English Paraphrasing: Overview, Examples, Rules, Preparation, Exercises with Answers

From the following table, candidates can know the difference between paraphrasing and quoting - 

To master the art of paraphrasing, the best way is to read and practice more. From the following pointers, candidates can get an idea of how to start their preparations for paraphrasing.

• The best tip to master paraphrasing is by reading editorials from newspapers and rewriting them in small paragraphs in your own words. This rewriting will help in paraphrasing, learning new words, and sentence formation techniques. It will also help in practice
  
• Synonyms are the main aspect of paraphrasing as you will always have 2-3 words for the same word. Hence, learn at least five new synonyms daily.
  
• Writing news headlines is an art, where you have to convey a paragraph of words into a single, quirky sentence. Practice paraphrasing by reading the news headlines daily. This is the best way to practice, as you need to rewrite the headlines and make them shorter and more meaningful.
  
• Use tools like Thesaurus.com or Collins, Oxford Dictionary for vocabulary building. There are also several word power games available.
• Practice active/passive and direct/indirect conversions.

Also read: English Nouns

If a sentence conveys the same idea as the original but uses different vocabulary, syntax, or examples, it’s a paraphrase. Look for clues like changed word order, synonyms, or rephrased clauses that still reflect the same core message. Here are some clues to identify paraphrasing in a sentence:

• The sentence structure is different, but the idea is the same.
  
• Vocabulary has changed, but the meaning is intact.
• Common paraphrasing words: thus, in other words, that is to say, etc.

Also read: English Conjunctions

In spoken English, paraphrasing often helps clarify instructions or reframe what someone said. In written English, especially in academic and exam contexts, it demonstrates comprehension and avoids plagiarism while keeping the original intent intact.

• Spoken: Paraphrasing is used during interviews, debates, and conversations to clarify.
  
  • “So what you're saying is...”
    

Written: In exams, essays, and formal writing, paraphrasing reflects your understanding.

Also read: English Tenses

While paraphrasing, students generally make some mistakes that are common thoughts but must avoid to keep their sentences and meanings intact. Here are some of the common errors to avoid - 

• Changing only a few words without rephrasing the structure.
  
• Altering the original meaning.
  
• Plagiarism due to improper paraphrasing.
  
• Using incorrect synonyms that distort the sentence.

For example - 

• Too similar to the original: "He ran quickly" → "He ran fast" (This is too close.)
  
• Changing the meaning: "The policy was criticized" → "The policy was praised"
• Incorrect grammar or tense: "She sings beautifully" → "She sung nicely" Always double-check grammar, meaning, and originality.

Below mentioned are some of the popular books referred by experts to learn to paraphrase. 

To make it easier for you to understand, we have shared some examples of paraphrasing using pop culture references as these are always in trend and will help you connect with them better.

Original: “With great power comes great responsibility.” (Spider-Man)

Paraphrased: “Anyone who holds immense power must act responsibly.”

Original: “I’ll be back.” (Terminator)

Paraphrased: “Expect me to return soon.”

Original: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” (Harry Potter)

Paraphrased: “Even during hard times, joy is possible if you choose to see it.”

Original (The Dark Knight – Harvey Dent):
“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Paraphrased:
“If you stick around too long, people may stop admiring you and start blaming you.”

Original (Star Wars – Yoda):
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
Paraphrased:
“Either take action or don’t—there’s no in-between.”

Exercise 1: Paraphrase the Sentences

Q1. “The internet has revolutionized communication”

Q2. “Climate change is one of the biggest threats today“

Q3. “AI is a threat, says cyber security experts”

Q4. “ISRO will launch its latest satellite on August 12”

Q5. “Indian Cricket Team Qualifies for the Semi Final”

Exercise 2: Identify the incorrectly paraphrased sentence:

Q1. “Food prices are rising.” → “There is an increase in food costs.”

Q2. “He won the match easily.” → “He had a tough competition.”

Q3. “The sun sets in the west.” → “The west sees the sunset.”

Q4. “I have done my homework” → “I have completed the assigned task.”

Q5. “Little Drops Make Mighty Ocean” → “My piggybank is filed to the brim”

Answers for Excercise 1: Paraphrase the Sentences

A1. The way people communicate has been completely transformed by the internet.

A2. Today, climate change poses one of the most serious dangers to the planet.

A3. Cybersecurity specialists warn that artificial intelligence could be dangerous.

A4. ISRO is scheduled to send its newest satellite into space on August 12.

A5. The Indian cricket squad has advanced to the semi-final round.

Answers for Excercise 2: Identify the incorrectly paraphrased sentence:

A1. “Food prices are rising.” → “There is an increase in food costs.” - It is correct.

A2. “He won the match easily.” → “He had a tough competition.” - It is incorrect.

Explanation - This paraphrase changes the meaning entirely.  

- The original sentence says he won easily, implying no real challenge.

- The paraphrased version says it was a tough competition, which is the opposite.

A3. “The sun sets in the west.” → “The west sees the sunset.” It is correct.

A4. “I have done my homework” → “I have completed the assigned task.” It is correct.

A5. “Little Drops Make Mighty Ocean” → “My piggybank is filed to the brim” - It is incorrect.

Explanation - While it's related metaphorically, it is not a clear paraphrase it's more of a personal example, not a restatement in other words. So, if you're being strict about accuracy, then it is not incorrect in intent, but it's not a direct paraphrase.

Check here the FAQs on Paraphrasing -