How to Paraphrase Without Plagiarising

Paraphrasing is not a way to hide copying

Paraphrasing means expressing an idea in your own words. If the idea came from someone else, you still need to credit them, even when every word is different. Changing words does not change who did the thinking.

A simple, honest process

1. Read the source until you understand it, then close it.

2. Write the idea from memory, in your own words.

3. Compare with the source to check accuracy and that you did not copy phrases.

4. Add a citation in the style your teacher or publication requires.

Where an AI paraphraser fits

Use a paraphrasing tool to polish writing that is already yours: to fix awkward sentences, change the tone, or shorten a draft. Do not use it to rewrite other people's work and submit it as your own, and check whether your school or employer allows AI assistance.