Paraphrasing

August 21, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Tutoring Resources 

Learning to paraphrase is a formative skill in which you rephrase a text you are reading into your own words and voice. Paraphrasing material often helps you understand and explain the meaning of the author’s original idea, making it useful in annotating texts. Paraphrasing is different from summarizing because paraphrasing is putting original text (author’s ideas) in your own words, whereas summarizing is condensing lengthy original material into a main idea and key supporting points.

In addition to its use as a study tool, sometimes paraphrasing a particular passage is required as a class assignment, and sometimes a paraphrased passage is added to a research essay or other college writing. In these instances, don’t forget that you will have to introduce the source and include in-text citations where needed, so be sure you record key details, such as author’s name, name of publication or website, page number, etc.

Paraphrase vs. Summary or Direct Quote

Paraphrase

You put the author's idea in your own words. This method works for explaining large concepts. A paraphrase is approximately the same length as the original source. Cite a paraphrase, but don’t use quotation marks.

Summary

You condense the passage heavily, putting the author’s idea in your own words. This method works for an overview of multiple paragraphs, entire chapters or books. Summaries vary in length but are considerably condensed from the original material. Cite a summary, but don’t use quotation marks.

Direct Quote

You use the author's exact words in quotation marks. This method works if changing a quote would destroy its impact. Cite quotes in quotation marks, but don’t overuse them.

Plagiarism and “Plagiaphrasing”

Plagiarism (the unacknowledged borrowing of words or ideas) is a serious violation of academic honesty. “Plagiaphrasing” is a form of plagiarism in which the writer switches out key words with synonyms in a borrowed passage so that the passage retains its fundamental phrasing and style. The “plagiaphrase” below does just that. Although the student cites author Diane Plattner, instructors would judge this so-called paraphrase unacceptably close to the original.

Original passage

“Today’s world of technology and the Internet make research easier, but technology tools also can make plagiarism tempting for students. That is one reason Rockwood School District officials decided to implement EVE2, a new plagiarism detection software” (Plattner 4).

“Plagiaphrased” passage

(Only boldfaced words have been changed.)

The modern world of technology and the Web make research simpler, but technology tools also mean plagiarism becomes a temptation for students. That is why Rockwood School District administrators decided to install EVE2, a new plagiarism detection software (Plattner 4).

Steps to Paraphrase

1. Read the original quoted material carefully and think about the meaning. Pay attention to exact meanings, vocabulary you do not know and how ideas relate to one another.
2. Set aside the material and then rewrite the idea in your own words and voice. Do not try to paraphrase word by word.
3. Compare your paraphrased writing to the original material and ensure it is not too close to the original but still accurate.
4. Determine how to introduce and cite the paraphrased material. 

Practice Paraphrasing

To practice paraphrasing, identify a passage that you want to put in your own words. Record that original text below. Then paraphrase the author’s idea. Do not forget to introduce your source properly and include notes so you can cite it later.

Original text

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Paraphrased text

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