Prefix

Question

Is there a rule on adding the prefix (re) before a verb in english? and on what should I depend on when adding the (re) prefix.  thanks

BillJ · Accepted Answer

Hi

Do you mean a spelling rule or a grammatical rule?

SPELLING

I know of only two spelling rules about re-, both concerning hyphens:

(a) If the word to which the re- prefix is attached begins with an e, then a hyphen is used to make it clear (re-examine, re-enter, re-emerge etc.).

(b) You should also use a hyphen when the word formed with re- would be exactly the same as a word that already exists; so you should use re-cover to mean 'cover again' and 'recover' to mean 'get well again'.

Otherwise, no hyphen (react, recapture, realign etc).

GRAMMAR

I'm not aware of any special grammatical rules about the re- prefix. Adding the prefix re- to a verb base gives a new verb that means 'once more' or 'anew' (e.g. reactivate), or 'with return to a previous state', (e.g. restore). I'm really not sure if re- can be prefixed to absolutely every verb; some I suspect would be pretty meaningless. If in doubt, use your dictionary.

BillJ

Mr Wordy · Answer

The best thing to do is look in a good, comprehensive dictionary. If the "re" word is in reasonably common use then it should be listed.

However, just because the word is not listed doesn't mean it's impossible. Virtually any verb can in theory have "re" added to it, and dictionaries do not usually list every single one. Some of these less usual "re" words sound more natural than others, but I doubt there's any simple "rule" that will tell you which are natural and in which contexts. The only way you would know is through familiarity with the language.

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