paraphrasing legal definition

How to Avoid Plagiarism

• Defining Plagiarism
• Proper vs. Improper Paraphrasing
• Writing Skills

Improper Paraphrasing

Improper paraphrasing is a very common form of plagiarism. This occurs when one lifts a direct phrase from another work and changes just a few words - and then claims the work as wholly their own. Learning how to properly paraphrase is a very important component of good writing. But, remember, just because you have properly paraphrased does not mean that you do not need to cite the source of the original idea. Paraphrasing is simply a way of putting someone else's ideas into your own words - it does not make the idea your own.

Examples of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing is when you take an original idea from an author's work and reword, or rephrase, it so that the words are your own. It is important to remember that no matter how successful you are at paraphrasing, only the words are your own. When you paraphrase you must give credit through a citation for the author's original idea.

Original Phrase

"Western law begins with two major subgroups. One contains the legal systems of the European continent. Although there are many differences among European legal systems, they are all descended from the law of the Roman Empire and were influenced by the procedures of Medieval Roman Catholic canon law."

Dorothy H. Bracey, Exploring Law and Culture 31 (2006).

If you want to use this exact language in a paper, or any other work for a course, you must use quotation marks and provide a citation. If you want to use the idea, but not necessarily the author's words, you can paraphrase - but remember, you need to really need to explain the idea in your own words for it to be properly paraphrased; and don't forget the citation! 

Western law has two major subgroups. One is the legal systems of Europe. There are differences between the European legal systems, but they are all descended from the Roman Empire and influenced by the procedures of the Medieval Roman Catholic law.

With or without a citation, the above phrase is plagiarism. Changing a few words and omitting others is not enough for proper paraphrasing. You must really understand what the phrase means and then put it in your own words. 

Proper Paraphrasing

At first glance, it can seem like the legal traditions of European countries are all very different. However, as part of one of the larger subgroups of Western law, European legal systems largely share a common origin in the Roman Empire and Medieval Roman Catholic Church law.

This is an example of proper paraphrasing (and citation). The original phrase has been reworded and the original idea is being attributed to the original author.

Help With Paraphrasing

If you feel like you need help with paraphrasing, there are some very good resources online. Purdue University has an online writing lab (the OWL) that offers tips on how to paraphrase as well as a quiz to see if you really understand how to paraphrase. This is an important skill to practice in order to avoid plagiarism. 

• Purdue's OWL instructions on how to paraphrase
• Purdue's OWL paraphrase exercise

Checklist From the OWL

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

• Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
• Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
• Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
• Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
• Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
• Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Taken from Purdue Online Writing Lab, Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

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• Last Updated: Mar 22, 2022 9:47 AM
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US Copyright Laws Against Paraphrasing: Everything You Need to Know

• Author(s): Rahul Ranjan
• Publication Date: October 6, 2023

Contents of this Post

For the longest time, it was thought that paraphrasing a piece of content could rid it of plagiarism and copyright issues. That’s not the case anymore, though, as the US has made new laws for paraphrasing a piece of copyrighted content.

These laws forbid people from paraphrasing and using content that has copyright protection. In simple words, copyright is the legal right of an owner to publish, distribute, and market their intellectual property. Any person other than themselves cannot do it unless they get legal permission from the owner.

If you’re someone who’s unfamiliar with the copyright laws against paraphrasing, then keep reading, as we’re about to discuss some of them in this article. But before we get into that, let us tell you what paraphrasing exactly is.

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing involves altering the structure and wording of a text while maintaining its original meaning. It’s often done to increase the clarity of a text or remove plagiarism from it.

According to the Cambridge online dictionary , the definition of paraphrasing is “To express the same idea with different words, often humorously or more simply to clarify.”

You can paraphrase a text by using synonyms, altering its sentence structures, and shortening entire phrases into a single word. For example,

It can be done practically by using a tool to paraphrase online content.

Now that you know what paraphrasing is, let’s take a look at the laws prohibiting you from doing it on content that is copyrighted.

What are the Laws Against Paraphrasing Copyrighted Content?

The copyright law.

The first one is obviously going to be the copyright law itself. It is the law in the US that treats the written content of a person as their property and protects its authorship. The work of the author cannot be used by any other whatsoever. It also prohibits paraphrasing it since the original ideas used in the whole text are someone else’s property, too.

Whenever someone writes a piece of text, they become its author and sole proprietor. Publishing or distributing it will solely be up to them, and no one else can copy it.

Suppose someone else does decide to copy and use that content in their work without the author’s permission, even by paraphrasing it. They can face copyright infringement. However, it’s important to remember that the protections provided by this law have limits.

The copyright law’s protection for works created on or after January 1, 1978, lasts for the author’s lifetime plus 70 years after their death. Any person caught paraphrasing and publishing it without permission before this time can face a penalty in the form of a heavy fine or even a lawsuit, depending on the severity of the case.

The PIPA Law

The second law in the US that prohibits you from paraphrasing a piece of copyrighted content is the PIPA law . It stands for “Personal Information Protection Act.” This law provides enhanced protection from rogue sites that steal and paraphrase content from around the world.

The United States Department of Justice is authorized to seek a court order against websites that paraphrase copyrighted content by this law. The law states that search engines such as Google will completely remove access to any website that is solely dedicated to infringing activities.

Apart from this, the PIPA law is also applicable to private organizations and universities. It is applied to ensure that no student paraphrases and uses others’ content in their academic work. However, it requires an institute to register itself under the act if it wants to apply this law on its premises.

The SOPA Law

The third and last copyright law against paraphrasing in the US is the SOPA law . It stands for “Stop Online Piracy Act”. It was first proposed by the United States parliamentarian “Lamar S. Smith.”

The primary purpose of this law was to expand the authority of the content owner and increase their ability to fight against copyright infringement and paraphrasing issues. Its goal was to crack down on websites providing pirated and paraphrased content to users.

The law is split into two parts. The first part is for owners of intellectual property rights who want compensation because their work was damaged either by paraphrasing or piracy.

The second part focuses entirely on the penalties for people who paraphrase, upload, or publish copyrighted work through their website or platform.

To provide clarification, let us present an example. Suppose an individual has shared a rephrased version of a blog post that is protected by copyright on their website. The copyright holder has the power to issue a takedown notice to Google. The Google team will then examine and confirm the notice before eliminating the rephrased content from the search engine results pages.

Paraphrasing a piece of content protected by a copyright can lead to penalties and legal trouble. In this article, we’ve discussed some of the laws in the US that prohibit you from rephrasing a piece of copyrighted content.

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Contemporary legal writing tends to be overloaded with quotations. The excess probably reflects the ease with which lawyers can now cut text from online authorities and paste it into their own documents. But it also may reflect a belief that readers have a large appetite for direct quotations — that many quotations are necessary to avoid plagiarism or to show that an assertion has direct support.

That belief is unfounded. Legal readers dislike quotations — especially long quotations — so much that they often merely skim them and they sometimes skip over them entirely. And quotations are often unnecessary.

This column recommends an alternative to excessive quotation. That alternative allows legal writers to attribute credit properly where they rely on the ideas of others, both preserving credibility and demonstrating the strength of their arguments, and it is frequently more effective than a direct quotation.

That alternative is (drum roll, please) the paraphrase. Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited with saying “I hate quotation. Tell me what you know.” In other words, paraphrase.

The Recommendation and Its Rationale Paraphrasing is often a better option than quoting in legal writing. Paraphrasing is incorporating someone else’s idea — including legal precedent — into your own writing by describing the idea and citing its source. But in describing the idea, you use your own words.

By paraphrasing, you can tell your reader the meaning and importance of the idea in the context of your own argument, rather than being locked, sometimes awkwardly, into the original author’s frame. You can improve upon the clarity of the original author’s text; you can make it simpler and more concise. And you can change the organization to better match the structure of your argument.

Paraphrasing rather than quoting — when appropriate and well done — should improve both your writing and your standing as a legal writer. Legal arguments that rely heavily on direct quotations do not tend to flow well because they borrow from numerous authors who wrote about different subjects at different times and for different reasons. They can be choppy, repetitive and inconsistent as a result. They can also make the writer appear lazy; cutting and pasting sound bites from Westlaw requires much less creativity, time and effort than understanding and reducing the essential meaning of the original material. When in doubt, do your writing, your reader and your reputation a favor: choose a paraphrase over a direct quote.

The Exception Of course, directly quoting a source can sometimes help a legal writer support her argument. That happens when the source’s exact language — not just its meaning — is important. In legal writing, the most obvious examples of quote- worthy language appear in contracts and enacted laws. A contract dispute will focus on the precise wording of a contract, so quoting the words is essential. Similarly, a dispute involving statutory interpretation will require a close reading of the law’s text, so the reader will need that language to understand the arguments and analyze the issue.

Judicial decisions, secondary sources, fact documents and other sources can call for quotes as well. For example, quoting a common law test created by the state’s highest court is wise. Quoting a short passage from a highly regarded law review article could help explain the analysis of a cutting edge issue. And quoting the exact words of a key witness might win a case.

When you quote a source, you are suggesting that there is something perfect and utterly irreducible about the way that source packages its message. You are telling the reader to focus on the particular phrasing in the quoted source because it is important to your legal argument. Readers trust that quoted material is critical. And they can feel misled and frustrated if they concentrate on specific language only to find out later that doing so was a waste. So quote only when you incorporate material that is “too precious to paraphrase.” 1

The Line Between Quoting and Paraphrasing The difference between quoting and paraphrasing is related to plagiarism, an unethical activity for both law students and practicing lawyers. Quoting is verbatim copying with quotation marks and attribution. Without proper punctuation and attribution, the same verbatim copying becomes plagiarism.

But plagiarism is not only verbatim copying; it is also mere imitation. Paraphrasing requires the creation of something new based on an existing idea, not the imitation of someone else’s expression. In a true paraphrase, the writer does not rely on the original author’s language at all. Rather, after reading the original author’s work, the writer puts it aside and composes her own prose based on her understanding of the original author’s idea.

There’s no rule for how many words you can borrow from a source before you need quotation marks because borrowed language calls for quotes, period. A writer who tries to alter a quote just enough to avoid using quotation marks is plagiarizing. Relying on another’s language in that fashion requires direct quotation.

A Few Rules for Quoting Effectively Here are a few quotation rules that are most important (and most frequently violated) in legal writing:

1. Be accurate. Make every word in your quote an exact copy of the original. Misrepresenting what your source states undermines your credibility and is unethical. Even a simple modification that doesn’t change the meaning — like omitting a comma or making a singular noun plural — makes you look sloppy.

2. Integrate quotations into your own text. Make the language of the quotation fit with your own writing. This blending will sometimes require you to alter the original language so that sentences that include quoted language are grammatical. (So long as you follow Rule #3 below, you may break Rule #1 above to incorporate quotations into your own prose.) It also means that you should not precede a quotation with a comma unless the grammar of the sentence requires it.

3. Indicate all alterations and omissions. Use ellipses to indicate omissions and brackets to indicate alterations. Consult a legal writing style manual for detailed instructions and examples.

4. Punctuate properly. A period or comma at the end of a quotation always appears inside the closing quotation mark. Colons and semicolons appear outside the closing quotation mark. Question marks and exclamation points go inside the closing quotation mark only if they are part of the quoted material; otherwise, they go outside. Note that if you are using MLA or some other style, punctuation rules may differ.

5. Be selective. Quote only when the reader needs to read the original author’s language, and quote only key language. Over-quoting is distracting and disrupts the flow of your argument. Even some judges have publicly admitted that they do not read long quotations or collections of short quotations.

6. Explain. Make sure that the meaning of each quotation is clear. Do not paste quoted text into your document and expect the reader to discern the original author’s idea or its relevance to your argument. Instead, write an introduction to the quotation that summarizes the quotation’s meaning or explains its importance. The quotation that follows will then support that introductory assertion. You can also follow up the quotation with additional explanation. Judges and other readers are not persuaded that an argument is well reasoned simply because its proponent has pasted quotations onto its surface. But where the ideas are woven into the fabric of the argument, the authorities truly strengthen it.

You can find more rules and tips about quoting in many resources, including these:

– Darby Dickerson, ALWD Citation Manual (4th ed., Aspen L. & Bus. 2010). – Anne Enquist and Laurel Currie Oats, Just Writing: Grammar, Punctuation, and Style for the Legal Writer (3d ed., Aspen L. & Bus. 2009). – Bryan A. Garner, The Redbook: A Manual on Legal Style (2d ed., Thomson/West 2006).

1. This is, I believe, a perfect and utterly irreducible phrase that originally appeared in my article Matters of Style, Matters of Opinion: The Voice and Legacy of Richard Chambers , 19 W. Leg. Hist. 91, 113 (2006). 

An archive of  The Legal Writer articles is available here. © 2011 Rebekah Hanley

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Importance of Paraphrasing in Legal Writing

• by Sanjay Rawat
• March 26, 2023
• 5 minutes read

Table of Contents

Introduction

The act of rephrasing a text in one’s own words without altering its meaning is known as paraphrasing. When composing intricate legal texts and documents, it is a vital tool for legal writers. Paraphrasing assists legal writers in conveying information or legal writing to their audience in an accurate and clear manner.

Paraphrasing in legal writing is the process of rephrasing a legal text’s or document’s content without changing its meaning. This method is frequently used by legal writers to make sure that their work adheres to audience expectations while avoiding plagiarism.

This article will explore the importance of paraphrasing in legal writing. It will go over how paraphrasing can help legal writers avoid plagiarism, improve their writing’s clarity and readability, and guarantee its accuracy.

Explanation of Legal Writing

In the legal profession, a particular writing style called “legal writing” is employed. It is a very specialized type of writing that seeks to effectively convey legal concepts and information. Legal memos, briefs, and pleadings are just a few examples of the different types of legal writing. Since it is the primary method of communication among legal professionals, legal writing is crucial in the legal profession. Lawyers and judges can effectively express their thoughts and ideas through legal writing.

The ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts and ideas is why paraphrasing is a crucial tool for legal writers. Legal writing frequently uses jargon and technical terms that can be difficult for readers to comprehend. Legal writing can be made more understandable and accessible by paraphrasing.

Avoiding Plagiarism in Legal Writing

• Plagiarism in legal writing refers to using another person’s work without giving them proper credit. It is a severe ethical violation that can lead to legal consequences and damage the credibility of the writer.
• Plagiarism can take various forms, including copying and pasting text from another source, paraphrasing without proper attribution, and using someone else’s ideas without giving them proper credit.
• Plagiarism can have serious negative effects on legal writers, including ethical and legal repercussions. The writer’s credibility and reputation as a professional may also suffer from it.
• The negative impact on the credibility and ethical violations Legal professionals need to uphold their reputations and moral principles. These values are undercut by plagiarism, which also carries serious repercussions for the author.

Also Read: Legal Writing Tool That Every Law Student Should Know

Importance of Paraphrasing to Avoid Plagiarism

To prevent plagiarism, legal writers must use paraphrasing as a crucial tool. It facilitates the rewording of legal texts and documents without exact replication by authors. You can use the paraphrasing tool to prevent plagiarism in a fast way. Legal writers are required to give due credit to the sources they use in their writing. Giving credit to the original author while accurately communicating information is made possible by paraphrasing.

Enhancing Clarity and Readability

Legal documents frequently contain jargon and technical terms that the reader may not be familiar with. As a result, readability and clarity are crucial components of legal writing. Legal writers must make sure that their documents are readable by the intended audience in order to fulfil the purpose of legal writing, which is to convey information and ideas in a clear and understandable manner. Legal documents that are clear and easy to read are more likely to be understood by judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals.

Paraphrasing Can Improve Clarity and Readability

Paraphrasing is an effective technique for improving the clarity and readability of legal documents. Restating information in one’s own words while upholding the original meaning and intent is known as paraphrasing. Legal writers can make difficult concepts and ideas simpler for readers to understand by paraphrasing.

For example, a legal document might have a convoluted sentence that is challenging to understand. The legal writer can increase the document’s readability and clarity by breaking the sentence up into smaller chunks and paraphrasing the information. Paraphrasing can also assist in avoiding repetition and redundancy, which can reduce the document’s overall quality.

Examples of Effective Paraphrasing in Legal Writing

Here are some examples of how effective paraphrasing can be used in legal writing:

Original sentence: The court found that the defendant acted with malice aforethought when he committed the crime.

Paraphrased sentence: The court determined that the defendant had the intention to commit the crime when he acted.

In this example, the legal writer has rephrased the sentence to make it more succinct and understandable. Although the language has been simplified, the original sentence’s meaning has been retained.

Original sentence: The evidence was conclusive that the defendant had been present at the scene of the crime.

Paraphrased sentence: The available evidence indicated that the defendant was at the scene of the crime.

In this example, the sentence has been paraphrased by the legal writer to make the text easier to read. The original sentence’s meaning is retained, but the language has been simplified and made clearer.

Ensuring Accuracy in Legal Writing

The writing of legal documents must be accurate. Legal documents must accurately reflect the law and legal principles as well as being factually accurate. Writing errors can have serious repercussions, such as diminished credibility and legal liability. Legal writers must therefore make sure that their work is accurate and error-free.

Paraphrasing can be used to ensure accuracy in legal writing. Legal writers must make sure to preserve the original meaning and intent of the information they are paraphrasing when doing so. This makes it less likely that information will be misrepresented or interpreted incorrectly. Paraphrasing can also assist in ensuring that legal documents are free of mistakes and inconsistencies.

Examples of Accurate Paraphrasing in Legal Writing

Here are some examples of how paraphrasing can be used to ensure accuracy in legal writing:

Original sentence: The defendant’s actions constituted a breach of contract.

Paraphrased sentence: The defendant failed to fulfil the terms of the contract.

In this example, the legal writer has paraphrased the sentence to accurately reflect the meaning of the original sentence.

Original sentence: The plaintiff suffered damages in the amount of $10,000.

Paraphrased sentence: The plaintiff incurred losses totalling $10,000.

In this example, the legal writer has paraphrased the sentence to ensure accuracy and consistency in the use of terminology.

Legal writing can benefit greatly from paraphrasing to ensure accuracy. It permits the writer to restate difficult legal concepts in a manner that is clear and concise and thus easier for readers to comprehend. Additionally, by paraphrasing, authors can get rid of any ambiguity or confusion brought on by legalese.

Furthermore, paraphrasing can assist authors in producing error-free legal writing. Writers can identify any errors or inconsistencies in the original text by closely examining the source material and restating it in their own words. They can then make any necessary corrections and guarantee the accuracy of their legal writing.

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• What is Paraphrasing? An Overview With Examples
• Learn English
• James Prior
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• Updated February 23, 2024

What is paraphrasing? Or should I say what is the definition of paraphrasing? If you want to restate something using different words whilst retaining the same meaning, this is paraphrasing.

In this article, we cover what paraphrasing is, why it’s important, and when you should do it. Plus, some benefits and examples.

Table of Contents

Paraphrase Definition: What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is when you restate the information from a source using your own words while maintaining the original meaning. It involves expressing the ideas in a different way, often to clarify or simplify the content, without directly quoting the source.

When you paraphrase, you are not only borrowing, clarifying, or expanding on the information but also ensuring that you do all of these actions without plagiarizing the original content. It’s therefore definitely worth learning how to paraphrase if you want to improve your writing skills.

Why is Paraphrasing Important?

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill that allows you to convey information in your unique writing style while still giving credit to someone else’s ideas. It’s important for several reasons, and it serves various functions in both academic and professional writing.

Here are some key reasons why you should paraphrase:

• Paraphrasing allows you to present information from sources in your own words, reducing the risk of plagiarism. Proper in-text citation is still necessary, but paraphrasing demonstrates your understanding and interpretation of the material.
• When you paraphrase, you are required to comprehend the original content fully. You actively engage with the information, helping you better understand complex concepts and ideas. This process of restating the information in your own words showcases your understanding of the subject matter.
• By paraphrasing, you can clarify complex ideas or technical language and convey information in a clearer, shorter, and simpler form. This makes it more accessible to your audience and ensures they grasp the key points. This is particularly important when communicating with readers who may not be familiar with specialized terminology.
• Paraphrasing is valuable when synthesizing information from various sources. It enables you to blend ideas cohesively while maintaining a consistent writing style throughout your work.
• Paraphrasing allows you to inject your unique writing style and voice into the content. It helps you present information in a way that is more aligned with your personal expression and perspective.
• In certain situations where you need to meet specific length requirements for assignments or publications, paraphrasing allows you to convey information more concisely while still preserving the essential meaning.
• Paraphrasing helps maintain a smooth flow and cohesiveness in your writing. It allows you to integrate information seamlessly, avoiding abrupt shifts between your own ideas and those from external sources.
• Depending on your audience, you may need to adapt the language and level of technicality of the information you present. Paraphrasing allows you to tailor the content to suit the needs of your specific readership.

Incorporating paraphrasing into your writing not only showcases your understanding of the material but also enhances the overall quality and originality of your work.

When Should You Paraphrase?

Knowing when to paraphrase is an important skill, especially in academic writing and professional communication. Here are some situations in which you should consider paraphrasing:

• To Avoid Plagiarism:  Whenever you want to incorporate information from source material into your own work, but don’t want to use a direct quotation, paraphrasing is necessary to present the ideas in your own words while still acknowledging the original source.
• To Express Understanding:  Paraphrasing demonstrates your understanding of a topic by rephrasing the information in a way that shows you have processed and comprehended the material.
• To Simplify Complex Information:  If you encounter complex or technical language that may be difficult for your audience to understand, paraphrasing can help you clarify and simplify the information to make it more accessible and digestible.
• To Integrate Multiple Sources:  When synthesizing information from multiple sources, paraphrasing allows you to blend the ideas cohesively while maintaining your own voice and perspective.
• To Maintain Consistency in Writing Style:  In academic writing or professional writing, paraphrasing can help you maintain a consistent writing style throughout your work. This helps to ensure that all sections flow smoothly and are coherent.
• To Meet Specific Requirements:  Some assignments or publications may have specific requirements. This could relate to the number of words or concern the use of direct quotations. In such cases, paraphrasing allows you to meet these requirements while still incorporating relevant information from your sources.

What Are the Benefits of Paraphrasing?

Rewriting information in a clearer, shorter, and simpler form is called paraphrasing, so one of the benefits of paraphrasing is already clear! However, it can also be a useful exercise for other reasons, which are outlined below:

Avoiding Plagiarism

One of the main benefits of paraphrasing is mastering the ability to present information from external sources in a way that is entirely your own. By restructuring the content and expressing it using your words, you create a distinct piece of writing that reflects your comprehension and interpretation of the original material. This not only showcases your academic or professional integrity but also safeguards against unintentional plagiarism.

Paraphrasing is a fundamental skill in academic and professional settings, where originality and proper attribution are highly valued. This is especially true when it comes to writing research papers, where you’ll often need to reference someone else’s ideas with appropriate citations.

When you paraphrase effectively, you communicate to your audience that you respect the intellectual property of others while contributing your unique insights. This ethical approach to information usage enhances your credibility as a writer or researcher and reinforces the integrity of your work.

Enhancing Understanding

When you engage in paraphrasing, you actively participate in the material you are working with. You are forced to consider the ideas presented in the source material. You need to discern the essential concepts, identify key phrases, and decide how best to convey the message in a way that resonates with you.

This active engagement not only aids in understanding the content but also encourages critical thinking as you evaluate and interpret the information from your own standpoint.

By expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words, you deepen your understanding of the content. This process requires you to dissect the original text, grasp its nuances, and then reconstruct it using your language and perspective. In this way, you go beyond mere memorization and truly internalize the information, fostering a more profound comprehension of the subject matter.

Tailoring Information for Your Audience

Paraphrasing empowers you to adapt the language and complexity of the information to suit the needs and understanding of your audience. As you rephrase the content, you have the flexibility to adjust the level of technicality, simplify complex terminology, or tailor the tone to make the information more accessible to your specific readership.

Consider your audience’s background, knowledge level, and interests. Paraphrasing allows you to bridge the gap between the original content and the understanding of your intended audience.

Whether you are communicating with experts in a particular field or a general audience, the ability to paraphrase ensures that the information is conveyed in a way that resonates with and is comprehensible to your readers. This skill not only facilitates effective communication but also demonstrates your awareness of the diverse needs of your audience.

Improves Writing Skills

Paraphrasing helps in the development and refinement of your writing skills. When you actively engage in the process of rephrasing someone else’s ideas, you hone your ability to express concepts in a clear, concise, and coherent manner.

This practice refines your language proficiency, encouraging you to explore different types of sentence structure, experiment with vocabulary, and ultimately develop a more sophisticated and nuanced writing style.

As you paraphrase, you gain a heightened awareness of grammar, syntax, and word choice. This translates into improved writing, helping you construct well-articulated sentences and paragraphs. Moreover, paraphrasing allows you to experiment with different writing tones and adapt your style to suit the context or purpose of your writing, fostering versatility and adaptability in your expression.

Saves Time and Energy

Paraphrasing can significantly reduce the time and energy spent on the writing process. Rather than grappling with the challenge of integrating lengthy direct quotations or struggling to find the perfect synonym, paraphrasing allows you to distill and convey information in a more streamlined way.

This becomes particularly advantageous when faced with strict deadlines. By mastering paraphrasing, you empower yourself to produce well-crafted, original content in a shorter timeframe, allowing you to meet deadlines without compromising the quality of your work.

Examples of Paraphrasing

Here are some examples of paraphrasing:

• Original:  “The advancements in technology have revolutionized the way we communicate with each other.”
• Paraphrased:  “Technological progress has transformed how we interact and communicate with one another.”
• Original:  “Deforestation poses a significant threat to global ecosystems and biodiversity.”
• Paraphrased:  “The impact of deforestation represents a substantial danger to ecosystems and the diversity of life on a global scale.”
• Original:  “Effective time management is essential for achieving productivity in both professional and personal spheres.”
• Paraphrased:  “Efficient management of time is crucial for attaining productivity in both professional and personal aspects of life.”
• Original:  “The restaurant offers a diverse selection of culinary choices, ranging from traditional dishes to modern fusion cuisine.”
• Paraphrased:  “The restaurant provides a variety of food options, including both traditional and modern fusion dishes.”
• Original:  “The novel explores the complexities of human relationships in a rapidly changing society.”
• Paraphrased:  “The book delves into the challenges of human connections in a fast-changing world.”
• Original:  “Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining optimal physical health and preventing various health issues.”
• Paraphrased:  “Exercising regularly is important for keeping your body healthy and avoiding health problems.”

In these examples, you can observe the use of different wording, sentence structure, and synonyms while preserving the core meaning of the original sentences. This is the essence of paraphrasing.

What Are the Differences Between Paraphrasing, Quoting, and Summarizing?

So, we’ve established that successful paraphrasing is a way of rewriting someone else’s words whilst retaining their meaning and still giving credit to the original author’s ideas. But how is this different from quoting and summarizing?

While paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing are all ways of incorporating information from source material into your own writing, there are key differences between them:

Paraphrasing

• Definition:  Paraphrasing involves rephrasing someone else’s ideas or information in your own words while retaining the original meaning.
• Usage:  You use paraphrasing when you want to present the information in a way that suits your writing style or when you need to clarify complex ideas.
• Example:  Original: “The study found a significant correlation between sleep deprivation and decreased cognitive performance.” Paraphrased: “The research indicated a notable link between lack of sleep and a decline in cognitive function.”
• Definition:  Quoting involves directly using the exact words from a source and enclosing them in quotation marks.
• Usage:  You use quoting when the original wording is essential, either because of its precision or uniqueness, or when you want to highlight a specific phrase or concept.
• Example:  Original: “The author argues, ‘In the absence of clear guidelines, individual judgment becomes paramount in decision-making.'”

The use of quotation marks is vital when quoting.

Summarizing

• Definition:  Summarizing involves condensing the main ideas of a source or original passage in your own words, focusing on the most crucial points.
• Usage:  You use summarizing when you need to provide a concise overview of a longer piece of text or when you want to capture the key points without including all the details.
• Example:  Original: A lengthy article discussing various factors influencing climate change. Summary: “The article outlines key factors contributing to climate change, including human activities and natural processes.”

In summary, paraphrasing is about expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words, quoting involves directly using the original words, and summarizing is about condensing the main points of a source.

Each technique serves different purposes in writing and should be used based on your specific goals and the nature of the information you are incorporating. If you want to level up your writing skills you need to be able to do all three of these.

Conclusion (In Our Own Words)

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill with numerous benefits. It helps you understand complex ideas, refine your writing style, and demonstrate ethical information use. It also allows you to tailor information for different audiences and can save time in academic and professional writing.

So, if you want to incorporate information from external sources into your writing in a way that is clear, concise, and respectful of the original author’s work, it’s worth mastering the art of paraphrasing.

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A Guide to Plagiarism and Paraphrasing

According to the joint research efforts of Dr. Donald McCabe and the International Center for Academic Integrity , nearly 30% of university students admit to having cheated in some way on an exam.

Understanding how and when to cite sources is a critical skill for students to learn. Whether you borrow someone’s ideas from a textbook, blog post, or academic journal, you must give proper credit while representing the source’s ideas fairly and coherently.

This guide covers:

• Paraphrasing
• Plagiarism checkers, citation managers, and writing tools

The Purdue Global Writing Center defines plagiarism as “using another's words, ideas, results, or images without giving appropriate credit to that person, therefore, giving the impression that it is your own work.”

Types of Plagiarism

University of Oxford notes eight common forms of plagiarism:

• Verbatim plagiarism: Copying someone else’s work word for word.
• Cutting and pasting from web pages without clear acknowledgement: Pulling information off the internet without referencing it and without including it in the bibliography.
• Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing so closely so that the copy is almost an exact match to the original.
• Collusion: In group projects, or projects in which you received help, failing to properly attribute the assistance or failure to follow the project’s rules.
• Inaccurate citation: Failing to cite correctly, according to the conventions of your discipline.
• Failure to acknowledge assistance: Failing to clearly acknowledge all assistance that has contributed to your work (ordinary proofreading and help from a tutor or supervisor is excepted).
• Use of material written by professional agencies or other people: Using material that was written by a professional agency or another person, even if you have the consent of the person who wrote it.
• Auto-plagiarism (also known as self-plagiarism): Reusing work that you’ve previously submitted or published; presenting that information as new when you’ve already gotten credit for the work.

A new concern revolves around AI and copying directly from chat, composition, and visual tools. Using prompts to generate content for assignments and passing it off as your own contribution is considered plagiarism. Various organizations use AI software to check for submissions generated by a chatbot.

Also, keep in mind that AI tools may produce inaccurate and unreliable information. While there may be valid use cases for informal AI-generated brainstorming, this is a complex and evolving topic. Be sure to verify the policy expressed by your school, professors, or professional organizations for recent developments.

It’s important to note that plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. Unintentional plagiarism occurs when a student unknowingly cites a source inaccurately or improperly. Intentional plagiarism, on the other hand, is when a student chooses not to cite a source or tries to pass off someone else’s ideas as their own.

Consequences of Plagiarism

The consequences of plagiarism vary by institution, but it could get you expelled or dropped from a course. In less severe instances, plagiarism — both intentional and unintentional — may result in a grade penalty, course failure, or suspension. Beyond the academic consequences, plagiarism also tarnishes your reputation and minimizes your integrity. Whether you’re in school or the working world, plagiarism is not a good look.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

The key to avoiding plagiarism is learning how to incorporate research into your writing. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center , you can do this in the following ways:

• Quoting: If you don’t want to alter a source, use quotation marks to enclose all verbatim phrases.
• Summarizing: If you find multiple relevant points in a lengthy text, simplify them into your own condensed synopsis.
• Paraphrasing: If you want to use a source’s information, restate it in your own words.

Whether you’re quoting, summarizing, or paraphrasing, don’t forget to cite all sources.

What Is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is using your own words to convey the meaning of an excerpt. It shows your reader that you did your research and understand the content. While students may understand that they need to cite sources, many struggle with paraphrasing the ideas of others into their own words. However, like many aspects of writing, effective paraphrasing is a skill developed over time.

How to Approach Paraphrasing

The goal of paraphrasing is to translate the original work into your own wording and sentence structure. The best way to approach this is to focus on the meaning of the text, forcing you to interact with its purpose and context.

Paraphrasing Tips

A good way to judge your understanding of material is to see if you can explain it to someone else. Once you have this level of understanding, it’s easier to create effective paraphrases — changing the language and structure of a passage becomes more manageable.

Here are some tips to help you paraphrase:

• Reread the passage until you fully understand its meaning.
• Write your own summary of the passage without referencing the original.
• Check that your summary accurately captures the context of the original passage.
• Document the source information following your summary, whether it’s an endnote or footnote.

Remember that you still need to cite your paraphrases, but your follow-up analysis and discussion points belong to you.

What Requires Citation?

Any time you use information that isn’t common knowledge or you didn’t come up with yourself, you must cite it. The following requires citation, usually through in-text citation or a reference list entry:

• Quotes: If you are quoting the actual words someone said, put the words in quotation marks and cite the source.
• Information and ideas: If you obtain ideas or information from somewhere else, cite it — even if you paraphrase the original content.
• Illustrations: If you use someone else’s graphic, table, figure, or artwork, you must credit the source. These may also require permission and a copyright notice.
• Photographs: If you use your own photography or an image that allows use without attribution, no citation is required. In other cases, add a note below the image and a corresponding reference citation.

Common Knowledge Exception

You don’t need to cite information that’s considered common knowledge in the public domain — as long as you reword the well-known fact. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center , information must have the following traits to be considered common knowledge:

• The reader would already be aware of it.
• It’s a widely accepted fact; for example, there are 24 hours in a day.
• It’s accessible via common information sources.
• It originates from folklore or a well-known story.
• It’s commonly acknowledged in your field and known by your audience.

Why Citation Is Important

The importance of citation goes beyond the avoidance of plagiarism. According to the Purdue Global Writing Center’s Plagiarism Information page, citation:

• Distinguishes new ideas from existing information
• Reinforces arguments regarding a particular topic
• Allows readers to find your sources and conduct additional research
• Maintains ethical research and writing
• Ensures attribution of ideas, avoiding plagiarism

Additionally, proper citation enhances your credibility with readers, displays your critical thinking skills, and demonstrates your strong writing ability.

Plagiarism Prevention and Writing Resources

It takes time to develop strong writing and paraphrasing skills. Thinking of writing as more of a discussion than a report may help you develop your skills. Remember that it’s not about reporting and repeating information; it’s about expanding on ideas and making them your own.

Below are some tools to help you avoid plagiarism, accurately cite sources, and improve your writing as you develop your own unique voice.

Plagiarism Checkers

• DupliChecker
• Grammarly's Plagiarism Checker
• Plagiarism Detector

Citation Managers

• Academic Writer
• Grammarly’s Free Citation Generator

>> Read: Apps and Extensions to Help You With APA Citations

Writing Tools

Check out purdue global’s writing center resources.

The Purdue Global Writing Center can help guide students through the paper writing process — from avoiding plagiarism to proper paraphrasing to getting the right citations.

Students may access this resource from the Purdue Global campus homepage . Click “My Studies,” followed by “Academic Success Center.”

From there, students have several options:

• Ask a writing tutor
• Connect with a tutor for a one-on-one session
• Browse the Study Studio
• Watch webinars

Students can check out the Using Sources & APA Style page , which includes several resources to guide students through the process of formatting a document and citing sources in the American Psychological Association (APA) style. The Plagiarism Information page offers a tutorial designed to help students identify instances of plagiarism and understand how to avoid them.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

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Mastering Legal Writing: How Paraphrasing Tools Can Improve Your Skills

Legal writing is extremely important in the field of law. It plays a crucial role in the legal profession, ensuring that information is effectively conveyed and understood by all parties involved. Whether it’s drafting contracts, preparing legal opinions, or crafting persuasive arguments, the ability to convey complex legal concepts effectively is essential. However, mastering legal writing can be a difficult task, considering the intricacies and precision required. This article explores the benefits of using paraphrasing tools to enhance legal writing skills and provides valuable tips for their effective use.

In the realm of law, effective communication is paramount. Legal writing involves the art of expressing legal ideas and arguments clearly, concisely, and accurately. It requires a keen understanding of legal principles, research, and the ability to organize thoughts logically. With the increasing demand for legal professionals to produce high-quality written work, the use of paraphrasing tools has gained significant attention.

Table of Contents

What is Legal Writing?

Legal writing refers to the specialized form of writing used in the field of law. It encompasses various types of written documents, such as legal memos, briefs, contracts, court pleadings, and opinions. The purpose of legal writing is to communicate legal analysis, arguments, and information in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.

 It encompasses various forms, such as legal memos, briefs, contracts, and court opinions. The goal of legal writing is to communicate complex legal concepts in a manner that is understandable and persuasive to the intended audience.

The Importance of Legal Writing

Effective legal writing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures clarity and comprehension, allowing legal professionals to communicate their ideas accurately. Ambiguous or poorly written documents can lead to misunderstandings, disputes, and even legal repercussions. Additionally, well-crafted legal writing enhances credibility, professionalism, and the overall reputation of legal practitioners.

Challenges in Legal Writing

Legal writing poses unique challenges. The legal field has its own terminology, which may be unfamiliar to non-legal readers. Furthermore, legal writing often involves complex concepts, requiring precise and concise explanations. Maintaining a balance between technicality and accessibility is crucial to effectively communicate legal ideas.

The Role of Paraphrasing Tools

Paraphrasing tools have emerged as valuable aids for legal writers. These tools utilize advanced algorithms to rephrase and restructure sentences while retaining the original meaning. They can assist in overcoming challenges such as avoiding plagiarism, improving clarity, and enhancing writing style. AI Paraphrasing tool provides a convenient solution for legal professionals seeking to streamline their writing process and enhance the quality of their work.

Benefits of Using Paraphrasing Tools

Enhancing clarity and coherence.

Paraphrasing tools can help legal writers achieve clarity and coherence in their documents. They can simplify complex sentences, eliminate redundancies, and ensure a logical flow of ideas. By paraphrasing convoluted legal language into more accessible terms, these tools enable better comprehension for a broader audience.

Maintaining Legal Accuracy

Legal precision is paramount, and paraphrasing tools can assist in maintaining accuracy. They ensure that legal terminology is used appropriately and that key legal concepts are conveyed correctly. This feature helps legal professionals avoid misinterpretation and potential legal disputes.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious concern in legal writing. Paraphrasing tools help legal writers avoid unintentional plagiarism types by providing alternative wording and sentence structure. They can rephrase existing content while preserving the original meaning, reducing the risk of inadvertently using someone else’s work without proper attribution. This promotes ethical writing practices and check plagiarism through online plagiarism detection tools.

Saving Time and Effort

Paraphrasing tools can significantly reduce the time and effort required to rewrite complex legal texts manually. They offer quick and efficient solutions for paraphrasing, allowing legal professionals to focus on other essential tasks.

Improving Writing Style

Paraphrasing tools can also aid in improving writing style. They offer suggestions for alternative word choices, sentence structures, and phrasing, helping legal writers enhance the overall clarity, conciseness, and readability of their work. By incorporating these suggestions, legal professionals can refine their writing skills and develop a more compelling and persuasive writing style.

Tips for Effective Use of Paraphrasing Tools

While paraphrasing tools can be valuable assets, it is important to use them effectively.To make the most of paraphrasing tools, follow these simple tips:

Understand the context: Before using a paraphrasing tool, make sure you fully comprehend the legal content. This will help you assess the tool’s accuracy.

Review and revise: Always review the paraphrased text to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and maintains legal accuracy. Make necessary revisions and corrections as needed.

Avoid excessive reliance: While paraphrasing tools are useful, don’t solely depend on them. Use them as aids and supplement them with your own legal expertise and judgment.

Proofread carefully: Even with paraphrasing tools, thorough proofreading is essential.

Maintain legal integrity: Be cautious when paraphrasing legal texts to ensure that the original legal principles and concepts are not distorted or misinterpreted.

Practice and Refinement

Mastering legal writing , like any skill, requires practice and refinement. While paraphrasing tools can assist in improving your writing, it’s essential to actively engage in writing exercises, receive feedback from peers or mentors, and continually strive to enhance your legal writing abilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using paraphrasing tools, there are a few common mistakes to be aware of:

Blindly accepting suggestions: While paraphrasing tools provide recommendations, they may not always be accurate or contextually appropriate. Carefully evaluate each suggestion before incorporating it into your writing.

Over-reliance on automated tools: Paraphrasing tools are valuable aids, but they should not replace your own critical thinking and legal expertise. Use them as tools to support your writing, not as substitutes for your own analysis and understanding.

Neglecting to proofread: Paraphrasing tools may not catch all errors or inconsistencies.

Ignoring legal context: Legal writing requires a deep understanding of the legal context and principles involved. Paraphrasing tools may not always capture the specific nuances or subtleties required in legal documents. Apply your legal knowledge to ensure the accuracy and precision of your writing.

Disadvantages of Using Paraphrasing Tools for Legal Writing

Paraphrasing tools have become popular tools in various writing fields, including legal writing. While paraphrasing tools can be convenient and save time, it’s important to be aware of their potential disadvantages. This article highlights some drawbacks of relying solely on paraphrasing tools for legal writing.

Loss of Contextual Understanding:

Paraphrasing tools often lack the ability to comprehend the context and nuances of legal content. Legal writing requires precise interpretation and accurate representation of complex legal concepts, which paraphrasing tools may struggle to capture. As a result, important legal meanings and interpretations could be lost or distorted, potentially affecting the accuracy and integrity of the final written work.

Inaccurate or Inappropriate Language:

Paraphrasing tools rely on algorithms and predefined patterns to generate rephrased content. Consequently, they may produce sentences that are grammatically incorrect or use inappropriate legal terminology. Legal writing demands precise language and adherence to specific legal terminology, making it crucial to review and refine the output manually to ensure accuracy and appropriateness.

Insufficient Legal Analysis:

Legal writing often involves the analysis of legal principles, precedents, and arguments. While paraphrasing tools can rephrase existing content, they do not possess the ability to analyze or provide legal reasoning. Legal professionals must apply critical thinking skills and legal expertise to produce well-reasoned and persuasive arguments, which paraphrasing tools cannot fully replace.

Plagiarism Concerns:

Paraphrasing tools, if not used carefully, can inadvertently result in plagiarism. Even with modifications, the rephrased content may still closely resemble the original source, potentially leading to accusations of intellectual property infringement. Legal professionals have a responsibility to ensure that their work is original and properly cited, making it essential to exercise caution when relying solely on paraphrasing tools.

Lack of Customization:

Paraphrasing tools have limitations when it comes to customization. They may not consider the specific requirements of a legal document, such as formatting, citation style, or jurisdiction-specific rules. Legal writing often requires meticulous attention to detail, and relying solely on paraphrasing tools may overlook these crucial elements, leading to errors or non-compliance with legal standards.

Are paraphrasing tools only beneficial for legal professionals?

Can paraphrasing tools completely replace manual paraphrasing, are paraphrasing tools free to use, how can paraphrasing tools help in avoiding plagiarism, can paraphrasing tools improve my overall writing skills.

Mastering legal writing is a skill that can significantly impact a legal professional’s career. By utilizing paraphrasing tools effectively, legal writers can enhance the clarity, accuracy, and efficiency of their writing. However, it is crucial to exercise caution, maintain legal integrity, and continually refine one’s skills through practice and critical thinking. Embracing these tools as aids while relying on personal expertise will result in improved legal writing and better communication within the legal field.

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Paraphrasing - an overview

Paraphrasing is ..., what are the differences between quoting, paraphrasing & summarising .

• Why Paraphrase?
• Paraphrasing versus Plagiarism
• The Do's and Don'ts of Paraphrasing
• Paraphrasing - examples
• Further Information

Paraphrasing is 'a restating of someone else’s thoughts or ideas in your own words. You must always cite your source when paraphrasing’ (Pears & Shields, 2019 p. 245).  

(Solas English, 2017)

• Quoting means using someone else’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks.. 
• Paraphrasing means expressing someone else’s ideas in your own voice, while keeping the same essential meaning.
• Summarising means taking a long passage of text from someone else and condensing the main ideas in your own words.

Watch the video below for more information.  

(UNC Writing Center, 2019)

• Next: Why Paraphrase? >>
• Last Updated: Apr 10, 2024 3:42 PM
• URL: https://lit.libguides.com/paraphrasing

The Library, Technological University of the Shannon: Midwest

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Reworder for Law Students

Looking for a reworder to change an article or legal case? Your perfect paraphrase is within a few clicks.

Looking for a reworder to paraphrase an article or legal case?

Take the 3 steps to get your perfect result:

• 🎓 How to Use the Tool?
• ⚖️ Why Is Rewording Important?
• 🏆 Top 5 Rewording Techniques

🔤 Rewording as a Way to Avoid Plagiarism

🔗 references, 🎓 reworder: how to use.

This paraphrasing tool will let you reword any academic text in just 4 steps:

• Insert the piece into the text box below.
• Select the preferable share of words to reword.
• Click “Reword.”
• Check the new version of the text.

⚖️ Why Is Rewording Important for Law Students?

Rewording, or paraphrasing , is a useful tool for students of all majors.

Why is it so?

Here are some benefits of good rewording.

🏆 Top 5 Rewording Techniques with Examples

British Council recommends to use the following paraphrasing techniques.

1. Synonyms

The English language abounds in synonyms. In most cases, replacing the verbs and nouns with different words won’t change the meaning. But be careful with the stylistic effect not to make the tone too conversational.

2. Active to Passive and Vice Versa

Even most academic publishers tend to abandon the previously omnipresent passive voice . It unnecessarily complicates the already-complicated matters. That’s why, whenever you encounter such a formulation, don’t hesitate to convert it to the active voice. But, if necessary, you can do the contrary as well.

3. Noun to Verb and Vice Versa

You can change the parts of speech to get a more natural flow of language. Noun to verb and back is the most common way to do so. However, you can also change the word form as in the last word of the example below.

4. Swapped Word Order

It is a universal technique that shortens long sentences, condenses the meaning, and improves readability . In most cases, you’ll have to make other changes to make it work.

5. Combined Techniques

Relying on a single technique is realizable but dull and monotonous. Two or three of the methods mentioned above guarantee an effective result. In any case, try to be creative and unpredictable.

According to Merriam-Webster , America’s most trusted free online thesaurus, to plagiarize means to “use (another’s production) without crediting the source.” Even when students forget to include a proper reference out of sheer carelessness, it is also called plagiarism.

Therefore, habitual copy-pasting can entail severe consequences for young researchers.

But apart from the undermined reputation, plagiarism is unethical . Practically, it is a theft of intellectual property. This is true for publishers expecting compensation for a plagiarized article and students hoping for an “A” for stolen ideas.

Rewording is the best way to transmit a source’s ideas in your own words without altering their meaning. But watch out, as you can still slip into plagiarism.

Rewording without plagiarizing requires some diligence and attention to detail:

• Paraphrase and format the text initially (following the techniques above).
• Make as many changes to the original as possible while keeping the meaning intact.
• Always remember to credit the source according to the applicable citation style.

You can only avoid doing so if the borrowed information is a generally known fact (historical events, natural phenomena, etc.).

Thank you for reading this article!

If you need to polish your assignment even more, consider trying our other online tools for students:

• Title generator
• Thesis statement creator

❓ Reword Tool FAQ

❓ how to reword a sentence.

To reword a sentence, one should make various structural changes. Start with altering the word order, swapping the subject and the object. Doing so will require some other modifications to the verbs and word forms. Finally, use synonyms in place of the author’s wording.

❓ How to Reword a Paragraph?

• Decide if you need to preserve the original length. If yes, reword each sentence separately.
• If no, analyze which sentences or phrases can be omitted.
• Keep the overall structure: topic sentence – evidence – concluding sentence (or any other, depending on the original).
• Once the rewording is done, check if the meaning of your text corresponds to the source.

❓ How to Reword an Essay?

• Outline the main ideas. The thesis statement and topic sentences will help you doing so.
• Reword the sentences above to obtain a new essay structure.
• Expand the paragraphs with the available or additional evidence confirming the topic sentences.
• Verify the result for too similar structures and eliminate them by using synonyms.

❓ How to Reword a Thesis?

An online rewording tool is the best way to reword a thesis. Otherwise, you can paraphrase it as any other sentence. Preserve the central message by using the closest synonyms. If you change the word order, check if it does not alter the original meaning.

Updated: May 17th, 2024

• Paraphrasing – an overview – Library Guides
• Paraphrasing | Student Success | University of Arkansas
• Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words – Purdue OWL
• Why is Plagiarism So Bad? | Sciencing
• Is plagiarism wrong? | Viewpoints – WSU Libraries
• Bad Idea About Writing: Plagiarism Deserves to Be Punished

• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Use Paraphrase

I. What is a Paraphrase?

A paraphrase (pronounced par – uh -freyz) is a restatement or rewording of a paragraph  or text,  in order to borrow, clarify, or expand on information without plagiarizing. Paraphrasing is an important tool to use when writing research papers, essays , and pieces of journalism.

II. Examples of Paraphrasing

For examples of paraphrasing, consider these possible re-wordings of the same statement:

She angered me with her inappropriate comments, rumor-spreading, and disrespectfulness at the formal dinner table.

She made me angry when she was rude at dinner.

This paraphrase is an example of a rewording which shortens and simplifies while maintaining the same meaning.

Her impoliteness, gossiping, and general lack of respect at dinner infuriated me.

This rephrasing maintains the same meaning but is rearranged in a creative way.

I was mad when she started spreading rumors, making inappropriate comments, and disrespecting other guests at our dinner.

Another paraphrase, this rewording properly and interestingly rearranges the information provided in the original sentence.

III. Types of Paraphrasing

A. change of parts of speech.

Parts of speech ranging from verbs and nouns to adjectives and adverbs are replaced with new parts of speech in this type of paraphrasing. Here is an example:

Original Sentence:

The boy quickly ran across the finish line, seizing yet another victory.

Paraphrase:

The quick boy seized yet another victory when he ran across the finish line.

In this example, many parts of speech are changed: the adverb quickly becomes the adjective quick, and the verb phrase with the gerund seizing becomes the verb seized.

B.  Change of Structure

This type of paraphrasing involves changing the sentence’s structure, sometimes creating a passive voice from an active voice and vice versa. The change in structure can be used to reflect the writer’s interpretation of the original quote. Here is an example of change of structure paraphrasing:

Puppies were adopted by numerous kind souls at the puppy drive.

Many kind souls adopted puppies during the puppy drive.

In this example, the object of the sentence (kind souls) becomes the subject with an active voice (adopted) rather than a passive voice (were adopted).

C. Reduction of Clauses

Reduction of clauses paraphrases reduce the number of clauses in a sentence, which can be interruptive or confusing, by incorporating the phrases into the sentence. Here is an example of reduction of clauses paraphrasing:

While I understand where you’re coming from, and truly respect your opinion, I wish you would express yourself more clearly, like Clara does.

I understand where you’re coming from and respect your opinion, but I wish you would be more like Clara and express yourself more clearly.

D. Synonym Replacement

Synonym replacement paraphrasing is one of the simplest forms of paraphrasing: replacing words with similar words, or synonyms. Here is an example:

The older citizens were honored with a parade for those once in the military.

Senior citizens were honored with a march for veterans.

In this example, many synonyms are used: older citizens are senior citizens, a parade becomes a march, and those once in the military refers to veterans.

IV. The Importance of Using Paraphrase

Paraphrasing is a way of referencing a source without directly quoting it or of further explaining a selected quote. Correct paraphrasing is important in that poor paraphrasing can result in accusations of plagiarism, or copying from a source without correctly citing it. Paraphrasing allows writers to examine the meaning of others’ work, creatively rephrase their statements, and craft information to suit an essay or composition’s goal or focus.

V. Paraphrase in Literature

Paraphrasing can be found in a variety of journalistic sources from newspapers to film documentaries to literary journals. Here are a few examples of paraphrasing in literature:

Someone once wrote that musicians are touched on the shoulder by God, and I think it’s true. You can make other people happy with music, but you can make yourself happy too.

In John Berendt’s nonfiction novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil , a character references what someone has once written by paraphrasing their message.

I’m going to paraphrase Thoreau here… rather than love, than money, than faith, than fame, than fairness… give me truth.

In this example from the nonfiction novel Into the Wild , Jon Krakauer paraphrases Thoreau’s larger message of transcendence.

So far, Laurance’s critiques of new road-building schemes have been well received, but he expects that to change.

In Michelle Nijhuis’ article “What Roads Have Wrought,” William Laurance is paraphrased rather than quoted to express his general viewpoint.

VI. Paraphrase in Pop Culture

Paraphrasing is often found in pop culture when attempting to translate the language of older plays, poems, and stories, such as Shakespeare’s works. Here are a few examples of paraphrasing in pop culture:

10 Things I Hate About You (1999):

Just a minor encounter with the shrew… the mewling, rampalian wretch herself.

In the modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew , many characters ’ lines paraphrase Shakespeare’s originals. Here is Shakespeare’s version:

A meacock wretch can make the curstest shrew.

A Different World: Romeo, Oh Romeo

First, the student reads Shakespeare’s original words:

Oh gentle Romeo. If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully. Or if thou thinkest I’m too quickly won, I’ll frown and be perverse and say thee nay, so thou wilt woo.

Then, she paraphrases to translate its meaning for modern ears:

It’s all about translation. Oh, sweet thang Romeo. If you think I’m all that, then step to me correctly. But if you think I’m a skeeze, I’ll be dissin’ and dismissin’, then you’ll be workin’ overtime getting’ me back.

VII. Related Terms

Like paraphrases, summaries are rewordings of original statements. Whereas paraphrases are precise and specific, summaries are brief and selective. Summaries report main points in a shortened version of the original, whereas paraphrases simply restate the original statement in a new way. Here is an example of summary versus paraphrase:

Original Statement:

At the party we had delicious red punch, a bunch of different appetizers, and a cookout. Since it was at the park, we played volleyball, went swimming, and sunbathed for fun.

At the party we enjoyed food and drink and various outdoor activities.

Here, the summary purposefully shortens the original statement while covering its major points.

At the party we drank some punch, ate a handful of appetizers, and had a cookout. The park allowed us to enjoy a number of enjoyable activities from volleyball to swimming to sunbathing.

As this example shows, the paraphrase rephrases the original statement and keeps more of its original content than the summary.

Translation

Although paraphrase sometimes translates difficult phrasing into more understandable phrasing, it is not literally considered translation. For something to be a translation, it must change writing in one language to another language. Here is an example of translation versus paraphrasing:

Original Phrase:

That’s life.

Translation into French:

C’est la vie.

That’s just how life goes sometimes.

Although we loosely may refer to paraphrase as translating ideas, technically it is not a tool of translation.

VIII. In Closing

Paraphrasing is an important tool for nonfiction writers, journalists, and essayists alike. It is a common proponent of news and reporting. Correct paraphrasing protects writers from plagiarism and allows them to creatively rephrase original works, incorporating them into their own compositions.

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Paraphrase: Write It in Your Own Words

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Paraphrasing is one way to use a text in your own writing without directly quoting source material. Anytime you are taking information from a source that is not your own, you need to specify where you got that information.

A paraphrase is...

• Your own rendition of essential information and ideas expressed by someone else, presented in a new form.
• One legitimate way (when accompanied by accurate documentation) to borrow from a source.
• A more detailed restatement than a summary, which focuses concisely on a single main idea.

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill because...

• It is better than quoting information from an undistinguished passage.
• It helps you control the temptation to quote too much.
• The mental process required for successful paraphrasing helps you to grasp the full meaning of the original.

6 Steps to Effective Paraphrasing

• Reread the original passage until you understand its full meaning.
• Set the original aside, and write your paraphrase on a note card.
• Jot down a few words below your paraphrase to remind you later how you envision using this material. At the top of the note card, write a key word or phrase to indicate the subject of your paraphrase.
• Check your rendition with the original to make sure that your version accurately expresses all the essential information in a new form.
• Use quotation marks to identify any unique term or phraseology you have borrowed exactly from the source.
• Record the source (including the page) on your note card so that you can credit it easily if you decide to incorporate the material into your paper.

Some examples to compare

Note that the examples in this section use MLA style for in-text citation.

The original passage:

Students frequently overuse direct quotation in taking notes, and as a result they overuse quotations in the final [research] paper. Probably only about 10% of your final manuscript should appear as directly quoted matter. Therefore, you should strive to limit the amount of exact transcribing of source materials while taking notes. Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers . 2nd ed., 1976, pp. 46-47.

A legitimate paraphrase:

In research papers, students often quote excessively, failing to keep quoted material down to a desirable level. Since the problem usually originates during note taking, it is essential to minimize the material recorded verbatim (Lester 46-47).

An acceptable summary:

Students should take just a few notes in direct quotation from sources to help minimize the amount of quoted material in a research paper (Lester 46-47).

A plagiarized version:

Students often use too many direct quotations when they take notes, resulting in too many of them in the final research paper. In fact, probably only about 10% of the final copy should consist of directly quoted material. So it is important to limit the amount of source material copied while taking notes.

A note about plagiarism: This example has been classed as plagiarism, in part, because of its failure to deploy any citation. Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. However, we acknowledge that plagiarism is a difficult term to define; that its definition may be contextually sensitive; and that not all instances of plagiarism are created equal—that is, there are varying “degrees of egregiousness” for different cases of plagiarism.

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Definition of paraphrase

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of paraphrase  (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

transitive verb

Did you know?

When we paraphrase, we provide a version that can exist beside the original (rather than replace it). We paraphrase all the time. When you tell a friend what someone else has said, you're almost always paraphrasing, since you're not repeating the exact words. If you go to hear a talk, you might paraphrase the speaker's main points afterward for your friends. And when writing a paper on a short story, you might start off your essay with a paraphrase of the plot. Paraphrasing is especially useful when dealing with poetry, since poetic language is often difficult and poems may have meanings that are hard to pin down.

• restatement
• translating
• translation

Examples of paraphrase in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'paraphrase.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Noun and Verb

Middle French, from Latin paraphrasis , from Greek, from paraphrazein to paraphrase, from para- + phrazein to point out

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Articles Related to paraphrase

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Dictionary Entries Near paraphrase

paraphrasis

Cite this Entry

“Paraphrase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paraphrase. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of paraphrase.

Kids Definition of paraphrase  (Entry 2 of 2)

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Nglish: Translation of paraphrase for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of paraphrase for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paraphrase

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Meaning of paraphrase in English

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• din something into someone
• drum something into someone
• flog yourself to death idiom
• labour the point idiom
• repetitively
• restatement
• I would take issue with your paraphrase of my position .
• She does not follow Shakespeare's text but has devised her own paraphrase of it.
• Allow me to end my first speech with my own paraphrase of the statement .

paraphrase | American Dictionary

Examples of paraphrase, translations of paraphrase.

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two-wheeler

a vehicle with two wheels, usually a bicycle

Keeping up appearances (Talking about how things seem)

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Paraphrasing Dos and Don&#8217;ts | Is it Legal to Paraphrase Copyright Material?

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• Writing Metier

Are you willing to rephrase or paraphrase your content? No need to worry; we are writing this guide for making you known about the critical factors of paraphrasing.

Paraphrasing is not something you can do casually, but you need to focus on many things that can be important for the uniqueness and readability of your content . Rephrasing is not just about changing the words with their synonyms and make them unique, but readability must be your priority. According to professional bloggers, your content must the up to the 8 th -grade level that means your words should be understandable by a student of 8 th grade.

What is paraphrasing in actuality?

You can check the video by Smart Student that answers the question of what paraphrasing is:

Meanwhile, in my personal words – paraphrasing is a process of changing the words with their suitable synonyms, and it is mainly needed to make the content unique while keeping it meaningful. As we always have many methods to solve a problem, we can do it in two ways in paraphrasing. One is to do it manually without using any online or offline paraphrasing tool or the second option is to go for an online paraphrasing tool or some paid paraphrasing services available online.

Is it legal to paraphrase copyright?

Some people thought that paraphrasing is not legal or plagiarism, but it is completely wrong. You can paraphrase copyrights for sure. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to write new content on the same topic, and the preference is to stay unique.

Can we use quotations instead of paraphrasing?

Using quotations is a positive approach, and sometimes, you need to do it, but it will not free you from the charge of plagiarism . The purpose of using quotations is to give credit to the original writer, and it will indeed have a good impression on your audience. Many people may be confused about using quotations in their content, so we are here to explain this.

“You must put inverted commas and write the words in these inverted commas and write down the name of the writer outside these inverted commas”—Author

But when it comes to paraphrasing, it can free you from the charge of using plagiarized content so, using quotations cannot be an alternative to paraphrasing. Even is you use direct quotations.

Rephrase vs Paraphrase

Rephrasing and paraphrasing are both techniques used to reword or restructure written content, but they are used for slightly different purposes and yield different results.

• Rephrasing is more about making small changes to a specific sentence or phrase to clarify or slightly alter its presentation without changing the meaning. It usually involves swapping words or making small structural changes.
• Paraphrasing involves a more extensive rewriting of text, often changing the words and sentence structure significantly, but keeping the original meaning intact. This can be used for summarizing, simplifying or adapting content for a different audience.

Let me explain each in detail with examples:

Rephrasing involves changing the wording of a sentence or a phrase without changing its original meaning. It usually involves swapping words in a few phrases or synonyms or altering the structure of the sentence slightly. This technique is often used to clarify a statement or make it easier to understand or change it to your own unique style.

Original sentence : The cat agilely climbed the tall tree.

Rephrased sentence : The cat climbed the tall tree with agility.

In this example, the original sentence was rephrased by changing “agilely climbed” to “climbed … with agility”. The meaning remains the same, but the wording and structure are slightly different.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing, on the other hand, involves completely rewriting a piece of text using different words and sentence structures while retaining the original meaning. This is often used for summarizing, simplifying, or translating content to suit a different audience.

Original text : The dog chased its tail in endless circles, leaping and bounding with boundless energy as though it was on a relentless mission.

Paraphrased text : The dog was energetically running in circles, jumping and moving vigorously as if it was determined to catch its tail.

In this example, the paraphrased text has been significantly reworded and restructured, but still conveys the same meaning as the original text.

In this article I’ll focus everything on paraphrasing, so let’s move to the next block.

Dos of paraphrasing

As we mentioned above that there are many things to focus on while rephrasing your content, and these things are listed down:

• Understand the content before paraphrasing
• Take your time
• Use authentic tools

1. Understand the content

It is one of the basic steps while doing anything related to paraphrasing, or you are doing anything, you must have a complete understanding. So, you should read the text you want to paraphrase effectively, understand the central idea and then move ahead to rephrase it. The benefit of getting a complete understanding is, you can make your content more readable and unique. As previously mentioned that rephrasing is not all about changing words; you must consider readability as well. For this, reading and understanding the content is very important.

2. Take your time

Photo by Mitchell Hollander on Unsplash

Time management helps you to achieve what you want. Yet, sometimes, we ignore time management and start focusing on other things. Remember that impressive things take time, so we recommend you not rush on your tasks and complete them nicely. There is no difficulty in paraphrasing content, but making it impressive can somehow be a difficult task. Manage your time and rock with your words because it is something fundamental. If you’re using AI to paraphrase, take the time to ensure that no AI hallucinations occur in your content.

3. Use authentic tools

We have various tools available on the internet, and most of them are free of cost but don’t rush over free things. You need to check either this is authentic or not. Undoubtedly, the internet is beneficial, but it also has many scammers. The best way to check the accuracy and authenticity is to read the product’s reviews, and it will surely help you out. We have also shortlisted the best tools for paraphrasing in which Paraphraser.io and PrepostSeo are included. But you can also use other than these tools if you find any tool more suitable than these.

Don’ts of paraphrasing

We have some steps that must be followed while rephrasing your content, but we also have many steps that should be avoided. If you don’t avoid these steps, you’ll not achieve what you want, so the focus of both dos and don’ts.

We are going to share some of the steps you need to avoid.

• Don’t use complex synonyms
• Don’t avoid quotations
• Don’t rephrase too closely

1. Don’t use difficult synonyms

Using complex synonyms can make your content difficult to understand, and it will surely decrease the readability of the text. You can use unique but straightforward words if your preference is to make them more attractive and meaningful. Sometimes, we think that using complex terms will impress our audience, but it is not valid; it will confuse them. And keep it in your mind that the confused audience will not be happy with you so, you must avoid using complex synonyms and terms.

2. Don’t avoid quotations

Photo by Hester Qiang on Unsplash

No doubt, quoting the text is also considered plagiarized content, but it is still essential, and you need to do it. It will leave a good impression on your audience but using quotations is not the only thing you need to focus on.

3. Don’t rephrase too closely

We thought that all we need is to rearrange the words, and we are all set, but it is not valid. Your responsibilities are not over here if you use a tool because making your content readable is your responsibility. We recommend you rephrase the text carefully and follow the steps discussed above;

For example, you can use such services as Grammarly to find great synonyms that will suit your context. Then, you will surely get a unique and impressive cluster of words.

Bottom line

Paraphrasing seems to be an easy task, but in actuality, it is not because it needs many things to follow and many things to avoid. But we can say that if you know about all the key factors of paraphrasing, it is easy for you to rephrase the content and make it more meaningful and readable.

If you are a newbie, then this guide is for you so, have a look at them and understand what is paraphrasing is in actuality.

—————

Expert writers at Writing Metier can also help you with editing and paraphrasing.

Simply leave them an inquiry by filling out the form or contacting their support team.

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Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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Par•a•phrase, paraphrasis, paraphrase.

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What is thca, and why doesn’t the dea consider it legal hemp.

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What is THCA?

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has sent a letter to explain why THCA doesn’t meet the definition of legal hemp.

The letter is a response sent on May 13 from the DEA’s Chief Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section, Diversion Control Division, Terrence Boos, to Shane Pennington, cannabis lawyer and partner at law firm Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, who requested the control status of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) with a letter dated April 25.

The legal status of THCA under the CSA has been debated, as its federal compliance depends on several factors and the interpretation of the rules.

Unlike delta-9 THC, or simply THC, the main compound of cannabis with intoxicating effects, THCA, another compound of the same plant, hasn’t psychoactive properties when found in raw cannabis.

However, when THCA is heated through a process known as decarboxylation, it transforms into THC, which has intoxicating effects. This conversion can also happen when cannabis ages, as decarboxylation occurs at lower temperatures over a longer period, while higher temperatures speed up the process.

In fact, THCA’s chemical structure includes an acid group that is removed during its conversion into THC. Decarboxylation activates THC’s psychoactive properties, which affect our brain through receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

When not heated, studies have found that THCA possesses anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, and anti-seizure properties.

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Given its chemical nature and the transformation it undergoes, THCA’s legality is a subject of debate that impacts legislation.

The content of the DEA letter, first reported by Marijuana Moment , says that the CSA classifies tetrahydrocannabinols, including THCA, as controlled substances in Schedule I. However, it also excludes ‘hemp’ from the definition of adult-use cannabis and the classification of tetrahydrocannabinols in Schedule I as long as the plant contains no more than 0.3% THC. Therefore, naturally occurring tetrahydrocannabinols extracted from hemp are not controlled under the CSA.

However, in the letter, Boos explains that Congress has directed that as THCA undergoes a decarboxylation process, converting this compound into the intoxicating THC, the THC level must account for any THCA in a substance to enforce the hemp definition.

As a result, because THCA transforms into THC, it falls under the category of THC in terms of regulation rather than being considered legal hemp and is, therefore, illegal at the federal level.

“Accordingly, cannabis-derived THCA does not meet the definition of hemp under the CSA because upon conversion for identification purposes as required by Congress, it is equivalent to delta-9-THC,” the letter reads.

The letter comes in a sensitive moment for cannabis legislation as both adult-use cannabis and hemp industries are witnessing big changes.

The House Committee on Agriculture has recently passed an amendment proposing the prohibition of intoxicating hemp-derived and synthesized cannabinoid products. Therefore, THCA would be included in this category. This amendment, incorporated into the 2024 Farm Bill draft, is contested by opponents who argue that it poses a threat to the entire supply chain.

On the adult-use cannabis front, instead, the DEA is progressing with the review of cannabis under the CSA’s legal framework, with the aim to reclassify the substance from Schedule I to Schedule III of the CSA in order to relax adult-use cannabis regulations at the federal level.

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Transgender athletes may have to compete with their biological sex under Tories' proposed shake-up of Equality Act, says Kemi Badenoch

The shake-up of the equality act, which could result in transgender women being barred from female-only spaces, was mooted by equalities minister kemi badenoch earlier this year..

By Faye Brown, Political reporter @fayebrownSky

Monday 3 June 2024 09:41, UK

Transgender athletes may have to compete alongside their biological sex under the Conservatives' plans to "clarify" equality laws, Kemi Badenoch has said.

The cabinet minister told Sky News her party is "not giving instructions" to different sporting bodies, but rather "making it very clear what the law is, that there is a difference between identifying as a different gender and what your biological sex is".

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As part of their latest election offer, the Tories last night pledged to change the Equality Act to define the protected characteristic of sex as "biological sex".

In the past, critics have accused the Conservatives of seeking to stoke divisions and demonise transgender people in the search for votes - with concerns raised about what this could mean for sport and access to female-only spaces.

Asked what the law would mean in practice for transgender athletes, Ms Badenoch said it would not bar them from competing but in some cases they "may have to compete with their biological sex".

She said: "We believe that sports is something where there are sex categories for a specific reason.

"People compete in women's sports because they're biological women, not because they identify as women. It is for sporting bodies to be able to manage that.

"Transgender athletes are not stopped for competing. They may, in some cases, have to compete with their biological sex."

Asked which toilets the government intends for transgender people to use, Ms Badenoch said: "We have not said that transgender people can't use specific toilets. What we have said is that they [businesses] must provide toilets for single sexes as well.

"And if you provide for all, that is genuine inclusion. The sort of inclusion that people are doing are actually exclusive to women."

The Equality Act currently states that an individual must not be discriminated against on the basis of their sex.

Ms Badenoch, the women and equalities minister, stressed the reforms would not be a "change", but rather "re-emphasising what should be the status quo".

"Sex and gender were used interchangeably," she said. "What we're doing is making sure that people understand what the law says. We've seen a lot of problems with people misinterpreting the law."

Challenged about why the government hasn't already made the change if it was such a big problem, Ms Badenoch said the "biggest reason" was because the SNP's controversial gender recognition legislation "took up quite a lot of bandwidth".

Ms Badenoch first mooted the idea in April last year after writing to parliament's human rights watchdog for advice about it.

At the time, LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall said the proposal risked "opening yet another chapter in a manufactured culture war that will see little benefit to women, cis and trans alike".

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Labour said it would not amend the Equality Act if elected because there are already provisions to protect single-sex spaces, so the government's plans are "not needed".

Speaking to Times Radio, shadow defence secretary John Healey said: "What is needed is clearer guidance for service providers, from the NHS to sports bodies, and in prisons, on what single-sex exemptions need to be, and the best way to be able to do that is in guidance, not primary legislation."

The Lib Dems accused the Tories of waging "phoney culture wars" while Lee Anderson, the former Tory deputy chairman turned Reform candidate , called it "madness".

Announcing the pledge last night, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the safety of women and girls "is too important to allow the current confusion around definitions of sex and gender to persist".

Ms Badenoch, who has spoken frequently in the Commons on the issue, said the change in the law needs to occur because public bodies are now acting out of "fear of being accused of transphobia".

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The Conservatives said the proposed change to the law will not remove the existing and continuing protections against discrimination on the basis of gender reassignment provided by the Equality Act.

The sex of those with a Gender Recognition Certificate will still align with their acquired gender in law outside the Equality Act, for example, marriage law, as is the status quo.

Under the proposed scheme, the Conservatives will also establish in law that gender recognition is a reserved matter, as they say "this will mean that an individual can only have one sex in the eyes of the law in the United Kingdom".

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Texas Supreme Court Rejects Challenge on Exceptions to Abortion Ban

The court on Friday unanimously reversed a ruling that had expanded the definition of what counts as a medical emergency under the state’s strict abortion ban.

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By Kate Zernike

Kate Zernike covers abortion for The Times.

The Texas Supreme Court on Friday unanimously rejected a challenge to the state’s strict abortion ban, ruling against a group of 22 women and abortion providers who sought to expand the exceptions for medical emergencies under the law.

While the challenge will continue in trial court, the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton, would almost certainly appeal any loss there, and the high court’s decision Friday made clear that he would ultimately prevail.

“I will continue to defend the laws enacted by the Legislature and uphold the values of the people of Texas by doing everything in my power to protect mothers and babies,” Mr. Paxton said in a statement.

The lawsuit, filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights, was the first on behalf of women denied abortions after the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago. While the case revolves around the question of what counts as an exception — unlike other lawsuits, it did not seek to overturn a state ban — it has changed the political debate around abortion by underscoring the potentially devastating medical consequences of abortion bans even for women who were not seeking to end unwanted pregnancies.

The court’s 38-page decision on Friday agreed that the experiences the women had recounted in testimony — some so painful that a judge ordered the court into recess — were “filled with immense personal heartbreak.” But it said that Texas law allowed abortions for any woman who faces a life-threatening condition, “before death or serious physical impairment are imminent.”

Echoing arguments from the state and anti-abortion groups, the court blamed doctors for misinterpreting the law.

“A physician who tells a patient, ‘Your life is threatened by a complication that has arisen during your pregnancy, and you may die, or there is a serious risk you will suffer substantial physical impairment unless an abortion is performed,’ and in the same breath states ‘but the law won’t allow me to provide an abortion in these circumstances’ is simply wrong in that legal assessment,” Justice Jane Bland — like all nine of the justices and the attorney general, an elected Republican — wrote in the unanimous opinion.

In a video conference Friday, 11 of the 20 plaintiffs who sought abortions warned, often tearfully, that it was not safe to be pregnant in Texas or any of the 14 states with near-total bans on abortion.

“This could be you, this could be someone you love,” said Ashley Brandt, who went to Colorado to abort one of her twin fetuses because it had no skull, after doctors in Texas said the condition, known as acrania, threatened the other twin’s life as well as hers, but that they could not give her an abortion. “Abortion is health care and exceptions do not work.”

The ruling on Friday reversed one last summer from a trial court judge, a Democrat, that had expanded the definition of exceptions allowed under Texas’ ban. That ruling said doctors could perform an abortion if in their “good faith judgment and in consultation with the pregnant person” it would be medically unsafe for a woman to continue a pregnancy, or if her fetus has a condition making it “unlikely to survive the pregnancy and sustain life after birth.”

The Supreme Court on Friday affirmed the narrower definition of exceptions in the Texas ban, which allows abortion if in the “reasonable medical judgment” of a doctor a woman faces “risk of death” or “substantial impairment of a major bodily function.” As in most states with bans, there is no exception for fatal fetal conditions.

The court noted that the Texas Legislature amended the ban last year to specify two medical conditions that qualify as exceptions, including one known as previable premature rupture of membranes, which the lead plaintiff in the case, Amanda Zurawski, faced at 18 weeks of pregnancy. Ms. Zurawski’s fetus was not viable, but doctors said they could not abort because it still had a heartbeat.

“The law can be — and has been — amended to reflect policy choices on abortion,” Justice Bland wrote.

Abortion rights groups and doctors argue that the language of the ban is too vague, and leaves doctors too afraid to even mention abortion to patients. Those who violate the ban face up to 99 years in prison, at least $100,000 in fines and the loss of their medical license.

The question of medical exceptions has emerged as one of the most potent and contested issues since Roe was overturned. The United States Supreme Court is expected to rule in the coming weeks on whether the Biden Administration can use federal law to allow abortion in states that ban it if the procedure is required to stabilize a patient in an emergency.

Ms. Zurawski, who has told of going into septic shock and being left infertile after being denied an abortion, has appeared in ads and on the campaign trail for Mr. Biden, as Democrats hope to turn anger about abortion bans to their advantage in elections this fall.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed suit in three other states after filing the case in Texas in March 2023, and in December represented Kate Cox , a mother of two who unsuccessfully sought an abortion in Texas after her fetus was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, a genetic condition that almost always results in miscarriage or stillbirth, or death within the first year of life.

On Friday, Nancy Northup, the president of the center, said that given the court’s ruling, it was unclear whether the Texas case could continue in the trial court. She urged a federal law establishing abortion rights. “As we have seen in poll after poll, that is what the American people want,” she said.

Kate Zernike is a national reporter at The Times. More about Kate Zernike