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Exploring the gray area: Understanding paraphrasing as a potential path to plagiarism

Five reasons that paraphrasing skills are the superheroes of strong literacy curriculum.

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In the labyrinthine world of academic writing, paraphrasing walks a thin line between being a useful tool and a potential pitfall, leading to plagiarism.

Often referred to as "patchwriting" or " mosaic plagiarism," the act of paraphrasing raises a fundamental question: What makes writing truly original in an era saturated with accessible information? Mark Twain's assertion that all ideas are merely reconfigurations of existing ones challenges us to consider the essence of originality. This blog ventures into the complex dynamics of paraphrasing, disentangling its legitimate use from its problematic misuse. We'll delve into what constitutes effective paraphrasing that respects academic integrity and when it veers into the territory of plagiarism.

Unpacking the art of paraphrasing

Paraphrasing serves as a bridge, translating complex or specialized topics into accessible and simplified language. It is also a way for a student or researcher to synthesize what they have read, putting text into their own words to A) better understand the topic at hand and B) support their writing with a sound, meaningfully reworded example from an outside source. The Office of Research Integrity within the US Department of Health & Human Services offers a compelling example, transforming a dense scientific explanation into a concise, digestible format. Below is the original content: “Because the intracellular concentration of potassium ions is relatively high, potassium ions tend to diffuse out of the cell. This movement is driven by the concentration gradient for potassium ions. Similarly, the concentration gradient for sodium ions tends to promote their movement into the cell. However, the cell membrane is significantly more permeable to potassium ions than to sodium ions. As a result, potassium ions diffuse out of the cell faster than sodium ions enter the cytoplasm. The cell therefore experiences a net loss of positive charges, and as a result the interior of the cell membrane contains an excess of negative charges, primarily from negatively charged proteins” (Martini & Bartholomew, 1997, p. 204).

Here is an appropriate paraphrase of the above material:

“A textbook of anatomy and physiology (Martini & Bartholomew, 1997, p. 204) reports that the concentration of potassium ions inside of the cell is relatively high and, consequently, some potassium tends to escape out of the cell. Just the opposite occurs with sodium ions.”

The Office of Research Integrity also gives an example of an inappropriate version of paraphrasing from the original text: “...This movement is triggered by the concentration gradient for potassium ions. Similarly, the concentration gradient for sodium ions tends to promote their movement into the cell. However, the cell membrane is much more permeable to potassium ions than it is to sodium ions. As a result, potassium ions diffuse out of the cell more rapidly than sodium ions enter the cytoplasm…” (Martini & Bartholomew, 1997, p. 204). You’ll note that the above “rewritten” example is basically a copy of the original, save for a few superficial alterations, including word deletions, synonym swaps, and additions.

Because most of the words and structure of the original paragraph remain the same, this paragraph would technically be considered plagiarism, despite the writer crediting the original authors. As the Office of Research Integrity puts it: “[M]aking only cosmetic modifications to others’ writing misleads the reader as to who the true author of the original writing really is." In this scenario, a student could instead ask for support in learning how to more accurately paraphrase the information or alternatively, use a direct quote with a correctly cited source to make it clear that this is not their content. Effective paraphrasing isn't just about avoiding plagiarism; it's about enhancing comprehension and adding value to the discourse.

The original thought conundrum

In the realm of academic discourse, Bloom's Taxonomy emerges as a crucial framework, offering a layered understanding of cognitive development. This taxonomy, a hierarchy starting from basic knowledge recall to the creation of new ideas, challenges us to consider the concept of 'original thought' in education. As we go from 'Remembering' and 'Understanding' through to 'Applying', 'Analyzing', and 'Evaluating', we reach the peak - 'Creating'. This final stage is where originality is presumed to flourish. However, this presents a conundrum: in an age where information is ubiquitous and influences are numerous, can any thought claim absolute originality? This paradox is especially relevant in a digital era saturated with ideas, where the difference between inspiration and replication becomes increasingly blurred. Bloom’s Taxonomy, therefore, not only maps out cognitive skills but also invites a deeper reflection on the nature and possibility of truly original thought in our modern knowledge ecosystem.

What’s the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing?

Plagiarism and paraphrasing, while seemingly similar, diverge significantly in intent and execution. Plagiarism is the act of passing off someone else's work or ideas as one's own while paraphrasing, in contrast, aims to rearticulate ideas for clarity while maintaining the essence of the original work. Paraphrasing becomes problematic when it strays into the realm of plagiarism, often manifested in the failure to properly attribute sources, bring new insights to the table, or to uphold academic integrity. To wholly uphold academic integrity is to commit to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. It is a holistic concept that must be backed up by institutional policies, curriculum, teaching interventions, assessment design, and feedback loops that strengthen a student’s bond to learning. In an earlier post, we explored the ways in which paraphrasing may become problematic. The following three examples are situations that may cause challenges around paraphrasing expectations:

• When a student does not understand the purpose behind paraphrasing, they may not see the importance of attributing what they've paraphrased and therefore overlook doing so . Educators must take great care in building a culture of academic integrity and explaining to students how cited, well-paraphrased passages not only enhance their writing (and also provide variety in an essay that would otherwise be all quotations), they uphold integrity by recognizing an author’s original work.
• When a student does not have the foundational literacy skills to paraphrase, it may lead them to unintentionally plagiarize. In a suspected case of academic misconduct, an educator must ascertain if it is a skill deficit or deliberate plagiarism. From there, strengthening a student’s literary comprehension skills and basic academic writing skills can help bolster their confidence and ability to paraphrase. Turnitin’s Draft Coach can also be used to help students write accurate citations in Microsoft® Word for the web and Google Docs™.
• When a student knowingly and purposely uses short-cut solutions in place of their own skills, it’s a sign that action must be taken. Paraphrasing tools, also known as word spinners, alter existing text with the purpose of evading plagiarism detection software. This deeply impacts learning because they prevent students from understanding how to truly paraphrase.

Steering clear of paraphrasing pitfalls

Avoiding paraphrasing plagiarism is a nuanced skill, requiring a blend of accurate citation, original sentence structuring, and a deep understanding of the source material. There are many ways to avoid paraphrasing plagiarism while still paraphrasing to summarize work and communicate topics more clearly and holistically. Ways to avoid plagiarizing include:

• Correct citation of sources
• Quoting and summarizing texts accurately
• Writing with your own sentence structures
• Understanding text and content clearly before paraphrasing

There is also a helpful paraphrasing strategy called the 4R’s: Read, Restate, Recheck, and Repair.

• Read: Did you understand the passage?
• Restate: Did you restate important points in your own words?
• Recheck: Did you include all of the important details?
• Repair: Did you correct any misinformation?

In addition to the above, the following sections delve into key elements to keep in mind and practical strategies to master this skill, ensuring that paraphrasing enriches, rather than diminishes, academic integrity.

The role of text spinners in paraphrasing plagiarism

Text spinners, or article spinners, present a new hurdle in the realm of paraphrasing plagiarism. These tools, designed to disguise copied content as original, exacerbate the issue by blurring the lines between legitimate paraphrasing and deceptive rewriting. “Simply put,” says Christine Lee, “when students use word spinners, they aren’t producing their own original work. Original work means that even when paraphrasing, students regenerate the ideas of another person into their own words and voice to express their own understanding of concepts.” Educators need to understand the emerging trends in misconduct and academic integrity so that they can build awareness around them, educate students on their misuse, and mitigate any threats to an institution's reputation to ensure authentic student learning.

How to effectively teach paraphrasing

Educators bear the responsibility of guiding students through the maze of paraphrasing. This entails instilling respect for academic integrity, teaching proper citation techniques, and encouraging the development of independent thought. To start, it is imperative to highlight examples of accurate paraphrasing and how it differs from quotations and summarizing. As quoted in an earlier Turnitin post, according to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL):

• Quotations must be identical to the original, using a narrow segment of the source. They must match the source document word for word and must be attributed to the original author.
• Paraphrasing involves rewording a passage from source material into your own words. A paraphrase must also be attributed to the original source because there is no creation of new ideas. Paraphrased material is usually shorter than the original passage, taking a somewhat broader segment of the source and condensing it slightly.
• Summarizing involves putting the main idea(s) into your own words, including only the main point(s). Once again, it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source because no new ideas have been introduced. Summaries are significantly shorter than the original and take a broad overview of the source material.

And while there are myriad ways for educators to approach and teach this highly important skill, the following are a few resources that can support thoughtful plagiarism education and practice:

• Explain the course’s or institution’s policy on academic integrity clearly and early in the semester. Outline course and assignment expectations explicitly, including appropriate use and misuse of AI tools. By building a culture of integrity that is clearly defined, students can more deeply understand the value of accurate paraphrasing and citations, as well as understand the consequences of misconduct.
• Dive into Turnitin’s Paraphrasing Pack , eleven out-of-the-box resources developed by veteran educators that are ready to be implemented in the classroom. It features everything from research strategies and student checklists for paraphrasing to lesson presentations and printable graphic organizers.
• Explore all of the resources that support academic integrity in the age of AI , including valuable assets that help students to better understand how and when to use AI tools ethically.
• Conduct a candid conversation with a student if their work appears to have similarities to other texts without proper paraphrasing or citation, or if inappropriate usage of AI tools is suspected. These dialogues often transform a moment of misconduct into an opportunity for learning by determining if there is a skill deficit that can be readily addressed. The data housed in the Similarity Report, including instances of synonym swapping, as well as Turnitin’s AI writing detection tool, can both serve as jumping off points for these essential conversations.

Maintaining academic integrity while paraphrasing

While building that culture of academic integrity and teaching skills is the first step, educators know that oftentimes it’s necessary to take another step, one that will confirm or refute that the student’s work is solely their own. It may be as simple as a remarkably sophisticated sentence structure or vocabulary choice, but educators tend to recognize when a student misrepresents something that is not their work, as their own. That next step is as simple as reviewing Turnitin’s newly enhanced Similarity Report, which has a streamlined workflow to show both the Similarity Score and the AI writing score. While AI continues to evolve, so too does the students’ use of AI tools. Turnitin’s AI writing score may indicate the use of AI paraphrasing tools to modify AI-generated content. Educators have no “extra clicks” as AI paraphrasing detection is built seamlessly into the existing workflow that educators already use and trust. As before, this score is to inform the educator of the likelihood that the student tried to use AI paraphrasing tools as a shortcut; whether intentional plagiarism or not is determined by the educator and the student during formative discussions surrounding their work. Then, next steps to help a student to revise can be taken. Check out this infographic that defines the key differences between human- powered paraphrasing and AI paraphrasing tools, as well as the role an AI paraphrasing detector can play in this process.

In sum: How to skillfully paraphrase and avoid plagiarism

The skill of paraphrasing is foundational in academic writing, serving as a safeguard against the pitfalls of plagiarism and academic misconduct. When a student fails to master this skill, they risk inadvertently crossing the line from legitimate use of sources to plagiarism, a serious breach of academic integrity. Effective paraphrasing involves more than just altering a few words; it requires a deep understanding of the original text and the ability to express its essence in a new, original form while maintaining the core message. This process must be coupled with accurate citations and the appropriate use of quotes to credit the original authors. Without these critical components, a student's work can easily fall into the realm of academic dishonesty. Thus, learning to paraphrase correctly is not just about avoiding plagiarism; it's about respecting the intellectual labor of others, upholding the values of academic integrity, and contributing genuinely to the scholarly conversation.

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If You Paraphrase Is It Plagiarism - QuillTools

Discover the art of paraphrasing and learn how to avoid plagiarism in your writing. Explore essential paraphrasing techniques, the importance of proper citation in styles like APA and MLA, and how to use your own words effectively to ensure your content remains original. Find out when and how to cite sources to prevent legal issues, and understand the consequences of improper paraphrasing. Uncover the common pitfalls of paraphrasing and why it's crucial for students and researchers to master this skill. Discover not only how paraphrasing tools can assist, but also when to use them wisely. Learn the art of paraphrasing to elevate your writing and maintain content credibility.

What is paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing means reproducing the same sentence or paragraph meaning using other words and style. It is a very important skill to have in communication and writing. There are several paraphrasing techniques used to perform a good paraphrase, and here are some of them:

• Read and understand the meaning of the original text before starting
• Replace words with synonyms 
• Change the structure of your sentences
• Convert quotes to reported speech
• Switch from active to passive voice and vice-versa
• Rewrite a whole paragraph instead of paraphrasing sentence by sentence

Here's an example of by replacing words with synonyms and switching from passive to active voice.

Original sentence: "This product was made by our company, and it was introduced to the market last year"

Paraphrased sentence using active voice and synonyms: "We produced this product at our company, and it was launched in the market last year"

What is acceptable paraphrasing?

For your paraphrasing to be officially acceptable you need those elements:

• The paraphrased text must differ from the original
• The meaning must stay the same
• Your text must be grammatically correct 
• Stay in the same style of the original text
• Cite the source in citation styles like MLA, APA or Chicago

The paraphrased text must significantly differ from the original without changing the original meaning. You can do this by using one of the paraphrasing techniques in the above paragraph.

It is important to cite the original text, especially if you intend to use your text in an academic context or publicly to prevent any legal suits, bans, and, in general, any issues with the original authors of the text. 

Do you need to include a citation if you are paraphrasing?

It is the best practice to include citation if you are paraphrasing because you are 100% sure that your content won't risk any bans or legal action. It also gives your content more credibility for the reader and for the search engine in a website context. Using citations shows that your information is relevant, and you can attract high-quality readers that way. 

However, you need to choose your paraphrasing style because when paraphrasing, you must respect some rules of citing that will affect not only your citation format but also your paraphrasing.

Any original source can be cited even if you don't know the author. For example, you can use the book title or the website header to cite the original source.

Explore our How To Paraphrase MLA page.

You can also check our free version of Quillbot paraphrase .

Check also our Best paraphrasing tool for research paper page.

Can you get in trouble for paraphrasing?

You won't get into any legal action if you cite the original text when you are paraphrasing, and you also need to use your own words that differ from the original source without changing the meaning. Those criteria need skill to be achieved, or you can use a for this purpose.

Now if you paraphrase without citing, you have to know the risk you encounter. In a website context, search engines don't impose using citations. However, they can detect originality via ideas inside your text. For example, if you paraphrase a whole article without adding anything different to it, search engines can know that your content has been made by paraphrasing other content.

In general, you need to study the context you are in to know which risks you can encounter by paraphrasing other's content. You also need to know when it is suitable to add your own opinion and when it's not. All those factors are important to perform professional writing and get the best results.

Can you get caught using a paraphrase tool?

It depends on the paraphrase tool you are using; a powerful paraphrasing tool will paraphrase your text in a professional manner like a human writer would do. It will replace words with synonyms and apply structural changes to your text in a perfect way, staying at the same time in a similar style.

Now the question is: Can I get caught even if I use the best paraphrasing tool?

The answer is it depends on the way you structure your whole work because need skill to be achieved, or you can use a or essay won't bring anything new or special to the original work, and any decent reader will detect that. Sometimes, you may rewrite an article better than the original; in this situation, you'd better check if the original author doesn't mind that.

How do you paraphrase without plagiarizing?

Beyond the similarities between the original and the paraphrased text, plagiarism is using another author's ideas without citing it. Now, if by plagiarism, you mean having an exact text match, you can use our to prevent that and produce a unique content.

If you are writing a book or working on a serious writing project that may be publicly accessible, you need not only to paraphrase and cite but also to paraphrase in the best way by using your own words. All , MLA, and Chicago insist on that. To perform this task, you need to use a powerful paraphrasing tool like ours to help you with your work.

If you have been composing content from different sources and want to make it unique, you can use our to paraphrase in a way that completely changes all sentences and paragraphs. 

Is it plagiarism if you paraphrase and cite?

The only case when it is considered plagiarism is when you don't use your own words sufficiently, considering you respect the citation style format you are using.

If you can't paraphrase enough with your own words, or you don't have time for that, you can use our online paraphrasing tool that does the work efficiently, like a professional writer would do.

(Wondering how to choose the , check our article)

What is paraphrasing plagiarism?

Paraphrasing plagiarism means rewriting a text in your own words and keeping the same meaning so that you don't use the original author's words. You need to cite your paraphrased text in one of the available citation formats and styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago after all.

Plagiarism, in general, is using another's ideas in the same original words or in your own words without citing it. In a web context, it is known as the act of copying and pasting text into your own blog article.

It is true that search engines penalize severely for plagiarized content in the form of copy and paste, but you need to know that even if you don't add anything new or special to the paraphrased article, it will still be considered as an article with low value by search engines. It won't have chances to rank. 

If you paraphrase, is it plagiarism in an essay?

If done correctly, it is not considered plagiarism in an essay. You need to use your own words, and make structural changes to sentences. You also need to add new ideas or your own opinion if required to make it special.

You can use our paraphrasing tool to achieve professional results when paraphrasing for your essay. It will create a unique text with a professional style, helping you save a lot of time and effort.

Form plagiarism occurs when putting ideas into words that are too close to the original author's. In order to avoid plagiarism, citing sources is crucial. Paraphrasing is considered plagiarism when not done properly. Different citation styles like APA and MLA are available. Paraphrasing and plagiarism are closely related, so always credit the original author.

To paraphrase without limit, use our

You can also check .

Wondering how to choose the , check our article.

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How do teachers check for plagiarism, is paraphrasing plagiarism.

The line between paraphrasing and plagiarism has become increasingly blurred. Understanding the nuanced distinction in various situations is necessary for students, professionals, and writers aiming to maintain integrity in their work.

The quick ad short answer is no, paraphrasing isn’t plagiarism . Paraphrasing involves rewording someone else’s ideas in your own words, while plagiarism is the act of passing off those ideas as your own without proper acknowledgment. We will further discuss what sets them apart, the importance of citation, and how to paraphrase effectively without crossing into the territory of plagiarism.

How to define paraphrasing and plagiarism?

Paraphrasing and plagiarism might seem similar at first glance, but there are clear distinctions between the two.

Paraphrasing requires understanding the original text and then expressing it in your own words, along with a citation to the original source.

Plagiarism, on the other hand, involves using someone else’s work without giving them credit, intentionally or accidentally. The intent behind paraphrasing is to use existing information to support your own ideas or arguments, not to steal credit.

Let’s take a look at how paraphrasing works with the help of examples.

Correct paraphrasing

Proper paraphrasing involves taking the original text and rewriting it in your own words, ensuring that you maintain the original meaning whilemaking significant changes in wording and sentence structure. This practice not only shows respect for the original author’s work but also demonstrates your own understanding and ability to engage with the content:

Incorrect paraphrasing

On the flip side, bad paraphrasing occurs when the rewording is too close to the original text, without adequate citation or significant alteration in structure and vocabulary:

How to Paraphrase Without Plagiarizing

The process of paraphrasing without falling into the trap of plagiarism is straightforward yet requires attention to detail. By following these enhanced steps, you can ensure your paraphrased work is both original and respectful of the source material:

• 📖 Read and Understand : Before attempting to paraphrase, take the time to thoroughly read and comprehend the original text. It’s crucial to grasp not just the surface-level meaning but also the underlying themes and nuances. Ask yourself what the key messages are and how they relate to your work or study.
• ✍️ Reword : Armed with a deep understanding of the text, begin to express the ideas in your own unique words. Avoid merely swapping out words with synonyms; instead, think about how you would explain the concept to someone unfamiliar with the topic. This step is about internalizing the information and then articulating it in a way that reflects your voice and perspective.
• 🔄 Structure Differently : Look at the structure of the original text and then alter it significantly in your paraphrase. If the original text follows a particular order or layout, try reorganizing the points or changing the focus of the sentences. This could mean converting active sentences to passive ones, rearranging the flow of arguments, or combining and splitting sentences to convey the same points differently.
• 🔀 Use Synonyms Wisely : While synonyms can be useful in paraphrasing, it’s important to use them judiciously. Simply replacing every word with a synonym without considering context can lead to inaccuracies or awkward phrasing. Select synonyms that fit the context and maintain the original meaning. Be particularly mindful of technical terms or specific concepts where synonyms might not be appropriate.
• 📌 Cite the Source : Perhaps the most critical step in avoiding plagiarism is to properly cite the original source. Even when paraphrasing, it’s essential to give credit to the author or creator of the original ideas. This not only respects intellectual property but also strengthens your own work by showing your engagement with existing literature or research. Follow the citation style recommended for your field or by your instructor, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago, or another format.

By going through these detailed steps, you’ll be able to paraphrase effectively, ensuring your work is both original and respectful of the sources you rely on. Remember, paraphrasing means engaging deeply with the material and contributing your own voice to the academic or professional conversation.

What defines the difference between original text and plagiarized content when it comes to paraphrasing?

The quality of information processing distinguishes between original content and plagiarism when paraphrasing.

Is paraphrasing considered illegal?

Paraphrasing itself is not illegal. However, it’s essential to understand the distinction between proper paraphrasing and simple word substitution.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when paraphrasing?

Common mistakes include maintaining the author’s sentence structure too closely, making only minor changes, and failing to use quotation marks for direct phrases.

Can paraphrasing effectively avoid plagiarism?

Yes, paraphrasing is a legitimate method to incorporate others’ ideas into your work, provided it’s done thoughtfully and with proper attribution.

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Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism (vs “Paraphrasing Plagiarism”)

• Posted on November 10, 2021 December 16, 2021

If you’ve done a fair share of writing, academically or otherwise, you’ve likely heard of both plagiarizing and paraphrasing. You’ve probably combed over essays or reports for accurate information and correct citations, but somehow someone always spot something you missed.

It can be confusing to avoid plagiarism with so many types out there and without a clear outline of the rules. Even more so when paraphrasing plagiarism sits on a fine line between what’s allowed and what’s not.

What Is Plagiarism?

Most people have a basic understanding of plagiarism : copying someone else’s words or work without crediting the original author or owner.

If you were to borrow a direct quotation from a famous film character and claim it as your own idea, chances are no one would believe you. But, that doesn’t change the fact that it would be considered plagiarism.

We tend to hear about plagiarism in terms of written works, but it covers all manner of works. A general guideline is to consider copyright. If it can be copyrighted, it can be plagiarized.

What is Copyright?

Copyright is the legal protection of intellectual property. Therefore, only the  copyright owner has the legal right to reproduce or allow the reproduction of their work.

While many authors, artists, composers, and creators might choose to file the paperwork to claim the copyright of their work, you don’t need to make it official. Copyright is intrinsic. The second you complete your poem or compose a new song, you are the copyright owner.

Copyright law can vary depending on the country. Although there is no such thing as international copyright, most countries offer some protections for foreign works.

In the US, copyright protection lasts for the duration of the author’s life plus 70 years. Additionally, work for hire, anonymous, or pseudonymous lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation. As creation and publication are different standards, the protection defaults to whichever is shorter.

What if an artist borrowed a section of Starry Night, such as using the sky portion over an original cityscape? Imagine the artist doesn’t have malicious intent but rather the intention to pay homage to an inspirational creator.

While writing your original novel, what if you include a paragraph or chapter that plays off ‘Riddles in the Dark’ from The Hobbit? Of course, Gollum and Bilbo aren’t in the scene, but your characters similarly exchange riddles.

Van Gogh died in 1890, so he no longer owns the copyright. Therefore, works by Van Gogh are in the  public domain , meaning the general public may use or recreate them without obtaining permission.

Public domain includes works with expired copyrights, public works intended for general public use, and short phrases. For example, “Beam me up,” most associated with Star Trek is free to use.

However, if you were to try to quote an entire line of dialogue from Star Trek, such as including names and phrases more extended than a sentence, you would be infringing copyright. Using that brief three-word phrase might pay homage to your favorite show, but quoting an exchange of dialogue with Scotty and Kirk would be plagiarism.

As for the second homage example, J.R.R. Tolkien died in 1973, which means his estate still has legal rights. Therefore, if you were to imitate the scene or chapter without permission or crediting Tolkien, the homage would be plagiarism.

Taking it a step further, let’s assume you credit Tolkien for inspiring the scene in the author’s notes at the end of your book. It would not be plagiarism if you wrote a scene where two characters exchanged riddles trying to win a prize. However, it would be plagiarism if those two characters were in a cave, one of them promising not to kill the other if they win.

The difference is that plagiarism is when you copy the presentation of an idea. For example, no one owns the concept of riddles or games, which means your homage might paraphrase the idea of riddles-to-the-death, but not the exact words. However, it’s not homage when you place characters in a strikingly similar situation and connotation for more than a phrase or scene.

Types of Plagiarism

There are many  types of plagiarism . Some sources disagree about the amount, as some break down more specific categories while others generalize. Here we’ll discuss the general types with clarification on how they might divide into subcategories.

Word for word plagiarism is the simplest, most familiar type. Notably, copying, at any length, from a direct sentence to a direct paragraph would be verbatim plagiarism.

Mosaic or patchwork plagiarism falls under verbatim. However, mosaic plagiarism includes instances where the writer mentioned the quoted work earlier, but it is not directly connected.

For example, if you were discussing The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields,” you might mention the title in the first paragraph of your essay. Then, you open the third paragraph with lyrics from the song. You know you’re quoting the music, and Beatles fans know, but you need your essay to acknowledge the use within direct proximity.

For a correct example:

‘Always, no sometimes, think it’s me / But you know I know when it’s a dream,’ is an iconic lyric from “Strawberry Fields.”

Self-Plagiarism

If you own the work, you can recreate it. However, the same isn’t true when you’re submitting work. For example, if you write an essay about Hamlet in high school, presenting the same paper for a university class is self-plagiarism.

Legal action is rarely necessary for self-plagiarism  unless you promised an original work and breached a contract.

Accidental Plagiarism

When a citation isn’t precise, it is still plagiarism, even if the intention was to credit another creator. Crucial to avoiding this type of plagiarism is understanding your preferred manual of style.

Generally, Associated Press (AP) applies to journalism, Chicago for publishing/business, American Psychological Association (APA) for academic writing, and Modern Language Association (MLA) for humanities disciplines.

Accidental plagiarism  includes inaccurate citation, failure to acknowledge, attribution or inaccurate source plagiarism, and paraphrasing.

What Is Paraphrasing Plagiarism?

Paraphrasing is not always plagiarism. Effective paraphrasing requires an understanding of the topic or quote well enough to express it originally. It is a form of summarizing or rephrasing that clarifies the meaning of another author’s words in your own words.

A common pitfall of paraphrasing is copying a sentence or direct quote, then the writer tweaks a few words, rewords sentences, or replaces original words with synonyms. Choosing to modify rather than rewrite from scratch is paraphrasing plagiarism.

For an example of paraphrasing plagiarism: Imagine you’re writing that Hamlet essay. During your research, you read an inspiring analysis. If you copy phrases or sentences directly from that analysis, you would be plagiarising. Likewise, rewording a metaphor or sentence you liked would be paraphrasing plagiarism.

However, you could quote a phrase and include a citation. Alternatively, you could write an original interpretation of that idea.

How to Avoid Paraphrasing Plagiarism

The first step to avoid paraphrasing plagiarism is never to copy and paste. However, if while reading your notes over and over, you’ve lost track of where your original words begin, and the quotation ends, a paraphrasing plagiarism tool can catch mistakes that slip through the cracks.

Avoiding plagiarism can be tricky without extra eyes. However, whether your writing process involves meticulous text citation or you sometimes lose track of your source material, a plagiarism checker can save your hard work from accidental plagiarism, including incorrect paraphrasing.

Focus on making your writing the best it can be without stressing over plagiarism. Check out Quetext’s plagiarism checker , which recognizes plagiarism lightning-fast and generates any missed citations.

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Does Paraphrasing With A Tool Count As Plagiarism?

• October 12, 2022 at 3:48 am March 23, 2024 at 7:19 am

Paraphrasing is one of the common elements of writing good content. So, does it count as plagiarism?

Content is king, as said by Bill Gates over 26 years ago. It’s proven right today in every aspect, as 60% of marketers focus on creating at least one piece of content every day. However, creating good quality content is a challenge in Data Science Bootcamp , and that’s when a lot of writers employ paraphrasing tools.

But, does the paraphrasing tool commit plagiarism by rephrasing another author’s content? Moreover, what are the ground rules for using such a tool? And, how does it affect students or academic writers besides SEO writers?

Let’s find the answer to all of these.

Defining Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when a person copies another author’s work and claims that it is their own. This can be done in many different ways, including:

• Copying words from a source and putting them into the text without giving credit to the original author
• Copying ideas from a source without giving credit to the original author
• Presenting an idea as if it was your own but not giving credit to the original author
• Using someone else’s work without permission and claiming that you created it

While there are various types of plagiarism, which we’ll be discussing in a bit, all of them are equally unethical and wrong. Whether in an academic setting or a professional one, this is a practice that is frowned upon.

The cases caught with plagiarism are usually served with severe penalties, such as expulsion from the academies or getting fired from a job. However, the harms of plagiarism can exceed far beyond that, and some cases include:

• Writer’s lost credibility
• Reduction of academic grades
• Demotion or relegation in a professional setting (getting fired in worst-case scenarios)
• Brand’s tarnished reputation

These are some of the most common pitfalls of plagiarism for any writer.

4 Main Plagiarism Types

Plagiarism is a problem, and make no mistake, the factors mentioned above can also count in on accidental or unintentional plagiarism. That’s why it’s important to understand the four major types of plagiarism, which are:

• Mosaic Plagiarism

Mosaic plagiarism is a term that has been coined by the writer and researcher Dr. Rebecca Moore Howard. It is a form of plagiarism where an article or book is constructed from multiple sources without attributing them to the original author.

Since it’s hard to detect, it’s also considered the most unethical type. The construction of mosaic plagiarism can be done in one of three ways:

• The author takes passages from different sources, pastes them together, and rewrites them to create their own work
• The author copies and pastes passages into a word processor document, create a new title for the document, and publishes it under his or her name as if it were original content
• The author copy-pastes passages from different sources into a word processor document and publishes it under his or her name
• Direct Plagiarism

Some people copy content from other sources and then publish it as their own. This is called “direct plagiarism.” Direct plagiarism is a serious offense that can result in a legal action but harms the original author’s reputation. It can also lead to a loss of trust from readers, which is an important part of marketing for any business.

• Accidental Plagiarism

Accidental plagiarism is a common problem that many writers face without even intending to duplicate content. It is possible to accidentally plagiarize even without meaning to do so. How is that? For instance, by forgetting to cite a source or by using an online tool that automatically generates content.

• Source-Based Plagiarism

Source-based plagiarism is a form of plagiarism that occurs when a writer fails to cite the source of their work. Or if they cite a source that doesn’t exist. In order to avoid this type of plagiarism, it is important for writers to be aware of the potential pitfalls and to use reliable sources.

What Is A Paraphrasing Tool? How Does it Work?

A paraphrasing tool is a computer program that automatically paraphrases text. The program analyzes the original text and replaces words with synonyms to generate a new text. It’s based on AI algorithms that allow users to conduct these actions within seconds.

If you were, to sum up how a paraphrasing tool works, then it’d look like this:

• NLP reads the content and converts it for the machine
• AI scans and analyzes the text
• Then AI picks the best synonyms and alternative terms
• The tool replaces said terms with picked synonyms
• All this occurs within a mere seconds

Now, as opposed to manually rephrasing, a paraphrasing tool does it quickly and conveniently. That’s why this type of software is often used by:

• Bloggers who want to generate more content very quickly
• SEO specialists who want to improve the quality of their articles
• People/writers who need assistance with their writing skills

Since it’s also commonly available today, it’s becoming more and more popular within writing communities of all kinds around the globe.

The simple answer is no, it’s not plagiarism if you do it right. However, if you do it wrong, then a lot can go left and cause plagiarism in your text. In order to avoid that, it’s imperative that you focus on writing original text with the assistance of a paraphrasing tool.

So, what are the pillars of using paraphrasers without committing to plagiarism? Here are three main things you need:

• The Intention Should Be Right

The first thing that counts as plagiarism is the intention. If the writer intended to reuse another author’s work to save time or effort without giving them their due credit, then it’s plagiarism. Granted, plagiarism can be unintentional too.

However, plagiarism’s most unethical shape is the one where it’s intended to be that way. Therefore, the writer should always use a paraphrasing tool to avoid plagiarism, not cause it.

• Paraphrasing Should Be Thorough

One of the most common problems writers face when paraphrasing is the lack of it. In other words, not paraphrasing thoroughly is what commonly causes plagiarism. How could they avoid that? By paraphrasing all the way through.

If your content remains the same as the original one, then plagiarism will remain. That’s why, to avoid it effectively, it’s imperative to use a tool that thoroughly rewrites the original text and avoids any similarities with the original.

• The Citation Should Be There

The final nail is to cite the original author after paraphrasing. Remember, plagiarism is caused by not giving the original writer their due credit. Therefore, you need to make sure you cite properly after rephrasing.

So, how do you do that? By hyperlinking the text with the link to the original blog/website. Or, you can use MLA or APA styles to cite the original author.

How Should You Use A Paraphrasing Tool To Avoid Plagiarism?

Using a paraphrasing tool to avoid plagiarism sounds good, but you must ensure you’re doing it properly. So, here’s a four-step procedure you should use to avoid plagiarism every time you use a paraphrasing tool.

• Pick A Paraphraser

The first step is to pick a good paraphrasing tool, and while we’ll be suggesting three such tools later, you need to look for something that offers:

• Various content tones
• At least a 500-word count limit
• The natural tone of rephrased content
• Quick and convenient usage

If a paraphrasing tool has these traits, then go for it.

• Choose A Content Tone

Once you pick a tool, the next step is to paste or upload your content into the tool’s editor. After that, you’ll have to pick a content tone. Most good tools would offer something along the lines of:

While some tools don’t have these options, you shouldn’t worry because such tools know what’s best for your type of text.

• Rewrite Content

The next step is to let the paraphrasing tool rewrite your content. This process takes up a few seconds, depending on the abilities of the tool you pick. However, most capable tools would take around a minute or two to rewrite around 400-500 words.

• Cite The Source

The final step is to avoid plagiarism effectively by citing the source. As mentioned before, you can try various ways of citation, but using the MLA or APA system is the best way to ensure the original author gets their due credit.

3 Recommended Paraphrasing Tools in 2022

Now that the process is out of the way let’s talk about the tools. Bearing in mind all the qualities we mentioned before, we picked the three best paraphrasing tools you can use in 2022. Here they are:

• Paraphrasingtool by Prepostseo

PrePostSEO’s paraphrasing tool is one of the common occurrences in Google search results for such tools. And there’s a good reason behind that, as it’s perhaps the best paraphrasing tool available today.

You cannot ask for more from a paraphrasing tool with a good UI design and paraphrasing capabilities. Because, in theory, this is the complete paraphraser that every writer needs.

• 1000-word limit
• Four content tones
• Supports 17 languages
• Paraphrase Online by Editpad

Editpad is new to the game, but the paraphrasing tool is becoming one of the best available today. Featuring three different content tones and outstanding abilities to paraphrase online your text, it’s one of the best options you have.

On top of that, it can rewrite texts without causing unnatural or robotic tones. Which makes it an ideal companion for any writer.

• 1000+ word limit
• Three content tones
• Various supported languages
• Quick and convenient
• Paraphraser.io

Paraphraser.io is another leading name in paraphrasing , as it’s  one of the favorites among writers. Why is it used on a wide scale? Because it has all the key ingredients to make a good paraphrasing tool.

From two more-than-suitable content tones to plagiarism removing capabilities, it’s everything a writer needs to avoid plagiarism.

• 500-word limit
• Two content tones (three if premium)
• Supports 13 languages
• Exceedingly quicker than most paraphrasers

Understanding how to use a paraphrasing tool requires you to understand the basics of it. Most of which we’ve covered in this article, as it explains just how you should approach paraphrasing. Therefore, to sum it all up, use a good tool and make sure you cite the original author to avoid plagiarism.

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A Guide to Plagiarism and Paraphrasing

According to the joint research efforts of Dr. Donald McCabe and the International Center for Academic Integrity , nearly 30% of university students admit to having cheated in some way on an exam.

Understanding how and when to cite sources is a critical skill for students to learn. Whether you borrow someone’s ideas from a textbook, blog post, or academic journal, you must give proper credit while representing the source’s ideas fairly and coherently.

This guide covers:

• Paraphrasing
• Plagiarism checkers, citation managers, and writing tools

The Purdue Global Writing Center defines plagiarism as “using another's words, ideas, results, or images without giving appropriate credit to that person, therefore, giving the impression that it is your own work.”

Types of Plagiarism

University of Oxford notes eight common forms of plagiarism:

• Verbatim plagiarism: Copying someone else’s work word for word.
• Cutting and pasting from web pages without clear acknowledgement: Pulling information off the internet without referencing it and without including it in the bibliography.
• Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing so closely so that the copy is almost an exact match to the original.
• Collusion: In group projects, or projects in which you received help, failing to properly attribute the assistance or failure to follow the project’s rules.
• Inaccurate citation: Failing to cite correctly, according to the conventions of your discipline.
• Failure to acknowledge assistance: Failing to clearly acknowledge all assistance that has contributed to your work (ordinary proofreading and help from a tutor or supervisor is excepted).
• Use of material written by professional agencies or other people: Using material that was written by a professional agency or another person, even if you have the consent of the person who wrote it.
• Auto-plagiarism (also known as self-plagiarism): Reusing work that you’ve previously submitted or published; presenting that information as new when you’ve already gotten credit for the work.

A new concern revolves around AI and copying directly from chat, composition, and visual tools. Using prompts to generate content for assignments and passing it off as your own contribution is considered plagiarism. Various organizations use AI software to check for submissions generated by a chatbot.

Also, keep in mind that AI tools may produce inaccurate and unreliable information. While there may be valid use cases for informal AI-generated brainstorming, this is a complex and evolving topic. Be sure to verify the policy expressed by your school, professors, or professional organizations for recent developments.

It’s important to note that plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional plagiarism occurs when a student unknowingly cites a source inaccurately or improperly. Intentional plagiarism, on the other hand, is when a student chooses not to cite a source or tries to pass off someone else’s ideas as their own.

Consequences of Plagiarism

The consequences of plagiarism vary by institution, but it could get you expelled or dropped from a course. In less severe instances, plagiarism — both intentional and unintentional — may result in a grade penalty, course failure, or suspension. Beyond the academic consequences, plagiarism also tarnishes your reputation and minimizes your integrity. Whether you’re in school or the working world, plagiarism is not a good look.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

The key to avoiding plagiarism is learning how to incorporate research into your writing. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center , you can do this in the following ways:

• Quoting: If you don’t want to alter a source, use quotation marks to enclose all verbatim phrases.
• Summarizing: If you find multiple relevant points in a lengthy text, simplify them into your own condensed synopsis.
• Paraphrasing: If you want to use a source’s information, restate it in your own words.

Whether you’re quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing, don’t forget to cite all sources.

What Is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is using your own words to convey the meaning of an excerpt. It shows your reader that you did your research and understand the content. While students may understand that they need to cite sources, many struggle with paraphrasing the ideas of others into their own words. However, like many aspects of writing, effective paraphrasing is a skill developed over time.

How to Approach Paraphrasing

The goal of paraphrasing is to translate the original work into your own wording and sentence structure. The best way to approach this is to focus on the meaning of the text, forcing you to interact with its purpose and context.

Paraphrasing Tips

A good way to judge your understanding of material is to see if you can explain it to someone else. Once you have this level of understanding, it’s easier to create effective paraphrases — changing the language and structure of a passage becomes more manageable.

Here are some tips to help you paraphrase:

• Reread the passage until you fully understand its meaning.
• Write your own summary of the passage without referencing the original.
• Check that your summary accurately captures the context of the original passage.
• Document the source information following your summary, whether it’s an endnote or footnote.

Remember that you still need to cite your paraphrases, but your follow-up analysis and discussion points belong to you.

What Requires Citation?

Any time you use information that isn’t common knowledge or you didn’t come up with yourself, you must cite it. The following requires citation, usually through in-text citation or a reference list entry:

• Quotes: If you are quoting the actual words someone said, put the words in quotation marks and cite the source.
• Information and ideas: If you obtain ideas or information from somewhere else, cite it — even if you paraphrase the original content.
• Illustrations: If you use someone else’s graphic, table, figure, or artwork, you must credit the source. These may also require permission and a copyright notice.
• Photographs: If you use your own photography or an image that allows use without attribution, no citation is required. In other cases, add a note below the image and a corresponding reference citation.

Common Knowledge Exception

You don’t need to cite information that’s considered common knowledge in the public domain — as long as you reword the well-known fact. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center , information must have the following traits to be considered common knowledge:

• The reader would already be aware of it.
• It’s a widely accepted fact; for example, there are 24 hours in a day.
• It’s accessible via common information sources.
• It originates from folklore or a well-known story.
• It’s commonly acknowledged in your field and known by your audience.

Why Citation Is Important

The importance of citation goes beyond the avoidance of plagiarism. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center’s Plagiarism Information page, citation:

• Distinguishes new ideas from existing information
• Reinforces arguments regarding a particular topic
• Allows readers to find your sources and conduct additional research
• Maintains ethical research and writing
• Ensures attribution of ideas, avoiding plagiarism

Additionally, proper citation enhances your credibility with readers, displays your critical thinking skills, and demonstrates your strong writing ability.

Plagiarism Prevention and Writing Resources

It takes time to develop strong writing and paraphrasing skills. Thinking of writing as more of a discussion than a report may help you develop your skills. Remember that it’s not about reporting and repeating information; it’s about expanding on ideas and making them your own.

Below are some tools to help you avoid plagiarism, accurately cite sources, and improve your writing as you develop your own unique voice.

Plagiarism Checkers

• DupliChecker
• Grammarly's Plagiarism Checker
• Plagiarism Detector

Citation Managers

• Academic Writer
• Grammarly’s Free Citation Generator

>> Read: Apps and Extensions to Help You With APA Citations

Writing Tools

Check out purdue global’s writing center resources.

The Purdue Global Writing Center can help guide students through the paper writing process — from avoiding plagiarism to proper paraphrasing to getting the right citations.

Students may access this resource from the Purdue Global campus homepage . Click “My Studies,” followed by “Academic Success Center.”

From there, students have several options:

• Ask a writing tutor
• Connect with a tutor for a one-on-one session
• Browse the Study Studio
• Watch webinars

Students can check out the Using Sources & APA Style page , which includes several resources to guide students through the process of formatting a document and citing sources in the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The Plagiarism Information page offers a tutorial designed to help students identify instances of plagiarism and understand how to avoid them.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

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Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism: Differences with Examples

• Smodin Editorial Team
• February 21, 2023

Paraphrasing and plagiarism are two essential aspects of any research work or study. In the contemporary world, where ethical laws highly protect intellectual and research work, it is rare for people to directly quote someone’s work in its original form. 

When Should You Paraphrase?

Of course, maintaining the work’s ethical value and confidentiality is crucial to maintaining the quality of the research conducted. One tends to tweak and modify the words and restructures any phrase. In layman’s language, this is known as paraphrasing, which is done to avoid infringement on the owner’s rights. Every academic student and researcher should be knowledgeable about the meaning of paraphrasing. One must ensure that the purpose of the restated words is not changed in paraphrasing. This is where paraphrasing tools (Smodin’s Paraphrasing Tool) come into play and act as a lifesaver for any academic student. It is common to paraphrase whether you are writing an essay, an article, a thesis, or a research paper. It helps in delivering your ideas more effectively and coherently.

Should Plagiarism Be Used?

Paraphrasing is done where a direct quotation is irrelevant to the academic paper. While it is essential to paraphrase words, the lack of it leads to plagiarism. Plagiarism is something that every research student must be wary of and never do intentionally, as it can subjugate one’s work to harsh critique by peers. Furthermore, it can even be considered illegal and against research ethics. The very backbone of research is work that is free from any hints of plagiarism, and following the code of conduct is vital for the success of one’s written work. Not only does plagiarism tarnish the tonality of the writing, but it also ruins the writing structure and authenticity. So any time you add someone’s work to your paper, make sure you credit the author properly so that the work is not mistaken for your own in any way, shape, or form. 

Mostly, plagiarism happens by mistake due to the need for the right tools to paraphrase one’s written work. Thankfully, many online tools can help you translate effectively and detect plagiarism that might be “plaguing” your document. Using these tools is encouraged by academic institutions to make your writing error-free. So now that it is evident why these terms are crucial let us understand with examples what the two terms mean and the critical differentiation between them. One must ensure that paraphrasing and plagiarism are distinct so that the quality of the paper is excellent. 

What is Paraphrasing?

Simply put, paraphrasing means conveying somebody’s ideas in words that are entirely your own. According to Cambridge Dictionary, “paraphrasing” means “to repeat something written or spoken using different words, often in a humorous form or in a simpler and shorter form that makes the original meaning clearer.” Thus, even though it might be tempting to paraphrase a quote or a passage, you must be careful that it does not get considered plagiarism. In other words, you should use more synonyms and refrain from using original words and concepts. You can, however, use generic terms such as global warming and globalisation as they are commonly understood and accepted. 

For example , let us take a look at this fact related to the human body:

Original phrase: At birth, infants have about 300 bones. However, some of these bones get fused as they grow older; eventually leading to only 206 bones by the time they attain adulthood.

Paraphrasing: Babies are born with approximately 300 bones in their body, but as they turn older and reach adulthood, the bones tend to amalgamate and decrease to just 206.

Plagiarism: Infants have about 300 bones at the time of birth . These bones get fused as they grow older, leaving them with just 206 bones in total by the time they attain adulthood .

From this, we can clearly understand the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing. 

In the first example (paraphrasing) , the text has been paraphrased effectively as there is the usage of synonyms (amalgamate, babies, etc.) Also, the translated text has restated words, and their meaning does not change.

In the second example (plagiarism) , a lot of plagiarism occurs as the writer has used exact words from the original text without quotation marks. Additionally, the actual words have been used, and there are a lot of duplicities.

What is Plagiarism?

Using parts of another person’s work and passing it across as your own, intentionally or unintentionally, is plagiarism. Exposure can even lead to a bad grade or cause extreme critique amongst one’s peers, as it is a morally unethical practice. Research allows no room for plagiarized work and can tamper the reputation of the one whose work is “stolen”. One can avoid such instances with the help of many online tools such as DupliChecker, Copyscape, and Plagiarism Detector. However, it is best to understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it manually, as getting exposed can have serious consequences. 

When it comes to providing a proper citation, your local library’s help can help a lot. Also, online software and tools like Zotero, Ref Works, EndNote, and Mendeley can go a long way in ensuring that credit is provided wherever it may be due. It also helps to develop an understanding of the passage and understand the text after reviewing it thoroughly. By doing this, there will be little confusion, eliminating the need for plagiarism.

Types of Plagiarism

Paraphrasing vs plagiarism is a rather broad and versatile topic. There are several types of plagiarism, and having an understanding of each one of them is vital in academics and research. According to the Harvard College Writing Program, these are as follows:

• Verbatim Plagiarism: This means copying someone’s work word by word.
• Mosaic Plagiarism: Taking parts of text from various sources without crediting the author.
• Inadequate Paraphrase: Paraphrasing that still has duplicity. 
• Uncited Paraphrase: Sufficiently copying another person’s work without giving credit.
• Uncited Quotation: Lack of reference material on a quotation cited from an external source.
• Using Another Student’s Work: Misusing someone’s ideas by completely copying them and taking all the credit for their work.

Thus, it is always handy to use RefWorks and Zotero to keep a proper log of all the citations and references used in your research paper or thesis. By doing so, you can go a long way in maintaining your work’s originality and ethical quality. 

Is Paraphrasing The Same As Plagiarism?

Paraphrasing is not the same as plagiarism, as the former encompasses proper citations, quotation marks, and references wherever necessary. However, paraphrasing might count as plagiarism in cases where:

• If your text is copied too closely to the original text, it is considered plagiarism. Yes, even if you provide proper citations. Thus, you are encouraged to use restated wording after grasping the passage’s meaning.
• Paraphrasing can also be considered plagiarism if you do not provide credit to the original writer.

When is Paraphrasing Not the Same as Plagiarism?

Although the lines between the two concepts may seem blurred, there are instances where paraphrasing and plagiarism are not similar such as the following:

•  If you do not copy the original author’s work, word by word, and provide adequate citations, then paraphrasing is not considered the same as plagiarism.

How to Paraphrase Without Plagiarism?

To paraphrase without getting acquitted of plagiarism, follow the given tips:

• Keep the Original Text at Bay

Once you have read the original text, leave it aside when it is time to write. By doing so, you can avoid confusion and hesitation. Also, use different coloured pens and highlighters while gathering sources for citing. 

• Gather a Genuine Understanding

Read the text a couple of times till you have acquired an understanding of it by heart. If you understand the concept, it will be a walk in the park for you to paraphrase it later in your words. 

• Adequately Cite The Sources

Be mindful of the various writing styles, such as the APA and the MLA. Follow the manual’s guidelines and use the format that is in the latest edition. Always use adequate citations and quotations in your writing.

• Use Anti-Plagiarism Tools

If you are a student, you can benefit from anti-plagiarism tools such as Copyscape and DupliChecker. These tools will allow you to escape accidental plagiarism. You can also use Grammarly’s Plagiarism Tool, which is one of the best.

Smodin’s Paraphrasing Tool

Another excellent paraphrasing tool is Smodin’s paraphrasing tool . Using this tool, you can rewrite any passage using as little as five words. It restates your text with good grammar and ensures high quality simultaneously. Smodin’s paraphrasing tool also comes packaged with a citation generator and a plagiarism checker. In short, it is your one-stop solution for all research-related papers.

On A Final Note

Paraphrasing is essential in any work to convey an original text in one’s own words. Smodin’s Paraphrasing Tool, Grammarly , CopyScape, and, DupliChecker are all handy tools for writing a top-notch academic paper. So check them out through the links given in this article.

Academic Integrity at MIT

A handbook for students, search form, avoiding plagiarism - paraphrasing.

In writing papers, you will paraphrase more than you will quote. For a report or research paper, you may need to gather background information that is important to the paper but not worthy of direct quotation. Indeed, in technical writing direct quotation is rarely used.

Exactly what does "paraphrase" mean?

It means taking the words of another source and restating them, using your own vocabulary. In this way, you keep the meaning of the original text, but do not copy its exact wording.

What strategies can I use to paraphrase?

Use synonyms for all words that are not generic. Words like world, food, or science are so basic to our vocabulary that is difficult to find a synonym.

Change the structure of the sentence.

Change the voice from active to passive and vice versa.    

Change clauses to phrases and vice versa.

Change parts of speech.

A good paraphrase combines a number of strategies: the goal is to rephrase the information so that it appears in your words, not those of the author.

Example 4: Using Multiple Strategies to Paraphrase

Example 5: Unacceptable Paraphrase

Is paraphrasing plagiarism?

Is paraphrasing plagiarism? The short answer is: it depends. What defines the difference between the original text based on respectful resources and the plagiarized one is the quality of information processing.

Is it illegal to paraphrase?

Definitely, it is not illegal to paraphrase. However, one should not confuse proper paraphrasing with synonymization . You need actually to work with information, absorb it, and transform it into something new instead of just replacing the words.

The common mistakes leading to poor paraphrasing are:

• to maintain the author’s sentence structure and tone of voice, repeating their method of expression;
• to apply only minor changes to the structure;
• not to use quotation marks to indicate the phrases coming from the author directly;
• to mix up paraphrasing with synonymization, which, when overused, is considered plagiarism.

The thing is, modern plagiarism-checking tools can detect these kinds of changes and define your work as plagiarised. Let’s pay attention to an example from PurdueOWL website :

When we scan the poorly paraphrased version, it is evident that rewording is not good enough to trick the detector. PlagiarismCheck.org still finds similarities:

Can you avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing?

Actually, paraphrasing is a legitimate way to borrow others’ thoughts. You just need to learn how to use it wisely and moderately.

1 Develop critical thinking and a unique writing style. Enhance your paper with original examples, rely on your experience, and strive to find a new angle or approach to the subject. Paraphrase the part of the source you need to ground your ideas, but spice it up with new details.

2 Always credit your sources. Use quotation marks when you provide direct citations, and pay attention to proper attribution.

3 Dig into the topic. Read several sources, formulate a comprehensive impression, and distill the essence of the subject instead of rewriting a particular text.

4 Run a   plagiarism check . Use a reliable tool to catch potential plagiarism and edit the paper before you submit it to the professor.

So, let’s sum it up. Is it plagiarism if you paraphrase? No, if you do it properly.

How can you be sure you have done a good job? Use a plagiarism detector to highlight the text’s parts requiring more effort and polish your paper.

PlagiarismCheck.org is here to help! Try it for free to check your paraphrasing skills, use AI checker GPT , and empower your writing.

Discover how PlagiarismCheck.org can empower your workflow!

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Is it Legal to Use a Paraphrasing Tool to Avoid Plagiarism

Originally published: March 28, 2022 09:35:16 AM, updated: June 14, 2023 10:06:00 AM

Using a free paraphrasing tool can be very helpful when writing content. You can use it to make your content unique. You can also learn new words and see the different ways in which you can structure your sentences.

But, seeing how easy it is to use these tools, you could be a bit worried about whether what you are doing is legal or not. Not to worry. That is what we will discuss in this post.

The Right and Wrong Types of Paraphrasing

There are two types of paraphrasing.

The first type is the one in which the job is done thoroughly, and the final content does not bear a very major resemblance to the original text.

The other type of paraphrasing (and this is the bad kind) is the one in which someone just changes a few words from the original content and then uses it as it is his own.

Of these two types, the first one is legal.

In other words, if a person paraphrases some content then and adequately shares it elsewhere without citing the source, there will be nothing wrong with it.

With this type of content, even if someone were to check Plagiarism, they would not get any type of matches whatsoever. But, with partially paraphrased content, it is important to mention the original author as well.

Is it Legal to Use a Paraphrasing Tool to Avoid Plagiarism?

As we mentioned above, paraphrasing is legal if it is done correctly. With genuine and legitimate paraphrasing, there is no malicious intent involved.

The writer does not aim to use someone else's content as his own wrongfully. He merely wishes to write a certain idea or concept in different words.

However, we should mention that while proper paraphrasing won't be considered Plagiarism, it's not something that you should resort to habitually.

In certain scenarios, it is fine to paraphrase a few paragraphs. But it is not good to adopt this as a permanent practice. A writer should come up with original and unique stuff and not rely on other people's content.

Mind you, there is a significant difference between taking inspiration and paraphrasing. To take inspiration means to learn from some content and then to come up with a completely new and unique way to explain it.

And doing this is completely fine from both aspects: legal and ethical. Without taking inspiration, no one would learn anything.

Recommended video : How to Paraphrase in 5 Easy Steps | Scribbr

How to Use a Free Paraphrasing Tool to Paraphrase Content Properly?

Improperly paraphrased content will not be recognized as unique either by the readers or the search engine. If you don't know how to paraphrase content properly, you need to get familiar with it.

Here is how you can do it in a few simple steps:

Choose a good paraphrasing tool . This part is important. A lot of tools available online will take your content and mess it up…instead of rewording it.

We will look at a few good tools in detail later on, but for now, we can name a few, such as paphraser.io, rephrase.info, searchengingereports.net, etc.

Paraphrase the content . After you have chosen your tool, you will need to use it and rephrase the original text.

Check for errors . Up till now, the two steps mentioned were more or less what you usually have to do when you paraphrase any content.

However, you have to make sure that everything is on point when you want to do it properly. Fixing grammatical and spelling mistakes is the first step to that.

Don't retain the sentence structure . And finally, to make sure that your paraphrased content is not recognizable, you have to change the original structure. You can do this by moving the paragraphs around a bit and breaking the sentences down into smaller parts.

Some changes to the structure will be affected by the paraphraser tool itself, but most of it you will have to do yourself.

If you follow the first two steps of this post only, you will get paraphrased content, but it will not be thorough and complete.

Tools That You Can Try for Paraphrasing Content

The steps discussed above are pretty easy to follow. However, when it comes to choosing the right paraphrasing tool, you could face a hitch.

To help you pick the right tool for your paraphrasing needs, we have come up with this brief list:

Paraphraser.io is a great free paraphrasing tool. It comes with a free version that users can enjoy indefinitely without signing up or registering.

The main reason why we are mentioning this tool at the top of our list is because of its human-like functionality.

We mentioned earlier that there are a lot of tools online that jumble the meaning of the given text and make it mean something completely different than what was intended.

However, Paraphraser.io runs on an exceptional algorithm that allows it to replace certain words with proper synonyms while retaining the original context.

You also get the option of choosing between two different modes (three, if you are a premium user), which include: Fluency, Standard, and Creative (premium only).

Key Features

• Free to start
• Different modes available
• Human-like functionality
• Multiple integrated tools

Prepostseo.com is not only a paraphrasing tool. There are a lot of different utilities related to content optimization and SEO that you can use with it. And luckily for us, they also have a paraphraser tool that is available for free.

There are a lot of excellent features on this app as well. For one, it has four different modes, all of which can be enjoyed by free users.

They include Simple, Creative, Advanced, and Fluency. These different modes essentially decide the number and type of changes that will be made to the given text.

The process is quick to complete, and the results can easily be copied.

If you want to use some other tools, like 'Check Plagiarism,' 'Checker Grammar,' and 'Summarize Content,' you can easily do it by clicking on the buttons in the bottom bar.

• Free to use all the way
• Extra tools available, i.e., plagiarism checker, grammar checker, etc.
• Completely web-based
• Quick conversion

Plagiarismremover.net has, like the two other tools discussed on this list, multiple utilities that you can use. Their 'Article Rewriter' tool is an excellent paraphraser that is available for free.

We copied some text from a website and paraphrased it using this tool. After paraphrasing, the resulting content did not get recognized as plagiarized.

Plagiarismremover.net offers a decent number of file uploading and language options. As for the process itself, it was fast and only took up a few seconds.

• Quick to work
• Gave plagiarism-free results
• Integrated plagiarism and grammar checking tools
• Multiple languages supported

Paraphrasingtool.ai is an advanced online platform that hosts a variety of innovative tools designed to assist writers in creating, modifying, and polishing their content. Its flagship product is a paraphrasing tool with unique features such as audio paraphrasing, four different tonal settings, eight paraphrasing modes, and a speech-to-text paraphrasing capability.

This versatile tool can effortlessly rephrase up to 20,000 characters simultaneously, paving the way for more efficient content production. This tool also has an AI Text Editor enriched with many features.

It can simplify complex sentences, expand upon ideas, convert paragraphs into bullet points, provide examples, and offer explanations, among other features. This streamlines the editing process, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.

In addition to these utilities, Paraphrasingtool.ai also offers a plagiarism checker that can check up to 25,000 words in one go. This tool is invaluable for writers seeking originality and authenticity in their work, allowing them to uphold the highest academic integrity and professionalism standards.

• Freemium Tool
• Multiple paraphrasing modes
• Multiple tones
• Multilingual support
• Plagiarism checker available
• Decent character limit
• Multiple input options (Audio paraphrasing, Speech-to-text paraphrasing, and extracting text from images)
• AI text editor

What are the key elements of paraphrasing?

The two elements of paraphrasing are:

1. Giving an author credit for their thoughts. 2. Putting these concepts into your own words rather than the authors.

What three steps are involved in paraphrasing?

After reading the original content and understanding it, put it aside. Change the text's structure by altering the introduction, the sentence lengths and/or orders, the starting sentence, etc. Note the key ideas or points using your memory. Don't duplicate the text word for word.

What is not allowed in paraphrasing?

It is not sufficient to just substitute a few words and leave out others when paraphrasing. You must fully comprehend the meaning of the expression before translating it into your own words.

When should you not paraphrase?

Paraphrasing is considered plagiarism if you don't give the original author full credit. If your text is too similar to the original words (even if you cite the source), paraphrasing is considered plagiarism. Quote a sentence or phrase rather than just copy it verbatim.

What to change when paraphrasing?

Don't just take the original sentence and replace some of the terms with synonyms when paraphrasing. Try reformulating the statement instead (for example, switching from active to passive or beginning at a different point) and incorporating details from several phrases into one.

Paraphrasing any content properly can take time, but it is worth it. Keep in mind that you must give credit through a citation for the author's original idea when paraphrasing.

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What is paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing involves a detailed rewriting of a passage from source material into your own words.  Essentially, a writer will paraphrase when they want to incorporate someone else's idea into a paper without directly quoting (using quotation marks) them.  A paraphrase will typically be of similar length to the original source.  A paraphrase must  be credited to the original source.

When should I paraphrase?

Paraphrasing is, perhaps, the most common way to legitimately incorporate someone else's material into your writing.  You should consider paraphrasing when the wording of the original source is less important than the source.  This will allow you to maintain a smooth continuity in your writing.  Paraphrases are typically more detailed than a summary (discussed below).

Consider paraphrasing to:

• change the organization of ideas presented in the original source
• simplify material
• clarify technical or specialized information into language that is appropriate for your reading audience
• avoid the temptation to quote too much

Note:  When paraphrasing, avoid keeping the same structure of the original material or merely just changing some of the words.  e faithful to stay true to the meaning of the original material and avoid adding your own ideas into a paraphrase.

This material has been adapted from the University of Houston Victoria: Decide When to Quote, Paraphrase, and Summarize (page no longer available as of 03/15/2024).

What does paraphrasing look like?

Example of paraphrasing:.

Original Material

In The Sopranos , the mob is besieged as much by inner infidelity as it is by the federal government. Early in the series, the greatest threat to Tony's Family is his own biological family. One of his closest associates turns witness for the FBI, his mother colludes with his uncle to contract a hit on Tony, and his kids click through Web sites that track the federal crackdown in Tony's gangland.

Fields, Ingrid Walker. “Family Values and Feudal Codes: The Social Politics of

America’s Twenty-First Century Gangster.” Journal of Popular Culture 37.4

(2004). Academic Search Complete . Web. 13 Mar. 2012.

Paraphrase:

In the first season of The Sopranos , Tony Soprano's mobster activities are more threatened by members of his biological family than by agents of the federal government. This familial betrayal is multi-pronged. Tony's closest friend and associate is an FBI informant, his mother and uncle are conspiring to have him killed, and his children are surfing the Web for information about his activities (Fields).

This example is from Duke Libraries'Paraphrasing. (page no longer available; redirects to "Citing Sources" 7/26/13).

How do I paraphrase?

Step 1: Read over what you want to paraphrase carefully until you understand its full meaning.

Step 2: Set the original passage aside where you won't look at it.

Step 3: Write the meaning of the passage in your own words (i.e., explain it to yourself).  Be sure to give proper credit to the source. 

Step 4: Check the paraphrase against the original to ensure you haven't accidentally used the same words or phrases and verify that the information you wrote is accurate.

Step 5: Set the material aside and work on something else for a few minutes.

Step 6: When you return to your work, reread your paraphrase and modify as necessary.  Setting yourself apart from a paraphrase will allow you to return with a fresh perspective and the words of the original source will have faded.  This will allow you to revise and polish your own sentence choices.

Note:  The materials presented in this section have been adapted from Purdue OWL's: Paraphrase: Write it in Your Own Words (opens in a new window), Colorado State University's: How to Paraphrase Without Plagiarizing, (page no longer available; redirects to "Writing Guides" 7/7/14) and Duke Libraries' Paraphrasing. (page no longer available; redirects to "Citing Sources" 7/26/13).

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• Last Updated: Mar 15, 2024 10:00 AM
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What Is Plagiarism? | Definition & Examples

Plagiarism means using someone else’s work without giving them proper credit. In academic writing, plagiarizing involves using words, ideas, or information from a source without citing it correctly. In practice, this can mean a few different things.

Table of contents

Common questions about plagiarism, more tools and resources for avoiding plagiarism, frequently asked questions about plagiarism.

It’s easy to understand why you shouldn’t buy essays, but students often struggle with the details of quoting , paraphrasing , and citing sources . Below, we address some questions and misconceptions students often have about plagiarism.

I need to quote and paraphrase a lot. Won’t my paper be full of distracting citations?

It’s true that some papers do feature a lot of citations. There are ways to reduce clutter by citing more efficiently, such as:

• Combining multiple citations into one set of parentheses (usually separated by semicolons )
• Not repeating the full citation when you cite the same source multiple times in a row
• Using “ ibid. ” to indicate a repeated citation (in certain styles)
• Omitting citations for information that is common knowledge

Do I need to cite a certain number of sources? Can citing too much be a bad thing?

There’s no fixed number of sources you should cite. Your use of sources should be based on strengthening your argument, not meeting a quota. A high number of citations isn’t inherently a good or bad thing. Some types of academic text (e.g., a literature review ) are more likely to cite a lot of sources than others.

When you do think you’ve cited too much, it’s worth considering whether you need all the information you’ve included. All information should directly contribute to your argument, not just be tangentially related.

One thing you should avoid is quoting too much. If large portions of your text consist of someone else’s words, it distracts from your own arguments. It’s usually better to paraphrase unless you’re specifically analyzing the language of the source (e.g., in literary analysis ).

Is it better to just avoid using sources so I don’t risk accidental plagiarism?

No, using sources is an essential part of academic writing . Academic research is an ongoing conversation between researchers. Drawing on other sources, and positioning your own ideas in relation to them, is not optional.

But it’s understandable to be concerned about plagiarism. If you’re worried about the possibility of accidental plagiarism, make sure to:

• Quote and paraphrase sources correctly
• Manage and cite your sources using a citation generator
• Use a plagiarism checker before submitting your work to detect any problems
• Use generative AI tools responsibly (outputs may be detected by an AI detector )

Is paraphrasing a kind of plagiarism?

No, paraphrasing is just a way of incorporating information from a source into your text by putting it into your own words. As long as you cite the source correctly, paraphrasing is the best way to incorporate information in most cases.

However, paraphrasing can be considered plagiarism if you:

• Don’t cite the source of the information, or cite it incorrectly
• Phrase the information in a way that’s too close to the original (e.g., just swapping out a couple of words instead of reformulating the sentence)

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Scribbr offers a variety of tools and services designed to help you with citations and plagiarism checking, including the best plagiarism checker available.

Plagiarism Checker

Citation Generator Citation Checker Citation Editing

And you can check out the in-depth articles below to learn more about the different kinds of plagiarism, its consequences, and how to avoid it:

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• How to avoid plagiarism
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Academic integrity vs. academic dishonesty
• Common knowledge
• How plagiarism checkers work
• Examples of plagiarism
• Plagiarism resources for educators

The consequences of plagiarism vary depending on the type of plagiarism and the context in which it occurs. For example, submitting a whole paper by someone else will have the most severe consequences, while accidental citation errors are considered less serious.

If you’re a student, then you might fail the course, be suspended or expelled, or be obligated to attend a workshop on plagiarism. It depends on whether it’s your first offense or you’ve done it before.

As an academic or professional, plagiarizing seriously damages your reputation. You might also lose your research funding or your job, and you could even face legal consequences for copyright infringement.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Accidental plagiarism is one of the most common examples of plagiarism . Perhaps you forgot to cite a source, or paraphrased something a bit too closely. Maybe you can’t remember where you got an idea from, and aren’t totally sure if it’s original or not.

These all count as plagiarism, even though you didn’t do it on purpose. When in doubt, make sure you’re citing your sources . Also consider running your work through a plagiarism checker tool prior to submission, which work by using advanced database software to scan for matches between your text and existing texts.

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker takes less than 10 minutes and can help you turn in your paper with confidence.

Plagiarism can be detected by your professor or readers if the tone, formatting, or style of your text is different in different parts of your paper, or if they’re familiar with the plagiarized source.

Many universities also use plagiarism detection software like Turnitin’s, which compares your text to a large database of other sources, flagging any similarities that come up.

It can be easier than you think to commit plagiarism by accident. Consider using a plagiarism checker prior to submitting your paper to ensure you haven’t missed any citations.

The accuracy depends on the plagiarism checker you use. Per our in-depth research , Scribbr is the most accurate plagiarism checker. Many free plagiarism checkers fail to detect all plagiarism or falsely flag text as plagiarism.

Plagiarism checkers work by using advanced database software to scan for matches between your text and existing texts. Their accuracy is determined by two factors: the algorithm (which recognizes the plagiarism) and the size of the database (with which your document is compared).

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What is your plagiarism score?

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between plagiarism and paraphrasing.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely into your own words and properly reference the source .

Frequently asked questions: Referencing

Peer review is a process of evaluating submissions to an academic journal. Utilising rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication.

For this reason, academic journals are often considered among the most credible sources you can use in a research project – provided that the journal itself is trustworthy and well regarded.

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

In academic writing , there are three main situations where quoting is the best choice:

• To analyse the author’s language (e.g., in a literary analysis essay )
• To give evidence from primary sources
• To accurately present a precise definition or argument

Don’t overuse quotes; your own voice should be dominant. If you just want to provide information from a source, it’s usually better to paraphrase or summarise .

Articles in newspapers and magazines can be primary or secondary depending on the focus of your research.

In historical studies, old articles are used as primary sources that give direct evidence about the time period. In social and communication studies, articles are used as primary sources to analyse language and social relations (for example, by conducting content analysis or discourse analysis ).

If you are not analysing the article itself, but only using it for background information or facts about your topic, then the article is a secondary source.

A fictional movie is usually a primary source. A documentary can be either primary or secondary depending on the context.

If you are directly analysing some aspect of the movie itself – for example, the cinematography, narrative techniques, or social context – the movie is a primary source.

If you use the movie for background information or analysis about your topic – for example, to learn about a historical event or a scientific discovery – the movie is a secondary source.

Whether it’s primary or secondary, always properly cite the movie in the citation style you are using. Learn how to create an MLA movie citation or an APA movie citation .

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:

• Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?
• Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?
• Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary)?

Some types of sources are nearly always primary: works of art and literature, raw statistical data, official documents and records, and personal communications (e.g. letters, interviews ). If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source.

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles , reviews, essays , and textbooks.

Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher’s ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary source.

Common examples of primary sources include interview transcripts , photographs, novels, paintings, films, historical documents, and official statistics.

Anything you directly analyze or use as first-hand evidence can be a primary source, including qualitative or quantitative data that you collected yourself.

A credible source should pass the CRAAP test  and follow these guidelines:

• The information should be up to date and current.
• The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching.
• The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased.
• For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

The Scribbr Reference Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Reference Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

A block quote is a long quote formatted as a separate ‘block’ of text. Instead of using quotation marks , you place the quote on a new line, and indent the entire quote to mark it apart from your own words.

APA uses block quotes for quotes that are 40 words or longer.

If you’re quoting from a text that paraphrases or summarises other sources and cites them in parentheses , APA  recommends retaining the citations as part of the quote:

• Smith states that ‘the literature on this topic (Jones, 2015; Sill, 2019; Paulson, 2020) shows no clear consensus’ (Smith, 2019, p. 4).

Footnote or endnote numbers that appear within quoted text should be omitted.

If you want to cite an indirect source (one you’ve only seen quoted in another source), either locate the original source or use the phrase ‘as cited in’ in your citation.

In scientific subjects, the information itself is more important than how it was expressed, so quoting should generally be kept to a minimum. In the arts and humanities, however, well-chosen quotes are often essential to a good paper.

In social sciences, it varies. If your research is mainly quantitative , you won’t include many quotes, but if it’s more qualitative , you may need to quote from the data you collected .

As a general guideline, quotes should take up no more than 5–10% of your paper. If in doubt, check with your instructor or supervisor how much quoting is appropriate in your field.

Every time you quote a source , you must include a correctly formatted in-text citation . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style .

For example, a direct quote in APA is cited like this: ‘This is a quote’ (Streefkerk, 2020, p. 5).

Every in-text citation should also correspond to a full reference at the end of your paper.

A quote is an exact copy of someone else’s words, usually enclosed in quotation marks and credited to the original author or speaker.

To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

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How to Avoid Plagiarism

• Defining Plagiarism
• Proper vs. Improper Paraphrasing
• Writing Skills

Improper Paraphrasing

Improper paraphrasing is a very common form of plagiarism. This occurs when one lifts a direct phrase from another work and changes just a few words - and then claims the work as wholly their own. Learning how to properly paraphrase is a very important component of good writing. But, remember, just because you have properly paraphrased does not mean that you do not need to cite the source of the original idea. Paraphrasing is simply a way of putting someone else's ideas into your own words - it does not make the idea your own.

Examples of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is when you take an original idea from an author's work and reword, or rephrase, it so that the words are your own. It is important to remember that no matter how successful you are at paraphrasing, only the words are your own. When you paraphrase you must give credit through a citation for the author's original idea.

Original Phrase

"Western law begins with two major subgroups. One contains the legal systems of the European continent. Although there are many differences among European legal systems, they are all descended from the law of the Roman Empire and were influenced by the procedures of Medieval Roman Catholic canon law."

Dorothy H. Bracey, Exploring Law and Culture 31 (2006).

If you want to use this exact language in a paper, or any other work for a course, you must use quotation marks and provide a citation. If you want to use the idea, but not necessarily the author's words, you can paraphrase - but remember, you need to really need to explain the idea in your own words for it to be properly paraphrased; and don't forget the citation! 

Western law has two major subgroups. One is the legal systems of Europe. There are differences between the European legal systems, but they are all descended from the Roman Empire and influenced by the procedures of the Medieval Roman Catholic law.

With or without a citation, the above phrase is plagiarism. Changing a few words and omitting others is not enough for proper paraphrasing. You must really understand what the phrase means and then put it in your own words. 

Proper Paraphrasing

At first glance, it can seem like the legal traditions of European countries are all very different. However, as part of one of the larger subgroups of Western law, European legal systems largely share a common origin in the Roman Empire and Medieval Roman Catholic Church law.

This is an example of proper paraphrasing (and citation). The original phrase has been reworded and the original idea is being attributed to the original author.

Help With Paraphrasing

If you feel like you need help with paraphrasing, there are some very good resources online. Purdue University has an online writing lab (the OWL) that offers tips on how to paraphrase as well as a quiz to see if you really understand how to paraphrase. This is an important skill to practice in order to avoid plagiarism. 

• Purdue's OWL instructions on how to paraphrase
• Purdue's OWL paraphrase exercise

Checklist From the OWL

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

• Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
• Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
• Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
• Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
• Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
• Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Taken from Purdue Online Writing Lab, Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

• << Previous: Defining Plagiarism
• Next: Writing Skills >>
• Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022 9:47 AM
• URL: https://law-richmond.libguides.com/howtoavoidplagiarism

Is Paraphrasing Considered Cheating? An Ethical Point of View

In our previous blog post , we answered some of the most popular questions around the topic of paraphrasing. 

Is paraphrasing legal?

How much can you paraphrase until it’s considered plagiarism?

Do you still need to add citations and references when paraphrasing?

In this blog post, we’re going to dig a little deeper into a question that still sparks debates, conversations, and controversies. 

Is paraphrasing considered cheating? 

Almost every industry is plagued with the rising concern of plagiarism. Few people know how to paraphrase in a way that’s accurate and ethical. Paraphrasing requires attention to detail and careful execution. This applies whether it’s for educational purposes or journalism at its finest.

Paraphrasing definition

Merriam-Webster defines paraphrasing as “a restatement of a text, passage, or work giving the meaning in another form”.

Allow us to put it into other words. Paraphrasing is the act of rephrasing someone else’s ideas or words into your own words. The goal is to achieve this while retaining the original meaning. We know it seems harmless and even beneficial for understanding complex thoughts and theories. But, problems come up when we practice this without giving the source due credit. This is where intellectual property becomes a concern and ethics comes into question. 

The advantages of paraphrasing

• Understanding : Paraphrasing can help users gain a better understanding of the original text. This is especially useful for complex or technical content.
• Avoiding plagiarism : By paraphrasing, you can avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original author while keeping the meaning intact.
• Enhance writing skills : Paraphrasing requires understanding, interpretation, and rewriting in your own words.
• Improve communication skills : It can help develop the ability to convey information in a way that’s simpler and easier to understand.
• Personalization : Paraphrasing allows you to convey the same message in a way that suits your personal writing tone, style, and voice.

Challenges of paraphrasing

• Losing the original meaning : You may unintentionally change the original meaning of the text when paraphrasing.
• Time-consuming : It can be time-consuming to rewrite the text while trying to maintain the original meaning.
• Plagiarism risk : If not done correctly, there’s still a risk of plagiarism. When the paraphrased text closely resembles the original content, the risk is higher.
• Misinterpretation : The risk of misinterpreting the source material is higher when paraphrasing complex or technical text.

Is Paraphrasing Considered Cheating?

Academic paraphrasing.

In recent months, there’s been an increasing popularity in AI platforms. A few well-known names include ChatGPT, QuillBot, and ContentBot. With this, we’ve noticed a sudden surge in students taking advantage of these readily available paraphrasing tools . With a simple “copy”, “paste”, and “paraphrase”, it’s become much easier to rewrite large pieces of text in seconds. But what does this mean for the future of our academia?

The topic of ethics from an academic perspective ties into academic integrity. Teachers, students, and researchers need to conduct themselves and complete their work according to certain expectations. These include honesty, trust, respect, responsibility, and fairness. 

From an academic standpoint, paraphrasing is a valuable tool that can prove helpful to students. It encourages them to demonstrate an understanding of the material. By rephrasing existing work in their own words, they can break down difficult concepts and ideas. 

An ethical point of view

Many people may argue that paraphrasing an author’s work without giving appropriate credit is no less than stealing someone else’s intellectual property. Others state that this act undermines the skills and efforts of the original author. One could consider it a shortcut to avoiding the time, effort, dedication, and creativity that it takes to generate original thoughts and ideas. 

What value is there in learning and finding genuine solutions to problems if it isn’t hard-earned? A person’s morals and ethical integrity would without a doubt come into question. We would have to say, yes – uncited paraphrasing could be considered cheating.

But, this doesn’t mean that paraphrasing in its entirety is unethical. The ethics of paraphrasing lies in the execution, not the concept itself. When done correctly, it can hold huge benefits for understanding and researching. It allows us to learn from existing work, build on it, and use it to expand our current knowledge base. 

Again, it all comes down to awarding credit where credit is due. 

Critics may argue that information is open and anyone can use it as they wish. However, this viewpoint fails to consider the time, effort, and creativity that went into generating the original content. Not giving credit where it’s due denigrates the efforts of authors. It’s a disservice to the intellectual community as a whole and may also lead to copyright infringement .

When is paraphrasing considered plagiarism?

• Citation issues : If you don’t know how to cite sources while paraphrasing, it can be considered plagiarism. Incorrect citations may also lead to plagiarism.
• Close resemblance : It takes more than changing words and using synonyms to paraphrase text. If the sentence structure is very similar to the original text, it can still be seen as plagiarism.
• Copying large portions : If you copy large portions of the original text and just replace a few words here and there, it will likely be seen as plagiarism.
• Misrepresentation : If you present someone else’s ideas or concepts as your own, even if they are paraphrased, it’s considered plagiarism.
• No original contribution : If your work heavily relies on paraphrased content and lacks original thought and contribution, it can be viewed as a form of plagiarism.
• Inaccurate referencing : While the paraphrased text may be correct, the attribution is just as important. If the one you provide is incorrect, you distort the understanding of the source. This can be seen as a form of plagiarism.

What about paraphrasing tools?

Our answer remains the same. Paraphrasing tools are ethical as long as they are used responsibly and appropriately. They can be a useful and ethical tool for rewriting content to prevent plagiarism, as long as it’s not a direct copy of the original content. They help speed up the process while generating high-quality results. 

However, it becomes unethical if these tools are used to simply copy the work of others and pass it off as your own without giving proper credit. So, while the tool itself is not unethical, its misuse can be. It’s very important to always acknowledge and cite sources when using information that’s not your own.

Take a look at this Ultimate Paraphrasing Guide (A Step-by-Step Workflow To Getting The Best Out of ContentBot’s Paraphrasing Tool ).

In summary…

Whether paraphrasing is considered cheating or not depends on its execution. It should be used as a tool for understanding while respecting the original author’s intellectual property rights through proper citation. This way, it’s within the bounds of ethically acceptable practices. However, when paraphrasing morphs into an attempt to disguise plagiarism, it undeniably becomes a form of cheating. In these cases, one’s ethics is called into question.

Make sure that you put the necessary time and effort into comprehending and respecting the fine line that separates paraphrasing from plagiarism. As scholars, students, writers, or academics, we must ensure that we practice paraphrasing responsibly. Always give due credit to those whose work we lean on to build our own. In doing this, we can enrich our learning process and foster an environment of mutual respect and integrity. After all, these are the pillars of a thriving intellectual community.

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