paraphrasing literary technique

Definition of Paraphrase

Paraphrase and summary, examples of paraphrase in literature, example #1: romeo & juliet (by robert burns).

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she … The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars As daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night .”

Example #2: The Sun Rising (By John Donne)

“Busy old fool, unruly sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows and through curtains call on us?… Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere; This bed thy center is, these walls, thy sphere.”

Example #3: Pride & Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Example #4: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare)

“Whence is that knocking?— How is’t with me, when every noise appals me? What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.”

Function of Paraphrase

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• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Use Paraphrase

I. What is a Paraphrase?

A paraphrase (pronounced par – uh -freyz) is a restatement or rewording of a paragraph  or text,  in order to borrow, clarify, or expand on information without plagiarizing. Paraphrasing is an important tool to use when writing research papers, essays , and pieces of journalism.

II. Examples of Paraphrasing

For examples of paraphrasing, consider these possible re-wordings of the same statement:

She angered me with her inappropriate comments, rumor-spreading, and disrespectfulness at the formal dinner table.

She made me angry when she was rude at dinner.

This paraphrase is an example of a rewording which shortens and simplifies while maintaining the same meaning.

Her impoliteness, gossiping, and general lack of respect at dinner infuriated me.

This rephrasing maintains the same meaning but is rearranged in a creative way.

I was mad when she started spreading rumors, making inappropriate comments, and disrespecting other guests at our dinner.

Another paraphrase, this rewording properly and interestingly rearranges the information provided in the original sentence.

III. Types of Paraphrasing

A. change of parts of speech.

Parts of speech ranging from verbs and nouns to adjectives and adverbs are replaced with new parts of speech in this type of paraphrasing. Here is an example:

Original Sentence:

The boy quickly ran across the finish line, seizing yet another victory.

Paraphrase:

The quick boy seized yet another victory when he ran across the finish line.

In this example, many parts of speech are changed: the adverb quickly becomes the adjective quick, and the verb phrase with the gerund seizing becomes the verb seized.

B.  Change of Structure

This type of paraphrasing involves changing the sentence’s structure, sometimes creating a passive voice from an active voice and vice versa. The change in structure can be used to reflect the writer’s interpretation of the original quote. Here is an example of change of structure paraphrasing:

Puppies were adopted by numerous kind souls at the puppy drive.

Many kind souls adopted puppies during the puppy drive.

In this example, the object of the sentence (kind souls) becomes the subject with an active voice (adopted) rather than a passive voice (were adopted).

C. Reduction of Clauses

Reduction of clauses paraphrases reduce the number of clauses in a sentence, which can be interruptive or confusing, by incorporating the phrases into the sentence. Here is an example of reduction of clauses paraphrasing:

While I understand where you’re coming from, and truly respect your opinion, I wish you would express yourself more clearly, like Clara does.

I understand where you’re coming from and respect your opinion, but I wish you would be more like Clara and express yourself more clearly.

D. Synonym Replacement

Synonym replacement paraphrasing is one of the simplest forms of paraphrasing: replacing words with similar words, or synonyms. Here is an example:

The older citizens were honored with a parade for those once in the military.

Senior citizens were honored with a march for veterans.

In this example, many synonyms are used: older citizens are senior citizens, a parade becomes a march, and those once in the military refers to veterans.

IV. The Importance of Using Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is a way of referencing a source without directly quoting it or of further explaining a selected quote. Correct paraphrasing is important in that poor paraphrasing can result in accusations of plagiarism, or copying from a source without correctly citing it. Paraphrasing allows writers to examine the meaning of others’ work, creatively rephrase their statements, and craft information to suit an essay or composition’s goal or focus.

V. Paraphrase in Literature

Paraphrasing can be found in a variety of journalistic sources from newspapers to film documentaries to literary journals. Here are a few examples of paraphrasing in literature:

Someone once wrote that musicians are touched on the shoulder by God, and I think it’s true. You can make other people happy with music, but you can make yourself happy too.

In John Berendt’s nonfiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , a character references what someone has once written by paraphrasing their message.

I’m going to paraphrase Thoreau here… rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness… give me truth.

In this example from the nonfiction novel Into the Wild , Jon Krakauer paraphrases Thoreau’s larger message of transcendence.

So far, Laurance’s critiques of new road-building schemes have been well received, but he expects that to change.

In Michelle Nijhuis’ article “What Roads Have Wrought,” William Laurance is paraphrased rather than quoted to express his general viewpoint.

VI. Paraphrase in Pop Culture

Paraphrasing is often found in pop culture when attempting to translate the language of older plays, poems, and stories, such as Shakespeare’s works. Here are a few examples of paraphrasing in pop culture:

10 Things I Hate About You (1999):

Just a minor encounter with the shrew… the mewling, rampalian wretch herself.

In the modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew , many characters ’ lines paraphrase Shakespeare’s originals. Here is Shakespeare’s version:

A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.

A Different World: Romeo, Oh Romeo

First, the student reads Shakespeare’s original words:

Oh gentle Romeo. If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully. Or if thou thinkest I’m too quickly won, I’ll frown and be perverse and say thee nay, so thou wilt woo.

Then, she paraphrases to translate its meaning for modern ears:

It’s all about translation. Oh, sweet thang Romeo. If you think I’m all that, then step to me correctly. But if you think I’m a skeeze, I’ll be dissin’ and dismissin’, then you’ll be workin’ overtime getting’ me back.

VII. Related Terms

Like paraphrases, summaries are rewordings of original statements. Whereas paraphrases are precise and specific, summaries are brief and selective. Summaries report main points in a shortened version of the original, whereas paraphrases simply restate the original statement in a new way. Here is an example of summary versus paraphrase:

Original Statement:

At the party we had delicious red punch, a bunch of different appetizers, and a cookout. Since it was at the park, we played volleyball, went swimming, and sunbathed for fun.

At the party we enjoyed food and drink and various outdoor activities.

Here, the summary purposefully shortens the original statement while covering its major points.

At the party we drank some punch, ate a handful of appetizers, and had a cookout. The park allowed us to enjoy a number of enjoyable activities from volleyball to swimming to sunbathing.

As this example shows, the paraphrase rephrases the original statement and keeps more of its original content than the summary.

Translation

Although paraphrase sometimes translates difficult phrasing into more understandable phrasing, it is not literally considered translation. For something to be a translation, it must change writing in one language to another language. Here is an example of translation versus paraphrasing:

Original Phrase:

That’s life.

Translation into French:

C’est la vie.

That’s just how life goes sometimes.

Although we loosely may refer to paraphrase as translating ideas, technically it is not a tool of translation.

VIII. In Closing

Paraphrasing is an important tool for nonfiction writers, journalists, and essayists alike. It is a common proponent of news and reporting. Correct paraphrasing protects writers from plagiarism and allows them to creatively rephrase original works, incorporating them into their own compositions.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
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• Autobiography
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
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• Connotation
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• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
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• Verisimilitude
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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on April 8, 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on June 1, 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to integrate sources by paraphrasing instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs. quoting, paraphrasing vs. summarizing, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• “Advancement and contamination” doesn’t really convey the same meaning as “development and pollution.”
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: “home” for “habitat” and “sea creatures” for “marine animals.”
• Adding phrases like “inhabiting the vicinity of” and “puts pressure on” makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Introduced the information with the signal phrase “Scientists believe that …”
• Retained key terms like “development and pollution,” since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

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It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analyzing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarizing .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarizing is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

Paraphrasing tools are widely used by students, and can be especially useful for non-native speakers who may find academic writing particularly challenging. While these can be helpful for a bit of extra inspiration, use these tools sparingly, keeping academic integrity in mind.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper. And of course, always be sure to read your source material yourself and take the first stab at paraphrasing on your own.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

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.

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.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in 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 in your own words and properly cite the source .

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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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Techniques for Paraphrasing

When you write a paraphrase, you restate other’s ideas in your own words. That is, you write the meaning of the author’s ideas. You use some of the author’s key terms, but you use many of your own words and sentence structures. You include in-text citation, including the author’s last name and (for APA style) the year of publication.

An effective paraphrase includes more than one of the following techniques. If you use only one of these techniques when paraphrasing, you have not paraphrased effectively.  

• Change a word from one part of speech to another

Original:  Medical professor John Swanson says that global changes are influencing the spread of disease.

Paraphrase:  According to John Swanson, a professor of medicine, changes across the globe are causing diseases to spread (James, 2004).

• Use synonyms

Original:  The U.S. government declared that the AIDS crisis poses a national security threat.  The announcement followed an intelligence report that found high rates of HIV infection could lead to widespread political destabilization.

Paraphrase: The government of the United States announced that AIDS could harm the nation's security.  The government warned the population after an important governmental study concluded that political problems could result from large numbers of people infected with HIV (Snell, 2005).

• Change numbers and percentages to different forms

Original: Minority groups in the United States have been hit hardest by the epidemic.  African Americans, who make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for 46 percent of the AIDS cases diagnosed in 1998.

Paraphrase: The AIDS epidemic has mostly affected minorities in the United States.  For example, in 1998, less than 15 percent of the total population was African, but almost half of the people diagnosed with AIDS in the United States that year were African America (Jenson, 2000).

• Change word order:  this might include changing from active to passive voice or moving modifiers to different positions.  

Original: Angier (2001) reported that malaria kills more than one million people annually, the overwhelming majority of them children in sub-Saharan Africa.

Paraphrase: Every year, more than a million people are killed by malaria, and most of the victims are children who live in sub-Saharan Africa (Angier, 2001).

    5. Use different definition structures

Original: Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by a bacterium transmitted by ticks (small bloodsucking arachnids that attach themselves to larger animals). The disease is usually characterized by a rash followed by flu-like symptoms, including fever, joint pain, and headache.

Paraphrase: Lyme disease-a disease that causes swelling and redness-is caused by a bacterium carried by a small arachnid known as a tick. The ticks attach to and suck the blood of animals and humans, transferring some of the Lyme disease bacteria into their hosts and causing symptoms similar to the flu (Wald, 2005).

    6. Use different attribution signals

Original: “That’s because there are so many different ways the diseases could have arrived,” veterinarian Mark Walters declared in his recent book, Six Modern Plagues.

Paraphrase: According to Mark Walters, a veterinarian who wrote Six Modern Plagues, the disease could have arrived in numerous ways (Peterson, 2004).

   7. Change the sentence structure and use different connecting words

Original:  Although only about one-tenth of the world’s population lives there, sub-Saharan Africa remains the hardest hit region, accounting for 72 percent of the people infected with HIV during 2000.

Paraphrase: Approximately 10 percent of the world’s population resides in sub-Saharan Africa.  However, this area of the world has the highest percentage of AIDS-related illnesses.  In fact, in 2000, almost three-fourths of the population had the HIV virus (Bunting, 2004).

Caution:  When paraphrasing, do not change key terms or proper nouns.

Original: In the northeastern United States, people are building homes on the edge of woods, where ticks that carry Lyme disease hitch rides on deer.  In addition, in Africa, hunters bring back the meat of animals that scientists think may transmit Ebola, a usually fatal disease that causes massive hemorrhaging in its victims.

Paraphrase: In the United States, residential areas are being built near wooded areas in the northeast. These areas are also the homes of ticks carrying Lyme disease.  Also, according to scientists, hunters in Africa kill animals that may carry the Ebola virus (an often fatal virus that causes massive hemorrhaging) (Yaya, 2004).

Schuemann, C., Bryd, P., & Reid, J. (2006). College Writing 4 (1st ed.). USA: Heinle/ELT. Reproduced by permission .

A Guide to Paraphrasing Poetry, With Examples

• Posted on July 12, 2024

Paraphrasing poetry involves rephrasing poems in your own words while retaining the original meanings and emotional depth. Engaging with poetry paraphrasing sharpens comprehension and critical thinking skills, enabling readers to delve deeper into the poetic works. 

This practice is not just about altering the words; it’s about understanding the essence of the poetry and conveying it effectively. Mastery in this area helps students and educators appreciate literary nuances and enhances their ability to communicate complex ideas. 

Therefore, learning to paraphrase poetry is essential for anyone looking to develop a profound connection with literature and improve their interpretative and analytical skills.

Understanding the Basics of Poetry

Exploring poetry requires grasping its fundamental components and the tools poets use to weave meaning and emotion into their work.

What Are the Key Elements of Poetry?

Poetry is a form of art that uses language to create emotional and intellectual responses. It’s more than just words strung together; it’s a way of using language in a condensed, focused, and musical way to evoke feelings, ideas, and experiences.

Here are the key elements that make up a poem:

• Structure and Form: This refers to how the poem is visually arranged on the page. Poems can be written in free verse, which has no set form or rhyme scheme, or in a specific form, like a sonnet or haiku . Rhyme Scheme: Rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyming sounds at the ends of lines of poetry. It can add to the poem’s musicality and help create a sense of unity and structure.
• Sound and Rhythm: These elements create a musical effect and can be used to emphasize certain words or phrases. Some sound devices include alliteration, assonance, consonance, and onomatopoeia.
• Figurative Language: This language is used non-literally to create a more vivid image or to express a complex idea more concisely. Some familiar figures of speech include metaphors, similes, personification, and symbolism.

How Do Poetic Devices Influence Meaning?

Poetic devices like metaphors, similes, and alliteration add layers of meaning and help convey complex emotions succinctly. These tools beautify the text and deepen the reader’s engagement by invoking imagination and evoking specific feelings. 

When paraphrasing poetry, recognizing these devices allows you to preserve the original poem’s depth and impact in your rephrased version.

Why is Paraphrasing Poetry Important?

Paraphrasing poetry enhances our grasp of language and its expressive power. It challenges us to think critically about what we read and hear.

Deeper Understanding

Paraphrasing compels readers to interpret every line and metaphor, which deepens their connection to the text. As you explore various meanings and nuances, you gain a more intimate understanding of the poet’s intentions and the work’s cultural context.

Improved Analysis

This technique improves analytical skills by requiring the paraphraser to distinguish between subtle shades of meaning. By engaging deeply with the text, readers develop a keen eye for literary techniques and structures, which is invaluable in academic and personal pursuits.

Enhancing Communication

Mastering poetry paraphrasing can significantly improve one’s ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and effectively. Translating poetic language into everyday speech without losing its original impact teaches valuable clarity and precision skills applicable to all forms of communication.

The Process of Paraphrasing Poetry

Paraphrasing poetry requires a deep engagement with the text to capture its essence in new words. This section explains how to approach this nuanced task effectively.

• Understanding the Concept of Paraphrasing in Literary Contexts: Paraphrasing in literature involves more than changing words. It requires immersing oneself in the emotional and thematic layers of the poem, ensuring that the rephrased version reflects the original spirit and intent.
• Reading for Comprehensive Understanding: Start by reading the poem several times. Focus on understanding every word and phrase. Consider the poem’s context and possible intentions, which will guide accurate paraphrasing.
• Identifying Key Themes and Messages: Highlight the central themes and messages of the poem. These are the core elements that your paraphrase should convey, ensuring that the transformed text remains true to the original meanings.
• Avoiding Over-simplification: Avoid stripping away the depth that characterizes poetry while simplifying the language. Maintain the complexity of the poem’s ideas and imagery to preserve its literary value.
• Preserving the Poetic Essence and Style: Keep the poet’s style and tone in your paraphrase. Whether the poem is sad, joyful, or ironic, your wording should reflect these nuances, honoring the poet’s unique voice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Paraphrasing Poems

Mastering poetry paraphrasing demands a systematic approach to maintaining the integrity and depth of the original poem. Follow these detailed steps to paraphrase poetry effectively.

Following these steps, you can effectively paraphrase poetry while retaining its essence and beauty. This method helps in academic and educational settings and enhances your appreciation and understanding of poetry.

Step 1: Close Reading and Analysis

Begin with a close reading of the poem. Pay attention to every word, phrase, and punctuation mark. Analyze how these elements contribute to the overall impact of the poem. Consider the poem’s structure, the flow of ideas, and the emotions it evokes. This thorough understanding is crucial for effective paraphrasing.

Step 2: Identify Key Themes and Ideas

Extract the central themes and main ideas from the poem. These should guide your paraphrasing process, ensuring the poem’s essence remains intact even as the words change. Make notes on the motifs and messages essential to the poem’s core.

Step 3: Deconstruct Figurative Language (Metaphors, Similes, etc.)

Figurative language , such as metaphors and similes, enriches a poem’s meaning and emotional depth. Identify and understand these elements in their specific contexts. Consider what these figures of speech convey in the poem and how they can be effectively translated into your paraphrasing.

Step 4: Rephrasing in Your Own Words

Now, start rephrasing the poem. Use your vocabulary to express the original ideas and themes. Ensure your words reflect the intensity and nuances of the poem. Keep your language clear, but maintain the literary quality of the original.

Step 5: Maintain the Overall Meaning and Tone

It is vital to preserve the poem’s original tone and overall meaning. Whether the poem is sad, joyful, or contemplative, your paraphrased version should reflect the same mood. This alignment ensures the poem’s original beauty and impact are preserved.

Step 6: Focus on Clarity and Conciseness

Strive for clarity and conciseness in your paraphrasing. Remove ambiguity and ensure each line conveys its meaning directly and efficiently. However, ensure you do not oversimplify to lose the poem’s richness.

Step 7: Consider Rhyme and Rhythm (Optional)

While only sometimes necessary, maintaining the rhyme and rhythm can be beneficial, primarily if the original poem heavily relies on these elements for its effect. If you keep these aspects, find ways to integrate them smoothly without compromising the meaning or sounding forced.

Step 8: Proofread and Revise

Finally, proofread your paraphrased poem. Check for errors in grammar, punctuation, and style. Ensure that your version stands on its own as a coherent and engaging piece of poetry. Revise parts that do not align perfectly with the original’s spirit or could be more precise or powerful.

Examples of Paraphrased Poetry

Exploring real examples provides a clearer insight into the art of poetry paraphrase. 

Below are two examples illustrating how to paraphrase poetry, covering simple and complex poems effectively.

Before and After Example 1 (Simple Poem)

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o’er vales and hills,

When, all at once, I saw a crowd,

A host of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

• By William Wordsworth

Paraphrased:

Alone, I moved like a cloud

Hovering above valleys and hills,

Suddenly, I glimpsed a group,

Many bright daffodils;

Next to the lake, under the trees,

Swaying and twirling with the wind.

This example shows how you can maintain the original imagery and sentiment of the poem while changing the words and phrasing to make the text your own.

Before and After Example 2 (Figurative Language)

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;

And sore must be the storm

That could abash the little bird

That kept so many warm.

• By Emily Dickinson

Hope is a bird with plumes

That rests within the soul,

It hums a melody wordless,

It never ceases to echo,

Its voice most tender in the storm;

So fierce must be the tempest

That would dismay this small bird

That has warmed so many.

In this example, the paraphrase preserves the metaphor of hope as a bird, subtly alters the language, and maintains the essence and poetic devices that Emily Dickinson employs, like internal rhyme and rhythm. 

These adaptations demonstrate how to keep the poetic and figurative language rich and intact while rephrasing.

Relevance of Contextual Analysis in Paraphrasing Poetry

Integrating broader literary and historical contexts into paraphrasing can enrich your understanding and interpretation. This deeper analysis helps ensure that your rephrasing maintains the richness and depth of the original poem.

Understanding the Poet’s Historical Background

Gain insights into the poet’s life and era. This knowledge can profoundly impact how you perceive and convey the themes and imagery in your paraphrase. Familiarity with the poet’s background allows you to capture the essence of the poem’s message, offering a more authentic and grounded interpretation.

Analyzing the Poem within Its Literary Movement

Examine the defining features of the literary movement associated with the poem. Whether it reflects the emotional intensity of Romanticism, the disillusionment of Modernism, or any other style, recognizing these influences can guide you in preserving the integrity and stylistic nuances of the original work in your paraphrase.

Considering the Influence of Cultural References

Identify and understand cultural references and allusions within the poem. Such insights are vital for grasping the full scope of the poem’s meaning. Awareness of these elements ensures that your paraphrase respects and reflects the poet’s intended messages, enhancing accuracy and depth.

Interpreting Symbolism and Metaphors with Context

Engage with the symbolism and metaphors in the poem, considering their historical and cultural relevance. This method allows you to reconstruct the layered meanings the poet intended accurately. A context-aware paraphrase stays faithful to the original text and resonates with the richness designed by its creator.

Mistakes to Avoid When Paraphrasing Poetry

Effective paraphrasing of poetry requires careful attention to detail to avoid common pitfalls. Recognizing these mistakes can significantly enhance your ability to create faithful and impactful paraphrases.

Oversimplification

Avoid reducing the poem’s depth when simplifying its language. Stripping too much detail can result in losing the nuanced meanings and emotional undertones that define the poem. Aim to balance simplicity with richness to preserve the poem’s original flavor and complexity.

Misinterpreting Figurative Language

Figurative language is a cornerstone of poetic expression, often conveying more than the literal meaning of the words. 

Misreading metaphors, similes, or symbolism can lead to a paraphrase that deviates significantly from the original intent. Ensure you fully understand these elements before attempting to rephrase them.

Introducing Unintended Meaning

In your effort to paraphrase, be cautious not to insert meanings that are not present in the original text. 

This can happen through the choice of words that carry different connotations or implications. Always cross-reference your paraphrase with the original to confirm that it reflects the intended themes and messages without adding extraneous elements.

Why Paraphrasing Poetry Matters

Mastery of poetry paraphrasing is crucial for students and educators as it fosters deeper literary comprehension and enhances analytical skills. By paraphrasing poetry, learners develop their ability to interpret complex texts and express subtle insights clearly and creatively. 

Encouraging ongoing exploration and practice in paraphrasing builds proficiency in language arts and enriches students’ appreciation of diverse poetic forms and themes. These skills are invaluable, offering a solid foundation for academic success and personal growth through a deeper connection with the art of poetry. 

This practice not only hones communication skills but also encourages a lifelong engagement with literature, allowing for continuous discovery and enjoyment.

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Paraphrasing - an overview

Paraphrasing is ..., what are the differences between quoting, paraphrasing & summarising .

• Why Paraphrase?
• Paraphrasing versus Plagiarism
• The Do's and Don'ts of Paraphrasing
• Paraphrasing - examples
• Further Information

Paraphrasing is 'a restating of someone else’s thoughts or ideas in your own words. You must always cite your source when paraphrasing’ (Pears & Shields, 2019 p. 245).  

(Solas English, 2017)

• Quoting means using someone else’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks.. 
• Paraphrasing means expressing someone else’s ideas in your own voice, while keeping the same essential meaning.
• Summarising means taking a long passage of text from someone else and condensing the main ideas in your own words.

Watch the video below for more information.  

(UNC Writing Center, 2019)

• Next: Why Paraphrase? >>
• Last Updated: Apr 10, 2024 3:42 PM
• URL: https://lit.libguides.com/paraphrasing

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• Knowledge Base
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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on 8 April 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on 15 May 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to paraphrase instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs quoting, paraphrasing vs summarising, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

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Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• ‘Advancement and contamination’ doesn’t really convey the same meaning as ‘development and pollution’.
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: ‘home’ for ‘habitat’ and ‘sea creatures’ for ‘marine animals’.
• Adding phrases like ‘inhabiting the vicinity of’ and ‘puts pressure on’ makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Retained key terms like ‘development and pollution’, since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

Generate accurate citations with Scribbr

It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analysing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarising .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarising is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

Students frequently use paraphrasing tools , which can be especially helpful for non-native speakers who might have trouble with academic writing. While these can be useful for a little extra inspiration, use them sparingly while maintaining academic integrity.

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper.

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.

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 reference the source . This means including an in-text referencing and a full reference , formatted according to your required citation style (e.g., Harvard , Vancouver ).

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

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 .

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

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Gahan, C. & Caulfield, J. (2023, May 15). How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 18 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/working-sources/paraphrasing/

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Definition of Paraphrase

Often when we hear news stories and watch television shows, we want to tell our families, friends, and colleagues about what, how, and why something happened. In fact, we recount the story, its main characters, and events in our own words. This technique is called paraphrasing, which is to express an idea or somebody’s message in our own words, by maintaining the meaning of the original material. Paraphrase is a Greek word, paraphrasis , which means “to tell in other words.” Simply, it is to restate a statement in different words than the original text, while keeping the meaning and sense of the original source the same.

Paraphrase and Summary

Both summarizing and paraphrasing use similar actions by involving almost the same processes. However, their objectives are different. Summary aims at condensing the original source into a shorter form. Paraphrase has no concern with length, but is a rewording or restating or the original source in different words, keeping the length or word count almost the same.

Examples of Paraphrase in Literature

Example #1: romeo & juliet (by robert burns).

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she … The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars As daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night.”

Paraphrase : But please wait and see the light from that window. It is the east, and my love Juliet is the sun. Come up beautiful sun, kill the jealous moon that is already sick and pale due to grief, as Juliet is more beautiful than the moon … The brightness of Juliet’s cheeks would surpass the brightness of stars, like the sun’s light outshines the light of a lamp. If her eyes were in the sky, they would be so bright through the spaces that birds might start singing, considering it was day light.

Example #2: The Sun Rising (By John Donne)

“Busy old fool, unruly sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows and through curtains call on us?… Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere; This bed thy center is, these walls, thy sphere.”

Paraphrase : You nosy old stupid busybody! The sun, you obey no normal rules –  why are you waking us up like this, interfering with our personal life by entering through the windows and curtains? … Go ahead and shine on us – while doing so you will shine everywhere. This bed is the center of the entire universe, around which you revolve, and the walls of our room are like a sphere, which holds you in the heavens.

Example #3: Pride & Prejudice (By Jane Austen)

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Paraphrase : Everyone agrees on this point, that a prosperous man needs to have a wife.

Example #4: Macbeth (By William Shakespeare)

“Whence is that knocking?— How is’t with me, when every noise appals me? What hands are here! Ha, they pluck out mine eyes. Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather The multitudinous seas incarnadine, Making the green one red.”

Paraphrase : Where is this knocking coming from? Why does every noise frighten me? Whose hands are these plucking out my eyes? Will the ocean’s water wash the blood from my hands? No, instead these hands will change the color of the water from green to red.

Function of Paraphrase

The paraphrasing technique allows writers to change the original text, so that it does not look the same, yet without changing its meaning. Effective paraphrasing could help avoid the risk of plagiarism. There are many functions of this literary technique; first, it helps the readers to understand what they have read, especially when the syntax and diction of a writer look foreign and complex to the reader. Secondly, it could direct the attention of the reader toward the tone of the text and its significant details. Finally, since it clears up the meaning of the text, it helps readers to generate different questions from the paraphrasing text, such as when, what, and why something occurred.

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Guide to Paraphrasing

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Paraphrasing is the process of changing an author’s words into your own words. Paraphrasing may be used as a study technique or as a writing technique.

• As a study technique Paraphrasing tests a person’s understanding of a writer’s ideas. It is a way of testing your comprehension. Moreover, because it requires a much deeper level of mental processing than less active kinds of reading or study, you’re able to learn better.
• As a writing technique Paraphrasing allows you to summarize another writer’s ideas, to fit them smoothly in with your own ideas, or to use another person’s ideas to prove your own thesis.
• Give credit . When you paraphrase a writer in your paper, you must give credit to the original author of the ideas (if you fail to mention the source of the ideas, you become guilty of plagiarism). For more information on plagiarism, see the English Center handout How to Avoid Plagiarism .

An example of paraphrasing

Paragraph from the original source:

A possible paraphrase for the above paragraph:

Source: Bragg, Bernard. “My First Summer Job.” A Handful of Stories . Eds. L.G. Lenoard and I.B. Pittles. Washington DC: Gallaudet College, 1981.

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Paraphrasing

Putting someone else’s idea into your own words is a key academic skill. It demonstrates you have understood the idea and can communicate it clearly in a way that links to your own points. 

Scroll down for our recommended strategies and resources.  

What is paraphrasing?

People often explain paraphrasing as, "Just write it in your own words", as if this is an easy thing to do. In fact, paraphrasing can take more time, thought, and practice than people give it credit for. Don't be discouraged if you find paraphrasing challenging, because it is a complex process but it will get easier with practice and understanding. For a good clear overview of how to paraphrase see this short guide:

Writing in your own words (Open University)

Sentence structure

Don’t just change a few words. This can lead to paraphrases that are far too close to the original text, and which will be considered as plagiarism. Cover over the original and write using a different sentence structure that is more like your natural style.  Look at these examples explaining acceptable and unacceptable paraphrases:

Good and bad paraphrasing examples (MIT)

Reference it!

You must always reference a paraphrase as the idea is still someone else’s even though you have written it in your own words. See our guides to referencing and academic integrity for more on good practice.

Reference and avoid plagiarism (Oxford Brookes University Library)

Academic integrity resources (Centre for Academic Development)

Understanding

It’s almost impossible to paraphrase something if you don’t understand it fully. Avoid paraphrasing a text line-by-line as you read it, because this could result in you just changing a few words without really understanding what you are reading. Instead, read a longer section and get more of an overview of the main points and how they fit with your own purpose before starting to paraphrase the text. Then you can make an informed choice about how to paraphrase what you have read. 

People often worry that they can’t express the idea any better than the original author. But remember your own purpose. You will be using the information in a different way and this will shape the parts you choose to paraphrase and the unique emphasis you put on it. See this Library video for more on paraphrasing with purpose:

Paraphrasing [video] (Oxford Brookes University Library)

Using reporting verbs

The language you use when introducing the paraphrased ideas of other people indicates what you think about that idea. Selecting an appropriate reporting verb can help you focus on your own voice and stance towards the source which can, in turn, give you the confidence to write the ideas in your own words. For example, the verb ‘speculates’ in the phrase, ‘Ahmed (2021) speculates that wearing green shoes is illegal’ suggests you think their evidence for this claim is weak and possibly based on guesswork. Compare this with the effect of using the verb ‘demonstrates’. See this list of more reporting verbs and the stances they signal:

Reporting verbs (Newcastle University)

We say ‘put it in your own words’ as if this was easy, but it is a skill that takes practice. Avoid copying or cutting and pasting text into your notes. Instead, take the opportunity to practice your paraphrasing. See our page on how to make effective notes:

Note-making resources (Centre for Academic Development)

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Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

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Paraphrasing is one way to use a text in your own writing without directly quoting source material. Anytime you are taking information from a source that is not your own, you need to specify where you got that information.

A paraphrase is...

• Your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• One legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• A more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• It is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• It helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• The mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

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.

Some examples to compare

Note that the examples in this section use MLA style for in-text citation.

The original passage:

Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers . 2nd ed., 1976, pp. 46-47.

A legitimate paraphrase:

In research papers, students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).

An acceptable summary:

Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester 46-47).

A plagiarized version:

Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.

A note about plagiarism: This example has been classed as plagiarism, in part, because of its failure to deploy any citation. Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. However, we acknowledge that plagiarism is a difficult term to define; that its definition may be contextually sensitive; and that not all instances of plagiarism are created equal—that is, there are varying “degrees of egregiousness” for different cases of plagiarism.

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Paraphrasing

Explanation, paraphrasing: unlocking the power of words.

Paraphrasing plays a pivotal role in the world of research-based writing. It is the art of expressing someone else's ideas or information in your own words while still maintaining the original meaning. By paraphrasing, you demonstrate your understanding of a text and integrate it seamlessly into your own work. In this in-depth guide, we will explore the intricacies of paraphrasing, delve into language usage and grammatical structures, and dissect literary devices relevant to this topic.

1. What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing, simply put, is the technique of restating someone else's words or ideas in your own unique style. It involves digesting the source material, comprehending its meaning, and then rewording it while keeping the core concept intact. Paraphrasing allows for a better understanding of complex ideas and helps writers avoid plagiarism.

2. Language Usage in Paraphrasing

When paraphrasing, it is essential to consider the language usage to convey the intended meaning accurately. Here are some key principles to consider:

a. Vocabulary and Word Choice

In paraphrasing, word choice is crucial. You should aim to find synonyms or alternative words that retain the original meaning but sound fresh and original. Let's consider an example:

Original Sentence: "The little girl was ecstatic upon receiving her first bicycle."

Paraphrased Sentence: "The young girl was overjoyed when presented with her inaugural bicycle."

By replacing "little" with "young" and "ecstatic" with "overjoyed," we maintain the core meaning while adding variety to the vocabulary.

b. Sentence Structure and Syntax

Varying sentence structure and syntax is essential for effective paraphrasing. By changing the order of words or clauses, you create a distinct rendition of the original idea. Consider the following example:

Original Sentence: "Walking through the ancient forest, I felt a profound sense of peace."

Paraphrased Sentence: "A profound sense of peace encapsulated me as I strolled amidst the age-old woods."

Reorganizing the sentence structure allows for a fresh perspective without altering the original intent.

c. Tone and Voice

Paraphrasing also requires careful consideration of the tone and voice used in the original text. Adjusting the tone can help align the paraphrase with your own writing style. For instance:

Original Sentence: "The data clearly indicates a growing trend towards renewable energy sources."

Paraphrased Sentence: "The statistics undeniably suggest an upward trajectory in the adoption of sustainable energy sources."

Here, the tone is adjusted to fit the writer's voice while maintaining the original meaning conveyed by the data.

3. Grammatical Structures in Paraphrasing

Grammatical structures play a significant role in conveying the intended meaning and nuance when paraphrasing. Let's explore some grammatical considerations when paraphrasing:

a. Changing Verb Tenses

By altering verb tenses, you can accurately paraphrase sentences capturing the temporal context. Consider this example:

Original Sentence: "He will complete the project by Thursday."

Paraphrased Sentence: "By Thursday, he intends to finish the project."

The change in verb tense while retaining the temporal aspect results in an effective paraphrase.

b. Sentence Transformation

Another technique in paraphrasing involves transforming simple sentences into compound or complex sentences and vice versa. This transformation adds complexity and variety to the writing. Let's observe an example:

Original Sentence: "She cooked dinner and we all enjoyed it."

Paraphrased Sentence: "We relished the dinner she prepared with meticulous care."

By transforming the simple sentence into a compound sentence and replacing the verb "cooked" with "prepared," the paraphrase portrays the same idea with different sentence structure.

c. Changing Active and Passive Voice

Switching between active and passive voice is another powerful tool in paraphrasing. By altering the voice, you can emphasize different aspects of the information. Consider the following example:

Original Sentence: "The police arrested the suspect."

Paraphrased Sentence: "The suspect was detained by the police."

The paraphrased version maintains the same meaning but shifts the focus from the police to the suspect.

4. Literary Devices in Paraphrasing

Literary devices add depth and creativity to writing, and they can also be utilized when paraphrasing. Here are some commonly used literary devices:

a. Metaphor

Metaphors compare two unrelated things to convey a vivid image. By incorporating metaphors, you can provide new insights into the original idea. Let's explore an example:

Original Sentence: "She was intelligent."

Paraphrased Sentence: "She possessed a brilliant mind, a beacon of knowledge amidst the darkness."

The metaphorical paraphrase enhances the description, emphasizing the brilliance of the person's intellect.

Similar to metaphors, similes compare two things; however, similes use the words "like" or "as" to establish the comparison. Consider this example:

Original Sentence: "The child was crying loudly."

Paraphrased Sentence: "The child sobbed like a wounded animal, pierced by invisible arrows of sorrow."

The simile in the paraphrased version intensifies the emotions expressed by the child's crying.

c. Personification

Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. By employing personification, you can animate inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Let's observe an example:

Original Sentence: "The storm was powerful and destructive."

Paraphrased Sentence: "The storm unleashed its fury upon the unsuspecting landscape, tearing through everything in its path."

Personifying the storm amplifies its destructive impact, creating a vivid image for the reader.

Paraphrasing is an invaluable skill that allows you to incorporate external information into your writing while still maintaining your voice. By employing varied language usage, considering grammatical structures, and incorporating literary devices, you can effectively paraphrase complex ideas. Remember, paraphrasing not only ensures academic integrity but also demonstrates your understanding and enhances the overall quality of your work. So, embrace the power of paraphrasing and let your words shine.

Questions related to Paraphrasing

The statement is true about the difference between paraphrasing and summarizing a text Paraphrasing and summarizing both restate the author's words in your own way , but a summary is longer. Thus the correct option is C.

What is Summary?

A summary refers to a brief introduction of any topic in your own words to make the reader easily understand the plot and setting of any story and help them to engage effectively.

Paraphrasing refers to writing others' opinions or theories in your own words in order to avoid plagiarism in the content and to prepare unique content by taking references from scholarly articles.

In paraphrasing, the meaning and the objective of the given theory is not changed,  only words are changed according to vocabulary to present the thought that it does not appear copied.

Therefore, option C is appropriate.

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Some tips for paraphrasing acceptably: 1. Be sure to look at the original text as you paraphrase it. 2. Be sure to write signal phrase and an in-text citation for each paraphrase. 4. Focus on the meaning of the original text. 5. Read and re-read the passage to make sure you understand it.

What is paraphrasing ? A paraphrase is a restatement of a text or passage's meaning using different terms. The word itself comes from the Ancient Greek phrase "additional style of expression" (paráphrasis), which was translated into Latin as paraphrasis . Paraphrasis is another name for the process of paraphrasing. Paraphrasing as a specialised educational activity dates back to at least Roman times, when the author Quintilian suggested it for students to enhance language dexterity, despite the fact that paraphrases were probably common in oral traditions. This tradition persisted in the Middle Ages, when writers like Geoffrey of Vinsauf created classroom exercises that involved using rhetorical devices and paraphrasing to create poetry and speeches.

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When paraphrasing a passage to avoid plagiarism , it is important to follow specific guidelines. These guidelines include using your own words, changing the sentence structure, and properly citing the original source. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the meaning of the original passage and convey it accurately in your paraphrased version.

To avoid plagiarism while paraphrasing, the first guideline is to use your own words. Instead of copying the exact wording of the original passage, rephrase the information using different vocabulary and sentence structure. This helps demonstrate your understanding of the material and prevents plagiarism. Secondly, altering the sentence structure is essential. Rearrange the sentence order, change the sentence length, and use different grammatical structures to create a distinct paraphrased version. Finally, proper citation is necessary. Even when paraphrasing, you must acknowledge the original source by providing an appropriate citation, such as using in-text citations or referencing the author and publication information. By following these guidelines, you can effectively paraphrase while avoiding plagiarism.

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One primary difference between feedback and paraphrasing is that feedback involves providing an evaluation, opinion, or response to the information or message received while paraphrasing focuses on restating the information or message in one's own words without adding personal evaluation or opinion.

Feedback and paraphrasing are both communication techniques used in various contexts, such as conversations, counseling, and teaching. Feedback is a process of offering a response or evaluation to the information or message received from someone else. It can involve expressing approval, disapproval, suggestions, or opinions based on the content shared. Feedback aims to provide an assessment or guidance to the person who shared the information.

On the other hand, paraphrasing is the act of restating or rephrasing the information or message received in one's own words. It involves understanding the content and expressing it in a different way without altering the original meaning. Paraphrasing is used to ensure comprehension, demonstrate active listening, or summarize and simplify complex information.

While feedback adds personal evaluation or opinion to the original message, paraphrasing focuses solely on rephrasing the content without introducing any personal perspective. Both techniques have their respective roles in effective communication and can be utilized based on the desired outcome and context of the interaction.

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The statement that is true about paraphrasing is that it involves using your own words to express the meaning of the original speaker.

Why is paraphrasing an effective way to express the meaning of the original speaker?

Paraphrasing is an essential skill in effective communication and academic writing. By using your own words to convey the meaning of the original speaker, you demonstrate your understanding of the content while avoiding plagiarism.

Paraphrasing allows you to rephrase complex or technical concepts in a clearer and more concise manner, making the information more accessible to your audience. It also helps you avoid using lengthy direct quotations, which can disrupt the flow of your writing.

Moreover, paraphrasing enables you to synthesize information from multiple sources and integrate it seamlessly into your own work. When paraphrasing, it is important to accurately represent the original speaker's ideas while adapting the language and sentence structure to suit your writing style.

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Summarizing and paraphrasing are essential writing techniques that students can utilize to avoid plagiarism effectively. In Interactive 5A, a comprehensive presentation on paraphrasing is provided, offering valuable insights and guidance on incorporating this technique into academic writing.

Plagiarism, the act of using someone else's work without proper attribution, is a serious academic offense that can lead to severe consequences. To prevent plagiarism and demonstrate their understanding of a topic, students can employ two key writing strategies: summarizing and paraphrasing.

Summarizing involves condensing the main ideas of a source into a concise form while retaining its original meaning. This technique helps students capture the essential points of a text without directly copying it, thus avoiding plagiarism. It requires a deep understanding of the material and the ability to communicate it in one's own words.

Paraphrasing, on the other hand, entails rephrasing a source's content using entirely different wording while maintaining its core concepts. This method showcases a student's ability to comprehend and rearticulate information without resorting to verbatim copying. Proper paraphrasing demonstrates academic integrity and original thought.

Interactive 5A offers an in-depth exploration of paraphrasing as a means to prevent plagiarism. This formal presentation likely covers various aspects of effective paraphrasing, such as analyzing source material, identifying key points, and restructuring sentences while preserving accurate context.

By mastering these techniques, students not only enhance their writing skills but also uphold ethical academic practices. Utilizing summarizing and paraphrasing correctly not only safeguards against unintentional plagiarism but also promotes a deeper engagement with the subject matter and encourages independent critical thinking.

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Final answer:

Paraphrasing tips include using your own words and sentence structures, citing sources when using others' ideas, and using paraphrasing to make ideas easier to understand.

Explanation:

Three tips for paraphrasing include:

• Use your own words and sentence structures. Paraphrasing involves rewriting information using different words and structure to convey the same meaning.
• Always cite the source when using others' ideas. This ensures proper credit is given to the original author and prevents plagiarism.
• Use paraphrasing to make ideas in a text easier to understand. Paraphrasing can help simplify complex ideas and concepts.

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A paraphrase is a restatement of a text or part of a text, written in your own words, to clarify its meaning for your readers.

A paraphrase is a restatement of a text or part of a text, written in your own words, to clarify its meaning for your readers. A paraphrase is usually about the same length as the original text, although it can be either longer or shorter. Your goal in paraphrasing is to provide readers with clarity about a complex idea while still maintaining the perspective of the source. Paraphrasing can be difficult and requires practice, so be sure to review.

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Paraphrasing involves restating someone else's work in your own words. Steps like reading and understanding the original text, taking notes, writing the paraphrase, comparing it to the original, and citing the source are beneficial in paraphrasing effectively.

Paraphrasing is the process of restating someone else's work in your own words. Here are some beneficial steps to follow:

• Read and understand the original text.
• Take notes on the main points and key supporting details.
• Put the original text aside and write the paraphrase using your own words and sentence structure.
• Compare your paraphrase to the original text and make sure it accurately represents the main ideas.
• Cite the source using the appropriate format.

For example, if the original text says, 'The Earth revolves around the Sun,' a paraphrase could be, 'According to scientific evidence, the Sun is at the center of the solar system and the Earth orbits around it.'

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• profile caya3000 Question: which of the following sentences best defines paraphrasing? A.) When paraphrasing, you shorten the passage to omit repetition. B.)When paraphrasing, you rewrite a passage in your own words. C.)When paraphrasing you state the main idea in the passage. D.)When paraphrasing you evaluate wether a passage is factual or opinionated. The sentences that best defines paraphrasing is option B " When paraphrasing, you rewrite a passage in your own words". The main purpose of paraphrasing is to report (orally or written) the same idea or concept without changing its meaning. To express the same with other words. They might be your own words, but sometimes you need to use some determined word/s such as in a written exercise.