How to Paraphrase: A Detailed, Step by Step Guide

By Matthew

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of paraphrasing, providing you with an array of examples and techniques designed to enhance your writing skills. By the end of our journey, you won't need to rely on our advanced paraphrasing tool to articulate your thoughts effectively!

What is Paraphrasing?

To start with, let's define paraphrase: A paraphrase is a rewriting, rewording, or rephrasing of a piece of text. The goal of paraphrasing is to change the structure and wording while retaining the original meaning. While paraphrasing typically occurs at the sentence level, it can also happen at the paragraph or document level. If you alter text at the word level—essentially substituting synonyms—this is referred to as using synonyms rather than true paraphrasing.

Why Paraphrase?

There are several important reasons to paraphrase effectively:

1. Find the Right Words: Paraphrasing helps you organize your thoughts, allowing you to iterate and refine your initial expressions. Despite what many believe, it’s not always best to say the first thing that comes to mind. Many thoughts can benefit from refinement.

2. Ensure Understanding: Paraphrasing allows you to restate others' ideas in your own words, which is helpful in confirming your understanding of their message, whether you’re quoting them directly or interpreting their words.

3. Simplify Ideas: Albert Einstein once said, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Paraphrasing allows you to strip away unnecessary complexities and distill ideas to their essence.

Techniques for Effective Paraphrasing

Let’s delve into several techniques for effective paraphrasing:

A. Paraphrasing for Clarity

Clarity is paramount in writing. The renowned author Joseph Williams, known for his book Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace, emphasizes that clarity requires aligning subjects with actions.

Example of Clarity

• Original: There were thoughts on the part of the doctors concerning the administration of morphine to the patient in question.
• Paraphrased: The doctors considered whether to administer morphine to the patient.

In our first example, we’ve streamlined the sentence to improve understanding. By focusing the sentence structure and using more direct verbs, we can enhance clarity in our writing.

Clarity Exercise:

1. It was the belief of the firefighters that there would be more water coming.
2. The writing of dictionaries is something done by lexicographers.
3. Considerations must be given to context when using synonyms.

B. Paraphrasing for Fluency

Fluency in writing is about ensuring your sentences sound natural and easy to read, resembling how a native speaker would express an idea.

Example of Fluency

• Original: My dream is to work close shop staff.
• Paraphrase 1: My dream is to work closely with the shop staff.
• Paraphrase 2: My dream is to work at a clothing shop.

Notice how the paraphrases clarify the original idea, making it more understandable and reflective of natural language use.

Fluency Exercise:

1. I like play basketball and squash.
2. She like sweet potato is delicious.
3. If you want to be pilot you have to make an achieve school success.

C. Paraphrasing for Formality

Depending on your audience, the level of formality in your writing can make a significant impact. It’s essential to decide whether your context calls for a formal or informal tone.

Example of Formality

• Original: Hey buddy, whatcha doin’ right now?
• Paraphrase: Hello, sir. What are you doing at the moment?

This example highlights how to shift from an informal expression to a more formal one by adjusting the choice of words and tone.

Formality Exercise:

1. Well, it is a very fine morning, is it not?
2. Heya, I'm gonna play some guitar with my gals.
3. Dearest brother, I am writing to express in utmost sincerity the most elevated wishes to you and your family.

D. Paraphrasing for Cohesion

Cohesion refers to the flow and logical progression of ideas within your writing. Effective paraphrasing can enhance cohesion, making your text easier to follow.

Example of Cohesion

• Original: We rented a rowboat towards the end of the trip, after having spent thirteen days in the Himalayas, with Martha and Jan already very tired from the journey. The rowboat was large and contained three compartments for clothing, food, and other necessities. Martha and Jan had become very tired after an incident that was emotionally very taxing for them.
• Paraphrase: At the end of our trip—after spending thirteen days in the Himalayas—Martha and Jan were exhausted. Despite their fatigue from a taxing incident, we decided to rent a large rowboat with three compartments for clothing, food, and other essentials.

By rearranging the information logically, the paraphrased version reads more naturally and maintains cohesion throughout.

Cohesion Exercises:

1. To obligate a corporation upon a contract to another party, it must be proven that the contract was its act, whether by corporate action, that of an authorized agent, or by adoption or ratification and such ratification will be implied by the acquiescence or the acceptance of the benefits of such contract, it being essential to implied ratification that the acceptance be with knowledge of all pertinent facts.

2. Asian competitors who have sought to compete directly with Acme's X-line product groups in each of six market segments in the Western Pacific region will constitute the main objective of the first phase of this study. The labor costs of Acme's competitors and their ability to introduce new products quickly define the issue we will examine in detail in each segment.

3. During the first years of our nation, a series of brilliant and virtuous presidents committed to a democratic republic yet confident in their own superior worth conducted its administration.

E. Paraphrasing for Parallelism

Parallelism enhances the rhythm and clarity of your writing. By employing similar grammatical structures, you create a sense of balance and organization.

Example of Parallelism

• Original: It is a good idea to write fluently, with clarity, and be concise.
• Paraphrase: It is wise to write fluently, clearly, and concisely.

The revised sentence reflects a balanced structure that is pleasing to the reader’s ear.

Parallelism Exercises:

1. There were three books, a toy monkey sat on the desk, and what else is in the room?
2. Friendly are those who offer of themselves, good people listen carefully, and I think most people are kind that will walk you home.
3. I ate lunch and was at the store until five cleaning up.

F. Paraphrasing for Conciseness

"Brevity is the soul of wit," famously stated Polonius in Shakespeare's Hamlet. This principle is true in writing; being concise means conveying your ideas without unnecessary elaboration.

Example of Conciseness

• Original: The roses were red in color and soft in texture.
• Paraphrase: The roses were red and soft.

Here, the paraphrase gets rid of redundancy that doesn’t add value to the sentence, enhancing its impact.

Conciseness Exercises:

1. In the event that there is a breach of contract, we would do well to observe the fact that we are in the wrong.
2. The synonym you chose to use in your essay was not uninviting of criticism.
3. Each and every one of us would like to give a thank you for the work you have completed.

G. Paraphrasing for Originality

Plagiarism checkers have made originality a vital aspect of writing. While it’s acceptable to build upon others' ideas, you must introduce a fresh perspective or a new articulation to avoid plagiarism.

Example of Originality

• Original: We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of verbal instruction.
• Paraphrase: While verbal instruction has its limits, we gain knowledge through experience and examples set by others.

The two sentences convey a related idea, but with different phrasing and nuance.

H. Paraphrasing for Empathy

Paraphrasing for empathy means conveying understanding and respect for the speaker’s feelings. It involves active listening and rephrasing content to reflect that you acknowledge their perspective.

Example of Empathy

• Original: As I’ve told you many times before, we need a home security system!
• Paraphrase: I understand your concerns about safety. I think a home security system might be helpful; what do you think?

This paraphrase maintains empathy while also inviting dialogue.

Empathy Exercises:

1. I get it, you’re saying that we have to cut expenses to save the firm.
2. It’s not enough to believe in yourself. You have to actually get up and do things.
3. If you haven’t bought these cryptocurrencies.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have covered various techniques for effective paraphrasing, including methods for clarity, fluency, formality, cohesion, parallelism, conciseness, originality, and empathy. Each technique will help you articulate your ideas more compellingly and authentically.

Understanding the essence of paraphrasing equips you to revise your work meaningfully, ensuring that your unique voice resonates in every piece of writing. Employ these strategies to refine your writing skills, and you will undoubtedly make valuable contributions to the world’s information landscape.

Answer Key

Clarity Paraphrases:

1. The firefighters believed more water would come.
2. Lexicographers write dictionaries.
3. When using synonyms, you must consider context.

Fluency Paraphrases:

1. I like to play basketball and squash.
2. She likes sweet potato because it is delicious.
3. If you want to be a pilot, you must succeed in school.

Formality Paraphrases:

1. Good morning!
2. Hi, I’m going to play the guitar with my girlfriends.
3. Bro, all my best to you and your family.

Cohesion Paraphrases:

1. To prove that a corporation is obligated to another party, it must demonstrate that the contract was enacted through either its authorized agent or by explicit action, or that it accepted the benefits of the contract while being aware of all pertinent facts.

2. This study will primarily focus on examining the labor costs and product introduction capabilities of Asian competitors targeting Acme's X-line product groups within six market segments in the Western Pacific region.

3. In the early years of our nation, a series of exceptional presidents led a democratic republic while demonstrating great confidence in their capabilities.

Parallelism Paraphrases:

1. Besides the three books, what else is in the room along with the monkey sitting on the desk?
2. Those who are friendly offer their assistance, good listeners pay attention to others, and kind individuals will always walk you home.
3. After eating lunch, I cleaned the store until five.

Conciseness Paraphrases:

1. We would be wrong to breach the contract.
2. The synonym you employed in your essay invited critique.
3. We wish to thank you for your work.

Empathy Paraphrases:

1. If I'm understanding correctly, I believe you are suggesting we cut expenses to improve the firm's financial health; do I have that right?
2. Believe in yourself, yes, and then take action that validates those beliefs.
3. If consistent with your investment strategy, you may want to explore opportunities in cryptocurrencies.

References

[^1]: Williams, J. M., & Bizup, J. (2013). Style: Lessons in clarity and grace. Boston: Pearson. [^2]: Gladwell, M. (2005). Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. New York: Little, Brown and Co.