Examples of paraphrases in academic writing (and what to avoid)
There are different ways of paraphrasing. When paraphrasing from an existing source, you want to make sure the language isn’t too similar - even if you clearly cite the source (which you should always do!). While there’s no fixed rule that says how much paraphrasing is enough, see a few examples below of good paraphrases, and paraphrases that are still too similar to the source. More examples are given in this section on Plagiarism.
Original sentence from Author (2020): A limitation of this study is that the measures contributing to the modelling analysis were obtained at the same point in time, which means that a temporal order of causation could not be proven.
- Paraphrase example 1:
Author (2020) acknowledges that, as all of the modelling analysis measures were collected at the same time, the study could not show a temporal causation.
- Paraphrase example 2:
One of the limitations mentioned by Author (2020) is that all measurements were obtained at the same time. For this reason, the study could not confirm any temporal order of causation.
- Paraphrase example 3:
As noted by Author (2020), due to having collected all modelling analysis measures at the same time rather than on different occasions, the study could not reveal any temporal order of causation.
- Example of a bad paraphrase (too few changes and too much copying of the original):
A limitation of Author’s (2020) study is that the measures that contribute to the modelling analysis were obtained at the same moment, meaning that a temporal order of causation could not be confirmed.
Original sentence Author (2020): English language teachers need to put more effort into teaching reading skills. This will enhance learners’ broader academic performance.
- Paraphrase example 1:
Author (2020) argues that, to stimulate learners’ overall academic performance, English language teachers should focus more on teaching reading skills.
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- Paraphrase example 2:
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According to Author (2020), learners’ academic success can be stimulated through an increased focus on reading skills in teaching.
- Paraphrase example 3:
Author (2020) argues that teachers of English should put more emphasis on learners’ reading skills, as this should contribute to learners’ academic performance in general.
- Example of a bad paraphrase (too few changes and too much copying of the original):
Author (2020) believes that English language teachers need to put more focus on teaching reading skills. This will grow learners’ academic performance.
Original sentence from Author (2020): Here, we review and connect evidence from several studies and, by viewing all studies together, offer insights into the complex puzzle of COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Paraphrase example 1:
Authors (2020) aimed to compare findings from various studies to shed light on COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Paraphrase example 2:
In their review paper, Authors (2020) consider a number of recent studies. Combining these studies’ results, Authors derive new insights into COVID-19 pathophysiology.
- Paraphrase example 3:
Recent work by Authors (2020) aimed to add to our understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology through a review of recent studies on the topic.
- Example of a bad paraphrase (too few changes and too much copying of the original):
Authors (2020) review and link evidence from several studies and, by viewing all studies, give insights into the complex puzzle of COVID-19 pathophysiology.