to paraphrase

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to paraphrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the idea of restating or rewording something in your own words. Example: "To paraphrase the author's main argument, we can say that the impact of climate change is more severe than previously thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We'll have to paraphrase.

The New York Times

To paraphrase the President: Yes it is.

The New Yorker

To paraphrase an ancient observation: Romney came.

The New York Times

To paraphrase Snowden, Trustt encryption.

The Guardian

To paraphrase Mr. Kranz: Well?

The New York Times - Arts

To paraphrase John McEnroe, Dolan cannot be serious!

The New York Times - Sports

To paraphrase Brucie: didn't they do well?

The Guardian - Music

To paraphrase the bespectacled hero: patheticus totalus!

The Guardian - Tech

To paraphrase Underwood, sleep is so overrated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

To paraphrase Woody Allen: Is sex funny?

The Guardian - Arts

(He had to paraphrase his sources).

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to paraphrase", ensure that you are accurately representing the original source's meaning while using your own words. Avoid unintentional misrepresentation.

Common error

Avoid simply rearranging the words of the original source. Effective paraphrasing requires a complete understanding of the content and expressing it in your own unique way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to paraphrase" functions as an introductory infinitive phrase. It signals the intent to restate information in one's own words, providing context for the subsequent content. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase introduces summaries of statements from various speakers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to paraphrase" is a widely used introductory phrase that signals the intent to restate information in one's own words. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, particularly in news and media. When using "to paraphrase", it's crucial to accurately represent the original source's meaning and avoid unintentional misrepresentation. While it can be used with alternatives such as "to restate" or "to summarize", you must cite the source to avoid plagiarism. As Ludwig demonstrates, this phrase is a valuable tool for clarifying complex ideas and making content more accessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to reword

Focuses on changing the wording while keeping the meaning the same.

to rephrase

Similar to "to reword", emphasizing a slight adjustment in phrasing.

to restate

Suggests a clearer or simpler way of saying something again.

to summarize

Implies condensing a larger amount of information into a shorter form.

to put it another way

Introduces an alternative explanation or description.

to express differently

Highlights the act of conveying the same idea using different words.

to give an interpretation

Focuses on providing a specific understanding or viewpoint of something.

to offer a rendition

Suggests a particular version or performance of something.

to translate

Can imply converting complex information into simpler terms or changing it from one language to another.

to encapsulate

Describes capturing the essence of something in a concise way.

FAQs

How can I use "to paraphrase" in a sentence?

You can use "to paraphrase" to introduce a summary or restatement of someone else's words or ideas. For example, "To paraphrase the author's argument, the study suggests..."

What are some alternatives to using "to paraphrase"?

You can use alternatives such as "to restate", "to summarize", or "to reword" depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to cite a source when I "to paraphrase"?

Yes, it is crucial to cite the original source even when you "to paraphrase". Citing sources gives credit to the original author and avoids plagiarism.

What is the difference between "to paraphrase" and to quote?

"To paraphrase" involves restating someone else's ideas in your own words, while quoting involves using the exact words from the original source. Both require proper citation, but quotations are enclosed in quotation marks.