Paraphrase

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A paraphrase (from the Geek paraphrasis) is a statement or remark explained in other words or another way, so as to simplify or clarify its meaning. It can be used as a replacement for a direct quotation when the original text is unavailable or under copyright restriction. A paraphrase can substitute a euphemism for a direct statement, in order to avoid offense. As with a quotation, a paraphrase is introduced by a verbum dicendi, or disclaimer. A paraphrase is sometimes marked with (ph).

[edit] What paraphrasing is and is not

• It is not a summary.
• It does not contain words or phrases from the original (plagiarism).
• It includes all minor details from original.
• The meaning of the writing being paraphrased is clearer to the reader than in the original text.
• It restates the thesis
• It is usually as long as, or longer than, the original.