Quoting vs. Paraphrasing: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Quoting is using exact words from a source with attribution, while paraphrasing is restating the ideas in your own words.
Key Differences
Quoting involves reproducing words exactly as they appear in a source, typically within quotation marks to denote direct borrowing. Paraphrasing, on the other hand, involves rewording and rephrasing the original text, thus presenting the same ideas in a new form. Both practices require proper attribution to the original source to avoid plagiarism.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Quoting is the act of copying a piece of text word-for-word, maintaining the original author's voice and exact expression. Paraphrasing, in contrast, requires understanding the original text and then expressing the same concepts with different wording, often to simplify, clarify, or tailor the content to a new audience. Each approach serves distinct purposes in writing and research.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
The practice of quoting is often used to provide evidence, support an argument, or highlight a particularly powerful phrase. Paraphrasing, however, is employed to integrate source material more seamlessly into your writing, to condense or simplify complex ideas, or to avoid over-reliance on direct quotations. Both quoting and paraphrasing demand a clear understanding of the source material.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
When quoting, the writer must be precise and reproduce the text verbatim, including punctuation and capitalization. Paraphrasing, conversely, allows more flexibility, as the writer reinterprets the source material. Nonetheless, both quoting and paraphrasing require the writer to credit the original author, preserving academic integrity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Quoting is best used when the original text is exceptionally clear, concise, or authoritative. Paraphrasing is preferable when the original text is too dense, jargon-filled, or lengthy for the writer's purpose. Both methods are fundamental tools in writing, aiding in the presentation and analysis of existing knowledge.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Originality
Uses exact words from the source.
Uses new wording to express the same ideas.
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Dec 18, 2023
Attribution Style
Requires quotation marks and attribution.
Requires attribution, but no quotation marks.
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Dec 18, 2023
Purpose
To provide direct evidence or authenticity.
To simplify, clarify, or tailor content.
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Dec 18, 2023
Length
Matches the source text exactly.
Can be shorter or longer than the original text.
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Dec 18, 2023
Writer's Voice
Maintains the original author's voice.
Adopts the paraphrasing author’s voice.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Quoting and Paraphrasing Definitions
Quoting
Quoting involves reproducing text verbatim.
She quoted the CEO's statement: “We prioritize innovation.”
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Dec 05, 2023
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea in new words.
To clarify, he paraphrased the complex technical instructions.
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Dec 05, 2023
Quoting
Quoting means to cite a phrase word-for-word.
In her article, she quoted the law: “All citizens are equal.”
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Dec 05, 2023
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is rewording someone else’s ideas in your own words.
She paraphrased the article, explaining it in simpler terms.
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Dec 05, 2023
Quoting
Quoting is using someone else's exact words in your text.
He quoted the poet: “Hope is the thing with feathers.”
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Dec 05, 2023
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Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is restating information uniquely.
In her essay, she paraphrased the historical events for clarity.
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Dec 05, 2023
Quoting
Quoting is repeating exactly what someone else has written or said.
The teacher quoted Lincoln's Gettysburg Address in class.
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Dec 05, 2023
Paraphrasing
A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
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Dec 01, 2023
Quoting
Quoting is directly copying words from a source.
In his speech, he quoted Shakespeare, saying, To be or not to be.
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Dec 05, 2023
Paraphrasing
The restatement of texts in other words as a studying or teaching device.
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Dec 01, 2023
Quoting
To repeat or copy (words from a source such as a book), usually with acknowledgment of the source
Quoted lines from Shakespeare in his lecture.
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Dec 01, 2023
Paraphrasing
The adaptation or alteration of a text or quotation to serve a different purpose from that of the original.
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Dec 01, 2023
Quoting
To repeat or copy the words of (a person or a book or other source)
Likes to quote Shakespeare when giving advice.
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Dec 01, 2023
Quoting
To cite or refer to for illustration or proof
Quoted statistics to show she was right.
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Dec 01, 2023
Paraphrasing
To adapt or alter (a text or quotation) to serve a different purpose from that of the original
"It's tempting to paraphrase an environmental slogan and say, 'Think globally, pray locally'" (Christian Science Monitor).
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Dec 01, 2023
Quoting
To repeat a brief passage or excerpt from
The saxophonist quoted a Duke Ellington melody in his solo.
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Dec 01, 2023
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing involves rewriting text with different wording.
He paraphrased the poem’s message about hope and resilience.
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Dec 05, 2023
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing is summarizing original ideas in a new form.
She paraphrased the scientist's theory in her own words.
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Dec 05, 2023
Quoting
Used by a speaker to indicate the beginning of a direct quotation
"He paused and said, quote, I don't care, unquote.".
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is quoting better than paraphrasing?
Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on the purpose and context of your writing.
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Dec 18, 2023
How should quoting be attributed?
Quoting should be attributed with quotation marks and a citation of the original source.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can paraphrasing lead to plagiarism?
Yes, if not done correctly, paraphrasing can lead to plagiarism, especially if the source is not credited.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can paraphrasing change the original meaning?
Careful paraphrasing should retain the original meaning, but poor paraphrasing can unintentionally alter it.
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Dec 18, 2023
Is it necessary to cite a paraphrased idea?
Yes, even when paraphrased, the original idea must be properly cited to acknowledge the source.
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Dec 18, 2023
When should I use quoting?
Use quoting when the exact wording is crucial for clarity, authenticity, or impact.
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Dec 18, 2023
Why is paraphrasing used?
Paraphrasing is used to simplify, clarify, or adapt the original text while maintaining its meaning.
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Dec 18, 2023
What is quoting?
Quoting is directly copying a passage from a source, using the same words and punctuation.
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Dec 18, 2023
How much of the original text can be paraphrased?
You can paraphrase as much as needed, as long as you fully reword it and credit the original source.
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Dec 18, 2023
Do I always need to quote exactly?
Yes, quotes must be exact replicas of the original text, including punctuation and capitalization.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
What is indirect quoting?
Indirect quoting, or paraphrasing, is when you summarize or restate someone's ideas in your own words.
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Dec 18, 2023
Does quoting require understanding the text?
While quoting doesn't require rephrasing, understanding the text is crucial to explain or analyze the quote.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Can I combine quoting and paraphrasing?
Yes, combining both methods can be effective in presenting and analyzing source material.
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Dec 18, 2023
Should quotes be analyzed or explained?
Often, quotes should be followed by analysis or explanation to integrate them into your argument.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
How do I choose between quoting and paraphrasing?
Consider your purpose, the nature of the text, and the need for precision or adaptation.
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Dec 18, 2023
What is a common mistake in paraphrasing?
A common mistake is paraphrasing too closely to the original text, resulting in accidental plagiarism.
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Dec 18, 2023
Is paraphrasing useful for complex texts?
Yes, paraphrasing can make complex texts more accessible and understandable.
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Dec 18, 2023
How can I improve my paraphrasing skills?
Practice rewording texts while retaining the original meaning and read varied examples of effective paraphrasing.
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Dec 18, 2023
Can paraphrasing be too long?
Ideally, paraphrasing should be concise and focused, but not so brief as to lose the essence of the original idea.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 18, 2023
Is it okay to paraphrase a quote?
Yes, you can paraphrase a quote, but you must still credit the original source of the idea.
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Dec 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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