when a writer lifts an author’s work or idea without changing the wording and citing the source of information<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn more familiar terms, this is when you “copy and paste.” It is also a common form of “improper paraphrasing,” and it’s unethical. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n To better understand the concept of paraphrasing, there are steps involved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Understand the original text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Understanding the original text is the first and most important step to effective paraphrasing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To do this, you may need to read the text repeatedly or carry out extensive research until you can easily present the text in your own words without altering its originality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Put the original text aside <\/h3>\n\n\n\n After understanding the original text, you should stay away or stop looking at the original statement. This will help you rewrite the original text using new (your) words. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This step may also involve replacing certain words with synonyms and retaining the identity of unique metrics such as names, dates, and titles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Compare both versions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Now that you have a paraphrased version compare it with the original text. This ensures that your version accurately captures all the information in the original statement.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this stage, you are expected to read both versions and make modifications where necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Cite your sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It is wrong to effectively paraphrase a statement without citing its source. Elements such as the source’s name, author, page numbers, and publication date are usually involved when citing sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are different ways to cite sources in an essay. Common ones include APA, Chicago, and MLA. Pick the style best suits your essay, or check with your tutor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also know that some statements are considered common knowledge and do not require citations. For example, we all know that there are 7 days a week \u2013 it is a universal fact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Use quotations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Using quotations when paraphrasing is a no-brainer. They represent that you are introducing someone else’s idea into your write-up and crediting them for such input. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To quote a source, depending on the length of your text and citation style, you can format the paraphrased text as a block quote or enclose it in quotation marks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While quoting a text frees you from the shackles of plagiarism, you must ensure they do not oversaturate your content. Quotations are rightly deployed when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou need to emphasize the author’s language.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Your primary goal is for the reader to focus on the writer’s language<\/li>\n\n\n\n You wish to support an argument or a general statement with proven evidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n You must state the author’s theory, ideas, definition, or arguments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat you are working on also is crucial in the number of paraphrases or quotations you can include. They should not be frequent in research papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you are writing a thesis on art or humanitarian topics, there is a need to paraphrase more. Maintaining a 5-10% saturation is one way to stay safe regardless of what you are writing about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Use a plagiarism checker<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, plagiarism occurs, and it may not be intentional. This is why you need a plagiarism checker on your phone or PC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plagiarism checkers are designed to compare your paper with already published content. Some even provide grammatical tips that will improve your write-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, before you submit any write-up, run it through reputable checkers like Grammarly, and Copyscape, to name a few. These checkers usually come with free and paid versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are conditions plagiarism checkers must satisfy before you download them. These features include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe degree of user-friendliness<\/li>\n\n\n\n Size of its database of already published material <\/li>\n\n\n\n Pricing plans<\/li>\n\n\n\n The average number of scans per day<\/li>\n\n\n\n Inbuilt extensions <\/li>\n\n\n\n Quality of report<\/li>\n\n\n\n Ability to crawl content in various file formats<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nGrammarly and Copyscape stand strong in terms of these features \u2013 please, stick with any one of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Do You Need to Paraphrase?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Rewriting someone else’s statements in your own words and citing the source adds more credibility to your paper. It also shows that you have done a lot of research before submitting the paper.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The process protects you from copyright infringement and gives you the confidence to defend your work when summoned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\nCan you avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Yes, paraphrasing is one way to avoid plagiarism. All you need to do is rephrase the original statement using your words and credit the author of the idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are paraphrasing tools cheating?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Paraphrasing tools are not cheating tools and are completely illegal. However, you may need to readjust their end products to get the best result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can you get in trouble for paraphrasing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can if you paraphrase wrongly<\/strong>. When citing in a scholarly article, ensure it is done as a professional courtesy to avoid copyright issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the dangers of paraphrasing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n The most common danger of paraphrasing is accidental plagiarism. However, with a checker like Grammarly or Copyscape, you can easily correct any plagiarism in your paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is paraphrasing copyrighted?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Copyright laws accept paraphrasing as long as your edition of the statement is not substantially similar to the original author’s statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Final Thought<\/h2>\n\n\n\n One of the deadliest poisons in writing is plagiarism or poor paraphrasing. It is a show of laziness and can bring out serious legal issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The six steps in this article are designed to help you understand the best paraphrasing practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you are more interested in knowing more about plagiarism and grammar checkers, see the best grammar checkers you need to write like a pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI hope you found this article helpful. Thanks for reading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If done correctly, paraphrasing is not plagiarism and can add extra value to your content. It’s important to know the … <\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12264,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nIs Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Differences & Importance - LMS Hero<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n