Paraphrase

Introduction

Paraphrasing is a literary device where a writer rephrases or restates someone else’s ideas or text in their own words. This technique is used to clarify, simplify, or add a new perspective to the original content while retaining the core meaning. 📝✨

Pronunciation

Par-a-phrase

Paraphrasing is a literary device where a writer rephrases or restates someone else’s ideas or text in their own words. This technique is used to clarify, simplify, or add a new perspective to the original content while retaining the core meaning. 📝✨

How Writers Use Paraphrase

Writers use paraphrase to:

  1. Clarify Meaning: Make complex or technical information more understandable.
  2. Simplify Text: Break down long or convoluted sentences into simpler ones.
  3. Avoid Plagiarism: Restate ideas in a new way to maintain originality.
  4. Emphasize Points: Highlight and reiterate key ideas or themes.

Types of Paraphrase

TypeDescriptionExample
Full ParaphraseRewriting an entire passage in new words while maintaining the original meaning.Original: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” Paraphrase: “A fast brown fox leaps over a sleepy dog.”
Partial ParaphraseRewriting only parts of a passage, leaving some original text unchanged.Original: “She sells seashells by the seashore.” Paraphrase: “She markets seashells at the beach.”
Structural ParaphraseChanging the sentence structure while keeping the same words.Original: “The committee approved the new policy.” Paraphrase: “The new policy was approved by the committee.”
Synonym ParaphraseReplacing words with their synonyms while keeping the sentence structure the same.Original: “The children enjoyed the playground.” Paraphrase: “The kids relished the park.”

Rules for Using Paraphrase

RuleExplanation
Understand the OriginalEnsure you fully understand the original text before paraphrasing.
Use Your Own WordsWrite the paraphrase in your own words, avoiding direct copying.
Maintain the Original MeaningPreserve the original meaning while changing the wording.
Cite the SourceAlways credit the original source to avoid plagiarism.

Examples in Literature, Poetry, Songs, Movies, and Advertising

Paraphrase in Literature

WorkAuthorExample
“To Kill a Mockingbird”Harper LeeOriginal: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view.” Paraphrase: “You can’t truly comprehend someone until you see things from their perspective.”
“Pride and Prejudice”Jane AustenOriginal: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Paraphrase: “Everyone knows that a wealthy single man needs a wife.”
“1984”George OrwellOriginal: “Big Brother is watching you.” Paraphrase: “The government is always monitoring your actions.”

Watch a discussion about To Kill a Mockingbird: To Kill a Mockingbird Analysis

Paraphrase in Poetry

PoemPoetExample
“The Road Not Taken”Robert FrostOriginal: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by.” Paraphrase: “I came across two paths in the woods and chose the less common one.”
“Sonnet 18”William ShakespeareOriginal: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate.” Paraphrase: “Should I liken you to a summer day? You are more beautiful and mild.”
“If”Rudyard KiplingOriginal: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.” Paraphrase: “If you can remain calm while everyone around you is panicking.”

Listen to The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost: The Road Not Taken Reading

Paraphrase in Songs

SongArtistExample
“Imagine”John LennonOriginal: “Imagine all the people living life in peace.” Paraphrase: “Think of everyone living peacefully.”
“Yesterday”The BeatlesOriginal: “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.” Paraphrase: “In the past, my problems felt distant.”
“Blowing in the Wind”Bob DylanOriginal: “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.” Paraphrase: “The solution is elusive and hard to grasp.”

Watch Imagine by John Lennon: Imagine Music Video

Paraphrase in Movies

MovieDirectorExample
“Forrest Gump”Robert ZemeckisOriginal: “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.” Paraphrase: “Life is unpredictable, just like a box of chocolates.”
“The Wizard of Oz”Victor FlemingOriginal: “There’s no place like home.” Paraphrase: “Home is the best place to be.”
“The Godfather”Francis Ford CoppolaOriginal: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Paraphrase: “I’ll give him a deal he can’t turn down.”

Watch a scene from Forrest Gump: Forrest Gump Scene

Paraphrase in Advertising

AdCompanyExample
“Just Do It”NikeOriginal: “Just do it.” Paraphrase: “Simply go for it.”
“Think Different”AppleOriginal: “Think different.” Paraphrase: “Innovate and see the world differently.”
“Because You’re Worth It”L’OréalOriginal: “Because you’re worth it.” Paraphrase: “You deserve the best.”

Watch an Apple ad: Think Different Ad

FAQs about Paraphrase

What is paraphrase?

Paraphrase is a literary device where a writer rephrases or restates someone else’s ideas or text in their own words while retaining the core meaning.

Why is paraphrase effective?

It clarifies complex information, simplifies text, avoids plagiarism, and emphasizes key points.

Can paraphrase be used in all genres?

Yes, paraphrase can be used in various genres to enhance clarity, simplify information, and emphasize key ideas.

Related Devices

Summary

A summary is a brief statement or account of the main points of a text.

Quotation

Quotation involves directly using someone else’s words with proper attribution.

Interpretation

Interpretation is explaining the meaning or significance of a text.

Analysis

Analysis involves breaking down a text to understand its components and their relationships.

Index