How to cite a paraphrase

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of writing a research paper or essay, only to realize you should have cited a paraphrase? It is a common mistake that can lead to serious consequences like plagiarism accusations, a dent in your academic reputation, or, even worse, expulsion.

Suppose you are new to the academic writing world or need a refresher on the subject. In that case, this article will provide you with all the essential guidelines on how to cite a paraphrase in APA and MLA format. You will also discover whether you need to cite when paraphrasing, which can be a game-changer in your coursework, dissertation, or any other coursework writing assignment.

Paraphrasing involves taking someone else’s work and putting it into your own words. It is a critical skill in academic writing, but giving credit where it is due is essential.  When citing a paraphrase, you must include the author’s name, the year of publication, and the page number. However, the rules differ depending on the citation format.

We will delve into the differences between citing paraphrases in APA and MLA formats and how to cite a paraphrase in each format. You will also learn that copying and pasting text from a source and then paraphrasing it later is plagiarism, even if you change a few words.

By the end of this how-to paraphrase citation article, you will thoroughly understand how to properly cite a paraphrase in APA and MLA format, avoiding the risk of plagiarism and building your academic reputation. So, let us dive into the guidelines and tips that will make citing a paraphrase a breeze.

How to cite a paraphrase in APA format

There are a few specific guidelines when citing a paraphrase in APA format. Here are the steps to take:

1. Start with the author’s last name and first initial, followed by a comma.
2. Include the publication year in parentheses.
3. If the source has page numbers, include the page number where the paraphrase can be found. If it does not have page numbers, include the paragraph number instead.
4. Finally, include a reference list citation at the end of the paper with the full details of the source.

Here is an example of an APA paraphrase citation:

Original source: “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” (Smith, 2010, p. 4).

Paraphrase: According to Smith (2010), the lazy dog was jumped over by a quick brown fox (p.4).

Reference list citation: Smith, J. (2010). The quick brown fox. Publisher.

Following these guidelines is essential to ensure that your APA paraphrase citation is accurate and credible. Here are some specific examples of how to paraphrase in different scenarios in APA format:

1. Paraphrasing a direct quote:

Original quote: “To be or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare, 1603).

Paraphrase: According to Shakespeare (1603), the question is whether or not to exist.

In-text citation: (Shakespeare, 1603, p. Number)

Reference page citation:

Shakespeare, W. (1603). Hamlet. Retrieved from https://www.folgerdigitaltexts.org/

2. Paraphrasing a Paragraph

Original Paragraph:

According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. The report indicates that over 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression. 

Paraphrase:

In a recent report, the WHO (2017) revealed that depression is the primary contributor to illness and disability across the globe, affecting over 300 million people. 

In-text Citation:

(World Health Organization [WHO], 2017, p. 4)

3. Paraphrasing a Scientific Study

Original Study:

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, it was found that mindfulness meditation can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Paraphrase:

A study by the University of California found that regular mindfulness meditation could alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms. (Smith et al., 2019, p. 245).

In-text Citation:

(Smith et al., 2019, p. 245)

How to cite a paraphrase in APA 7th edition

The 7th edition of the APA style guide includes some updates on how to cite a paraphrase. Here are the essential guidelines to follow:

1. Include the author’s last name and first initial, followed by a comma.
2. The publication year should be included in parentheses immediately after the author’s name.
3. If the source has page numbers, include the page number where the paraphrase can be found. If it does not have page numbers, include the paragraph number instead.
4. If the source has three or more authors, include the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
5. Finally, include a reference list citation at the end of the paper with the full details of the source.

Here is an example of APA 7th edition paraphrasing:

Original source: “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” (Smith, Jones, & Williams, 2010, p. 4).

Paraphrase: According to Smith et al. (2010), a quick brown fox jumped over a lazy dog (p. 4).

Reference list citation: Smith, J., Jones, K., & Williams, L. (2010). The quick brown fox. Publisher.

Following the latest APA guidelines is important to ensure your paraphrase citation is accurate and credible. This shows that you e up-to-date with the latest academic writing standards and increases your chances of getting a good grade or evaluation on your work.

 How to in-text cite a paraphrase APA

In-text citation of a paraphrase in APA format is relatively straightforward. Here is how to do it:

1. Start with the author’s last name and first initial, followed by a comma.
2. Include the publication year in parentheses immediately after the author’s name.
3. If the source has page numbers, include the page number where the paraphrase can be found. If it does not have page numbers, include the paragraph number instead.
4. Place the citation at the end of the paraphrased section before the punctuation.

Here is an example of an in-text APA paraphrase citation:

Paraphrase: A quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog (Smith, 2010, p. 4).

How to paraphrase in MLA format

In MLA style, paraphrasing is cited differently than in APA style. Paraphrasing in MLA format requires specific guidelines to follow to ensure that you are citing your sources correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paraphrase MLA format:

1. Read and understand the original passage. This is important to ensure that you fully comprehend the content of the original passage before attempting to paraphrase it.
2. Paraphrase the original passage. It would be best if you restated the original ideas in your own words to paraphrase. Avoid copying and pasting the original text and changing a few words, which could lead to plagiarism.
3. Include an in-text citation of the paraphrased material. You need to give credit to the original source by including an in-text citation immediately after the paraphrase. The citation should include the author’s last name and the page number where the paraphrase can be found.

Create a work cited page. You must include a works cited page at the end of your paper, listing all the sources you used. The works cited entry for a paraphrase should include the author’s name, the work’s title, the publisher’s name, and the publication year.

Here is an example of a how-to cite paraphrase MLA format:

Original source: “The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog” (Smith, 2010, p. 4).

Paraphrase: According to Smith, a quick brown fox jumped over a lazy dog (4).

In-text citation: (Smith 4)

Works cited citation: Smith, John. The Quick Brown Fox. Publisher, 2010.

How to paraphrase a quote in MLA format

When you are paraphrasing a quote in MLA format, it is important to remember that you still need to give credit to the original source. In the case of MLA incite quotation, you should include the author’s name and page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence, just like when paraphrasing without a quote. For example:

Original quote: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, 1.2).

Paraphrased sentence: Shakespeare reminds us that we have control over our destiny rather than it being determined by fate (Julius Caesar, 1.2).

In-text quote citation MLA: (Julius Caesar, 1.2)

In this example, the author’s name, play title, and act/scene number are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence.

Here are a few additional scenarios to keep in mind:

• Paraphrasing a source with multiple authors:

Original source: A recent study found that the prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in the past decade (Johnson et al. 345).

Paraphrase: According to a recent study, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity in the past decade (Johnson et al. 345).

In-text citation: (Johnson et al. 345)

Works Cited:

Johnson, James, et al. “Prevalence of Obesity in the United States.” Journal of Health and Wellness, vol. 25, no. 4, 2018, pp. 345-353.

Paraphrasing a source without an author:

Original source: It is important to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain good physical health (“Healthy Living” 24).

Paraphrase: According to an article on healthy living, maintaining good physical health requires a healthy diet and regular exercise (24).

In-text citation: (“Healthy Living” 24)

Works Cited:

“Healthy Living.” Fitness Magazine, vol. 13, no. 2, 2020, pp. 22-27.

Do I have to cite when paraphrasing?

Yes, you always need to cite when paraphrasing. Even if you put someone else’s ideas into your own words, you still use their work and must acknowledge the source. Failure to cite a paraphrase can result in accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious consequences for your academic and professional career.

Whether doing coursework, writing a doctoral dissertation, or being instructed to do assignments, it is always important to cite your sources properly. If you need help citing a paraphrase in a specific citation style, consult the appropriate style guide or seek the help of a professional writing, editing, or even doctoral dissertation help service. By citing your sources accurately, you demonstrate your credibility as a researcher and ensure that your work is seen as trustworthy and authoritative.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your paraphrases are properly cited and that your work is credible and authoritative. If you still need to figure out how to cite a paraphrase, consult the appropriate style guide or seek the help of a professional writing or editing service, such as our coursework writing service.