Note that an effective paraphrase usually:

    • has a different structure to the original

    • has mainly different vocabulary

    • retains the same meaning

    • keeps some phrases from the original that are in common use

4 Techniques for paraphrasing

(a) Changing vocabulary by using synonyms:

It is widely agreed that men and women think and act in different ways.

It is generally considered that males and females think and behave in different ways.

(b) Changing word class:

The fireworks were spectacular to watch.

The fireworks were a spectacle to watch.

(c) Changing word order:

[They tracked the pathways of water molecules around the brain area,] [and found fascinating differences.]

[Fascinating differences were found] [by tracking the pathways of water molecules around the brain area.]

(d) It is also possible to use antonyms:

Close friends may have personalities that are not that different from each other.

Close friends may have personalities that are similar to each other.

Shortening Your Paraphrases

When writing your summary, you may use one or all of the techniques listed. Having knowledge of a wider range of vocabulary can be very helpful. Notice how the two sentences that follow have similar meanings but the second is significantly shorter.

When using paraphrasing techniques in a summary, don’t forget to reduce the amount of information whenever it is possible. (19 words)

Remember, when summarizing, to simplify and create concise paraphrases. (9 words)

Here is another example of paraphrasing using the techniques listed above:

More than three million shipwrecks are believed to lie on the sea bed, the result of storms and accidents during thousands of years of sea-borne trading. These wrecks offer marine archaeologists valuable information about the culture, technology and trade patterns of ancient civilizations, but the vast majority have been too deep to research. (53 words)

Archaeologists can learn about multiple aspects of historic societies by studying shipwrecks, but most of the millions lying on the ocean floor are too deep for divers to examine. (29 words)

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