To ensure you rephrase content in your own words, careful reading is key. Read the content you're rephrasing over and over again until you feel you completely understand it.Take notes while reading the content. This way, you'll already be rephrasing it slightly.
After reading each paragraph, pause and restate what was said. Imagine you're explaining the content to someone else.;
, Unless you're quoting directly, make sure most of the the original diction is cut from your writing. Some words may be unavoidable. For example, if you're talking about a particular science term, you'll have to use that word. For the most part, however, avoid the original words as much as you can.For example, if you're writing about sex determination in chromosomes, you will have to use the term "chromosome."
Some people think they can save time by simply replacing original words with synonyms. Not only is this likely to sound clunky, it can still be read as plagiarism if you don't change basic sentence structure.
 Imagine you were describing the information to someone unfamiliar with the topic. Describe the content to this imaginary person using your own original words.For example, the original text says, "Out of the 46 chromosomes found in human DNA, sex is determined by the 'X' and 'Y' chromosome." How can you put this in your words? Try something like, "In humans, DNA is made up of 46 unique chromosomes. The determination of biological sex relies on the 'X' and 'Y' chromosomes."

, Even if you've put the content into your own words, you need to source it. Follow the guidelines of the writing style you use (i.e., AP citation, MLA citation, etc.) and cite the source according to that style. Sources are sometimes cited in parentheses within the text or in footnotes/endnotes., After paraphrasing a sentence or paragraph, read the original text. Try to restate the main point in one or two sentences. Then, reread your paraphrased words to make sure the original point is reflected there.For example, suppose the original sentence reads, "In East of Eden, Steinbeck's characters are caught in a morally ambiguous divide between good and evil." The main point here is that characters in East of Eden live in a gray area.

Reread your sentence. Suppose it says, "Steinbeck tries to illustrate how characters choose between good and evil." This sentence misses the point, as it glosses over the gray area.
Tweak your sentence to reflect the main point. For example, "Steinbeck tries to illustrate how his characters exist between good and evil."



, Often, in an effort to paraphrase without plagiarizing, sentences often become poorly constructed and confusing. Read through your paraphrased words and watch out for sentences that are difficult to understand.For example, say you wrote, "Characters in Mrs. Dalloway all suffer trauma due to World War I, which is illustrated through Clarissa being frightened by a car malfunctioning and more dramatically through the shellshocked Septimus Smith."

This sentence is too long. It should be broken into smaller sentences. For example, "Characters in Mrs. Dalloway all suffer from trauma due to World War I. This is illustrated when Clarissa is frightened by a car malfunctioning. It is later shown more dramatically through the shellshocked Septimus Smith."



, When striving to rewrite content, it can be easy to inadvertently leave out necessary details. Good paraphrasing should never be vague. Reread your words to make sure you conveyed all the necessary information.For example, say a sentence says, "The murders occurred in 1991, in a small suburb just outside of Chicago at roughly nine o'clock in the morning." You wrote, "The family was killed near Chicago."
Rewrite the above sentence to add the missing details. For example, "The family was killed in a suburb outside Chicago in 1991. The murders were estimated to have taken place around nine o'clock in the morning."

, When you're rephrasing content in your own terms, sentence structure often changes naturally. However, if you find any of your sentences or paragraphs too closely mirror the original work, tweak the structure to avoid plagiarism.Changing structure is a matter of starting with a different idea, fact, sentence, or passage.
For example, say a paragraph of literary analysis began by overviewing character relationships before stating a theory on the work's theme. When paragraphing, state the theme first and then talk about character relationships.
 Think about your natural writing voice, tone, and style. Try to write content using your unique voice. This will help you naturally stray from the original content while providing a more engaging piece.For example, take a paragraph that says, "Even after 40 years, the elephant remembered its training from when it was used in war."

Be a little creative when paraphrasing. For example, "Proving the old adage about elephants never forgetting, the war elephant recalled its training from 40 years prior."



, Sometimes, it's okay to use the original source if your own words aren't enough to convey necessary information. If you decide to quote directly, use block quotes and quotation marks. Then, cite the source according to the guidelines you're using for your paper.Make sure you don't quote too much, however. When writing, it's important to put some content in your own words rather than merely restating the work of other writers.
 There are many online tools that help you check for plagiarism. Just to be sure, copy and paste your words into an online tool like DupliChecker or Copyleaks. These tools will screen your words to make sure they do not too closely mimic existing content.
Read the content carefully.
Do not use words from the original text.
Put the content in your own words.
Cite the source when you're done.
Figure out your main points.
Rephrase any confusing or incoherent sentences.
Provide all the necessary details.
Change the structure in addition to the words.
Add some of your own style.
Use quotes when necessary.
Run your words through an online tool.
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