.
- We need to reorder the list alphabetically.
- The editor decided to reorder the chapters.
- You can reorder the columns by dragging them.
Re Order
Re order is generally not the correct spelling when you mean order again or change the order.
For example:
❌ Please re order the paragraphs.
✅ Please reorder the paragraphs.
❌ I need to re order the supplies.
✅ I need to reorder the supplies.
The one-word spelling is standard because re- is functioning as a prefix.
When Could “Re Order” Appear?
There can be unusual situations where re is a separate word, abbreviation, or part of a different construction. For example, re can be used in formal correspondence to mean “regarding”:
Re: Your application
But this has nothing to do with the verb reorder.
Reorder vs. Re Order Comparison Table
| Feature | Reorder | Re Order |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spelling for “order again” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Means arrange differently | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Means order again | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common in business | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common in software/UI | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Prefix + verb | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually not |
When to Use Each
Use “reorder” when you mean “order again”
- Reorder the supplies.
- I need to reorder my usual product.
- Customers can reorder previous purchases.
Use “reorder” when you mean “arrange again”
- Reorder the paragraphs.
- Reorder the list.
- Reorder the steps.
- Reorder the images.
In both cases, reorder is written as one word.
Avoid “re order” in standard writing
If you’re using re- to mean “again,” don’t normally separate it from the verb.
❌ re order
✅ reorder
Examples (10+)
- Please reorder the items alphabetically.
- I need to reorder some office supplies.
- You can reorder the list by date.
- The customer wants to reorder the same product.
- We decided to reorder the chapters.
- Please reorder these sentences.
- The company needs to reorder its inventory.
- You can reorder the menu items.
- I had to reorder the books on the shelf.
- The application lets users reorder their preferences.
- We should reorder the steps to make the instructions clearer.
- The store reminded me to reorder my regular supplies.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Writing “re order”
❌ Please re order these items.
✅ Please reorder these items.
Mistake 2: Thinking “re” must always be separated
The prefix re- is normally attached to the word that follows it:
- redo
- rewrite
- reread
- rebuild
- reorder
Mistake 3: Confusing “reorder” with “order again”
They have the same meaning when reorder means placing another order.
I need to order again.
I need to reorder.
Mistake 4: Confusing “reorder” with “reorganize”
Reorder means changing the sequence.
Reorganize can mean changing the overall organization or structure.
For example:
Reorder the paragraphs.
means change their sequence.
Reorganize the document.
may involve changing its entire structure.
Memory Trick
Think:
RE- = AGAIN
Therefore:
RE + ORDER = REORDER
Just like:
- re + write = rewrite
- re + read = reread
- re + arrange = rearrange
- re + order = reorder
One prefix + one verb = one word.
American vs British English
Both American and British English use reorder as one word.
There is no significant difference between the two varieties regarding the standard spelling.
Examples:
- American English: reorder
- British English: reorder
The same spelling is standard in both.
Similar Words
If you’re learning commonly confused spellings and word forms, you may also like:
- Reevaluation vs. Re-Evaluation
- Companywide vs. Company Wide
- Unregister vs. Deregister
- Extensible vs. Extendible
- Input vs. Imput
- In Front vs. Infront
- Timeslot vs. Time Slot
Final Verdict
Reorder is the correct standard spelling when you mean to order again or to arrange something in a different order.
Re order is generally incorrect when re- is being used as the prefix meaning “again.” In standard English, write the word as reorder.
So, if you’re wondering whether to write “reorder the list” or “re order the list,” choose reorder.
FAQs
Is “reorder” one word or two?
Reorder is normally written as one word.
Is “re order” correct?
Not when you mean order again or arrange differently. The standard spelling is reorder.
What does “reorder” mean?
Reorder can mean to order something again or to arrange something in a different sequence.
Is “reorder” a verb?
Yes. Reorder is a verb.
Example:
Please reorder the list.
Is “reorder” also a noun?
Yes. In business and retail, reorder can be used as a noun to refer to another order placed for a product.
Example:
The customer placed a reorder.
Is “reorder” hyphenated?
Usually no. The standard spelling is reorder, without a hyphen.
What is the difference between “reorder” and “reorganize”?
Reorder usually means changing the sequence of things. Reorganize has a broader meaning and can involve changing the structure or organization of something.
Conclusion
The correct spelling is reorder when re- means “again.” Whether you’re talking about ordering a product again or changing the sequence of a list, the prefix and verb are normally written together.
Use reorder, not re order, in standard English. A simple way to remember this is to think of other common re- words such as rewrite, reread and rebuild.
Remember This
✅ Reorder = Correct
❌ Re order = Generally incorrect when “re-” means “again”
Quick rule: Re- + order = reorder.
