How to paraphrase English text effectively

Authors build their research on previously published papers, often relying on data, methods, and processes used in earlier studies. However, this needs to be written in an author’s own words or properly credited, even if you are referring to your own work, to avoid any ethical misconduct. This makes summarizing text in English by rephrasing English sentences from published articles a must-have skill for researchers.

However, using your own words to paraphrase English text is a challenge, especially if English is not your first language or the text is very technical. This is why many non-English speaking authors are unable to clear the plagiarism check at the journal desk screening stage.

In this video, John McDonald, a peer reviewer, experienced editor, and academic trainer at Editage with 15+ years of teaching experience, talks about the need to write in your own words to avoid unintentional plagiarism. He shares three valuable tips and uses examples of paraphrased sentences to explain how to rephrase English sentences easily and effectively. If you found these tips useful or have any other strategies to paraphrase English text effectively, please leave a comment below.

[RennieDevison]

I really appreciate this video, and I have got plenty of work to practice on. I am just finishing a bridging course to allow me to start an online uni degree in Sept.

[SickMetalAddict]

I wish I knew about this video since I started university, not in the middle of my last semester before graduation. Though thanks a lot for this video.

[gracewhite]

So helpful. Thanks so much! Wish i saw this video earlier in my life...

[dilberishova]

For your advices people need to know English well

[gobidaroy]

Please tell me after paraphrasing a poem, what will be its structure ‐ a poem or a prose?

[deepaarul]

Do i need to cite source for paraphrase text