A paraphrase, also known as paraphrasing, is a retelling of another piece of literature using new phrases or words but maintaining the same content. This is typically done to avoid plagiarism or to change the terminology. In order to avoid replicating an actual source verbatim in research papers, paraphrasing is a crucial communication method. However, mastering the skill of paraphrasing might take some effort. Below, we’ll go over everything you’ll need to know, beginning with a brief definition of what a paraphrase is.
What does paraphrasing serve as?
When you can simply cite the primary or second source, why bother paraphrasing? Paraphrasing has several advantages and is useful in a wide range of circumstances. Here are six typical reasons to paraphrase, in particular:
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Make better word choices
Sometimes all you want to do is rework the original text using your own words; you might do this to adapt it to your own writing style or just because you prefer your own choice of words. Whatever the situation, paraphrase offers you the freedom to substitute your own phrases or words while retaining the main idea.
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Alter the subject
If you appreciate the original passage’s wording but wish to adapt the topic to apply towards something different, paraphrasing can be very helpful.
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Abstain from plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when a text is rewritten without the words being altered. You must at least paraphrase or directly quote another person’s ideas or study if you want to refer to it. However, utilizing quotes excessively can also be problematic. You can also use a paraphrasing tool to avoid some issues.
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Don’t overuse quotations
Quotes are fantastic when the writer said it best himself, but if you use too many, you risk coming off as a mere plagiarism. To make a writing piece your own if you’re frequently quoting from other authors’ works, it’s preferable to alternate between paraphrase and direct quotations.
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Cut down on long quotes
Last but not least, paraphrase comes in handy when you want to make a lengthy, verbose quote more palatable. In a sense, some authors get paid by the word, but if you’re writing something that needs to be brief, you can rephrase their original content more effectively.
Conclusion
Putting another author’s original content into your own words is known as paraphrasing. In contrast to a quotation from an earlier work of writing, it is essentially a fresh passage with the same content. Utilizing synonyms, switching around the components of speech, modifying the sentence construction, and adding or eliminating particular areas are a few typical paraphrase strategies. The meaning of the original source is maintained in a good paraphrase even while new phrases or terms are used. It works best for adapting the ideas of another author and presenting them your own unique manner.
