What Is Paraphrasing?

 

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas or information into your own words without changing the original meaning.

Imagine you read a sentence or a paragraph, and then you explain it again—but using different words and sentence structure that feel more like your own style. That’s paraphrasing!

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Why Do We Paraphrase?

There are several reasons paraphrasing is useful:

1. To Show Understanding

When you paraphrase, you’re not just copying; you’re proving that you really get what the original writer meant. It shows your comprehension and ability to explain things clearly.

2. To Avoid Plagiarism

Copying text word-for-word without giving credit is plagiarism, which is dishonest and can get you in trouble. Paraphrasing allows you to use information while putting it in your own words — but don’t forget to still credit the original source if it’s not your own idea!

3. To Fit Different Styles or Audiences

Sometimes the original text might be too formal, too complicated, or just not quite right for your readers. Paraphrasing lets you adapt the tone and style while keeping the meaning.

4. To Summarize or Simplify

You can use paraphrasing to make complex ideas simpler or to shorten long sentences without losing the key message.

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How Is Paraphrasing Different From Other Related Terms?

• Paraphrasing vs. Quoting: Quoting is when you use someone’s exact words and put them in quotation marks. Paraphrasing means rewriting the idea in your own words without quotation marks.

• Paraphrasing vs. Summarizing: Summarizing means making something much shorter, focusing on the main points only. Paraphrasing is usually about the same length as the original but said differently.

• Paraphrasing vs. Rewriting: Rewriting often means more extensive changes — changing sentence structures, tone, and flow more deeply — sometimes for a totally different purpose. Paraphrasing is usually more focused on keeping the meaning intact while changing words and sentence structures.

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How to Paraphrase Effectively: Step-by-Step

Let’s break down a simple process you can follow whenever you need to paraphrase:

Step 1: Read and Understand

Read the original text carefully until you truly understand the meaning.

Step 2: Put It Aside

Don’t look at the original while you’re writing your paraphrase. This helps you avoid copying the structure or phrases unintentionally.

Step 3: Use Your Own Words and Style

Write the idea in your own words and sentences. Try changing the sentence order, using synonyms, or explaining concepts differently.

Step 4: Compare with the Original

Check that your paraphrase accurately reflects the original meaning and doesn’t copy phrases too closely.

Step 5: Cite the Source (If Needed)

If you’re using someone else’s ideas or information (like in academic writing), remember to give credit to the original author, even if you paraphrase.

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A Simple Example of Paraphrasing

Here’s a short original sentence:

“Exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals that improve mood.”

A paraphrased version could be:

“Physical activity lowers stress levels because it triggers the release of endorphins, natural substances that boost happiness.”

Notice how the meaning is the same, but the words and sentence structure are different.

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Tips to Avoid Common Paraphrasing Mistakes

• Don’t just swap a few words with synonyms—try to change the whole sentence structure too.

• Avoid copying unique phrases or technical terms that can’t be changed.

• Don’t add your own opinions or change the original meaning.

• Keep the paraphrase about the same length as the original unless summarizing.

• Always credit the original source when necessary.

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When and Where Do You Use Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is useful in many situations:

• Writing essays or research papers to include information from sources without plagiarism.

• Creating summaries or study notes to understand material better.

• Explaining complex ideas in simpler terms for your audience.

• Rewriting content for marketing or blogs to suit different readers.

• Everyday conversations and presentations when you want to explain what someone else said in your own way.

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Final Thoughts on Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is like translating thoughts from one voice to another — keeping the meaning but speaking in your own style. It helps you learn, share, and communicate ideas ethically and effectively.

By practicing paraphrasing, you’ll become a stronger reader, writer, and thinker. Plus, it’s a key skill for writing with integrity and creativity.