Resend vs Re-send: Which One Should You Use?

“Resend” and “re-send” mean the same thing: to send something again. The standard spelling is resend, one word, no hyphen. Dictionaries list it that way, and it is what you will see in email apps, payment tools, and most published writing.

“Re-send” is not a different word. It is the same word with a hyphen added. Most style guides advise against it, because modern English usually drops the hyphen after the prefix re-.

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What “resend” means

To resend is to send something a second time, or again. You might do this because the first attempt failed, got lost, or needs to be updated.

Please resend the file. It did not open on my computer.
The system will resend your verification code in 30 seconds.
She had to resend the invitation because of a typing error.

“Resend” is a verb. Its forms are:

Form	Example
resend	I will resend the email.
resends	He resends the report every Friday.
resending	We are resending the package today.
resent	They resent the invoice yesterday.

“Resent” is both the past tense and the past participle. Be careful here, because “resent” is also a different word that means to feel angry about something unfair: She resented the extra work. Context makes the meaning clear. He resent the message means he sent it again. He resented the message means he was upset by it.

Why people write “re-send”

The prefix re- means “again.” Many English words with this prefix were once written with a hyphen, and some still are, so people are unsure which style to use.

Today, most common re- words are written solid: rewrite, rebuild, replay, reopen, resend. The hyphen is mainly kept in two situations:

To avoid a confusing or awkward letter pattern. For example, re-enter and re-elect are often hyphenated so two vowels do not clash, though many writers now accept reenter and reelect.
To separate a different word with the same spelling. For example, recover (get better) and re-cover (cover again), or resign (quit) and re-sign (sign again).

“Resend” fits neither case. The letters flow naturally, and no other word is spelled “resend” with a different meaning. So there is no reason for a hyphen.

Which form should you choose?

Use resend in almost every situation: emails, texts, business writing, school work, and app messages.

Use re-send only if a particular style guide, company, or publication tells you to. Some older texts and a few writers still hyphenate it, so seeing “re-send” does not mean the writer made a serious error. It is simply the less common, less preferred style.

Resend vs “send again”

The two phrases mean the same thing, and either is fine. “Resend” is shorter and sounds slightly more formal or technical.

Could you resend the link?
Could you send the link again?

In a button or menu, “Resend” is the usual label, as in “Resend code” or “Resend email.”

Common mistakes

Writing “re send” as two words. This is not standard. “Re” is a prefix and does not stand alone.

Incorrect: Please re send the document.
Correct: Please resend the document.

Mixing up “resent” forms. Remember that “resent” can mean “sent again” or “felt bitter about.”

He resent the file after fixing it. (sent again)
He resented the criticism. (felt angry)

Using “resend” as a noun. It is a verb. For a noun, use a phrase such as a second send or a repeat message, or rephrase the sentence.

Awkward: I need a resend.
Better: Please send it again.

Quick summary

Write resend, one word. “Re-send” means the same thing but is the less common spelling, and “re send” is not correct. The past tense is resent, so check the context to avoid confusing it with the feeling of resentment.

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Viraj Shivay

I write clear, practical English lessons for everyday use. On Lingotexting, I break down grammar, vocabulary, and word types into simple ideas you can apply quickly. My focus is accuracy, real examples, and helpful visuals, so learners build confidence, improve writing, and communicate naturally in school, work, and daily life.