Paraphrasing Tool
How to Paraphrase Without Plagiarizing
The biggest risk when paraphrasing is staying too close to the original. This guide shows where the line is and how to rewrite text so it's truly your own — with a tool below to help.
Rewrite your text
What actually counts as plagiarism
Plagiarism isn't only copy-paste. Keeping the original sentence structure while changing a handful of words — known as patch-writing — is also plagiarism, even if you cite the source.
A safe paraphrase changes both the wording and the structure, so a reader couldn't reconstruct the original sentence from yours.
A safe paraphrasing workflow
- Understand the passage, then close it before you write.
- Write from memory so your own phrasing comes out naturally.
- Rebuild the sentence shape — change order, combine or split sentences, switch active/passive.
- Add a citation for the idea, even though the words are yours.
- Run a plagiarism or originality check if it's for school or publication.
Frequently asked questions
Does changing a few words avoid plagiarism?
No. Swapping synonyms while keeping the original structure is patch-writing, which is still plagiarism. You need to change the sentence structure too.
Can I get caught for patch-writing?
Yes. Plagiarism checkers compare structure and phrasing, not just exact words, so lightly edited text is often flagged.
Will the paraphrasing tool help me avoid plagiarism?
It rewrites the wording and structure for you, which is a strong start. For graded or published work, still cite the source and run an originality check.