PARAPHRASING SERVICE UK – Who needs it?

Never before in human history have we been presented with so much information, both in printed form on paper and electronically on various devices. As you read this, you may be one of the people or organisations who write this information. How do people respond? How effective is your communication? We live in a busy world, so communication needs to be good if people are to respond to it. Have you ever written a blog, maybe something to persuade people to patronise your business? Have you ever thought about writing a book or an article for a magazine? If you have ever done any of these things, you may have looked on your completed work and thought to yourself “This doesn’t look right” or “I wish I could make it look better or more professional”. If so, you may find that our paraphrasing service may help you, not only if you fit into the categories below, but if you are doing any kind of writing.  

1.Paraphrasing for academics

All academics, be they professors, researchers, authors or students need to write a great deal of material. Students, in particular, need a paraphrasing service because they are anxious to avoid plagiarism in the writing they submit. However, for all academics, it is always useful to have another pair of eyes to look over their writings. Often, simple proofreading or editing is not enough. A paraphrase can clarify a document, and make it easier for the reader to understand.  

2.Paraphrasing for businesses

Business people and their staff, in both large and small businesses, are usually very busy and do not always have sufficient time to prepare their documents as well as they would like to. This could be advertising material, standard forms and letters, company policy documents, reports and so on. A paraphrase, which involves rewriting and rewording a document, can go even further by generally improving it and making it more attractive to the reader. Our paraphrasing service includes a full edit and proofreading to ensure there are no grammar or spelling errors or repetition and that consistency is maintained. 

3.Paraphrasing for authors

If you are an experienced author, we understand that you would not want your work to be paraphrased, or even edited, because you rightly want to maintain your style, but we do offer a proofreading service for experienced authors. However, the situation is very different for new authors. If you are planning to write your first book, you will probably be somewhat nervous and will be asking yourself “Will I get anyone to publish it?” or “If it is published, will it sell many copies?”

Maybe you have written the first chapter and you are not sure if it will attract the reader. Remember that readers can “switch off” after the first few lines if they don’t find the book interesting. Also, at this stage, you may have not yet developed a style. This is where our paraphrasing service can help.  

4.Paraphrasing informal language

Not all writing needs to be formal or academic. Sometimes, direct, simple and everyday language will be more likely to attract readers, particularly those who are not academics. Even if the language is informal, it may still benefit from a full paraphrase, and our paraphrasing service respects the informality of your style. 

5.Paraphrasing for hobbyists

Most people are passionate about their hobbies which give a welcome break from work. You may want to share your hobby by writing a blog or by writing a magazine article. Our paraphrasing service can help to make your article more interesting. 

6.What is paraphrasing?

 Paraphrasing involves:

a: a thorough understanding of the document and of the message it is trying to convey;

b: a complete rewriting of the document with a different sentence structure;

c: appropriate use of synonyms and rewording throughout;

d: reduction of similarity to a minimum in order to avoid plagiarism;

e: a check that the paraphrased text is grammatically correct and free of spelling errors. 

 

A Practical Guide to Paraphrasing 

Paraphrasing is much more than changing a few words or of moving some blocks of words around. It is much more than switching active and passive voice in a sentence. It cannot be done in a hurry, and occupies a great amount of time.  

1.Reading and understanding the document

The first step of paraphrasing is to read the whole passage carefully, more than once if necessary, until a thorough understanding has been gained. This will enable the paraphraser to know exactly what message the writer is trying to convey.  

2.Rewriting the document

Although paraphrasing is, of course, in the same language as the original, it can be compared to translation, which involves more than simply translating words from one language to another. Each language has its own idioms, sentence structure and word order. A good translator reads the passage, assimilates the meaning and then rewrites it in the target language. This is precisely what a good paraphraser does, but in the same language. Sometimes, the paraphraser needs to simplify the original style, especially if writing for a non-academic audience, whereas at other times, it may be necessary to paraphrase in more formal language.  

3.Sentence structure

There are many types of sentence structure in both academic and non-academic writing. Sentence structure will change according to which words or ideas are to be emphasised, which again shows why a good understanding is necessary. Sentences which are too long will confuse the reader and fail to express ideas clearly, while very short sentences will break up the continuity of the text and make it appear more like a list than an essay. It is essential that the text flows naturally from one sentence to another and develops the topic or idea, which will lead to a conclusion at the end of the essay. There should be minimal similarity between the original and the paraphrased version, and if sentence structure is not changed, plagiarism may be detected. 

4.Rewording and the use of synonyms

Since paraphrasing involves rewriting a passage in one’s own words, the words chosen to replace the original ones should accurately express the meaning of the document, and not be chosen at random which is why a paraphraser needs to have a good vocabulary. It can be helpful to use a thesaurus when paraphrasing, but it must be used with care as it will give many different synonyms for one word, some of which may not be appropriate. Although many words are similar in meaning, only a few words have an identical meaning; therefore, it is a good idea to look up the replacement word in a dictionary to check if the meaning has been retained. Furthermore, it is important to realise that some words can be either nouns or verbs; for example, “bark” as a noun means the outer layer of a tree trunk, whereas “bark” as a verb means the sound that a dog makes. 

5.Formal and informal language

Although the main use of paraphrasing is for formal and academic writing, it can improve informal language. However, it is important to keep to either formal or informal language throughout the document. For instance; if the original is in academic language, the paraphrase should be also. Similarly, an original with informal language should be paraphrased into informal language. If the two styles are mixed, the document will look very awkward.  

6.Editing and proofreading

When a document has been paraphrased, it needs to be read again to see if the meaning of the original has been retained. It also needs to be edited and proofread, as grammar, spelling and other errors may have been inadvertently made during the paraphrasing process. 

7. Some examples of good and bad paraphrasing 

7a.

Original:

Extensive research is being conducted into the cause of the decline in the population of corncrakes. This bird was once abundant throughout the United Kingdom, but changes in farming methods have led to its decline, but it can still be seen in the Hebrides.  

Paraphrase 1:

Complete scrutiny is being carried out into the source of the subsidence in the population of corncrakes. This bird was once affluent throughout the United Kingdom, but changes in farming procedures have provoked its degeneration, but it can still be recognised in the Hebrides. 

Paraphrase 2

Comprehensive research is being undertaken into the reason for the reduction in the number of corncrakes. This bird was once common in all areas of the United Kingdom, but new farming systems have caused decline, although it remains observable in the Hebrides. 

Paraphrase 3

The corncrake, once an abundant bird throughout the United Kingdom, has, according to extensive research, experienced a population decline; although, in the Hebrides, it can still be seen. It is said its decline has been caused that changes in farming methods.

Paraphrase 4

The corncrake, once a frequently seen bird in all areas the United Kingdom, has, according to comprehensive research, experienced a reduction in numbers; although, in the Hebrides, these birds continue to be observed. It is said that this reduction is a result of new farming techniques. 

Comments:

Paraphrase 1 is very poor. It makes an over-zealous and incorrect use of a thesaurus (see italicised words) which causes a change in meaning. Furthermore, the change of “extensive” to “complete” mentions a completed activity with a present tense verb, which is incorrect. It also uses a phrasal verb which is not good practice. No attempt has been made to rewrite or to restructure the sentences. Paraphrase 2 is an improvement in that it makes better use of synonyms, but it makes no effort to change the sentence structure. Paraphrase 3 changes the sentence structure but does not change any of the words. Paraphrase 4 shows a considerable improvement because it uses appropriate synonyms and changes the sentence structure. 

7b 

Original:

Meteorological records reveal that, last winter, the country experienced frequent and regular rainfall, powerful and destructive winds, as a result of which transport companies reported disruption and cancellation of public transport services. 

Paraphrase 1:

During the past winter, according to national meteorological records, there were strong winds and frequent rain which caused public transport disruption

Paraphrase 2:

During the past winter, according to national meteorological records, strong and destructive winds and regular and frequent rainfall occurred. Consequently, transport undertakings experienced delays to and cancellations of their services.

Comment:

Paraphrase 1 shortens the original, but in doing so it omits some of the facts, and assumes that “frequent” and “regular” have the same meaning. It also omits the word “cancellation” which the writer clearly intends to be there. Paraphrase 2 corrects this. 

7c 

Original:

The local council has received a planning application from a major supermarket chain to build a new store close to a busy road junction. The planning committee is considering all the implications of this application and the arguments for and against it. 

Paraphrase 1

A large supermarket company has submitted, to the local council, an application for new premises in the vicinity of a busy road junction. The advantages and disadvantages of such a plan will now be debated by the council’s planning committee. It is likely that the new store would cause more traffic congestion, but that it would bring more jobs to the area. 

Paraphrase 2

A large supermarket company has submitted, to the local council, an application for new premises in the vicinity of a busy road junction. The advantages and disadvantages of such a plan will now be debated by the council’s planning committee. 

Comment

Both 1 and 2 give a reasonable paraphrase, although many words cannot be changed, but Paraphrase 1 adds a sentence, probably reflecting the opinion or assumption of the paraphraser. Although this may well be the case, as such arguments are usually presented in supermarket applications, the writer of the original does not say this, so it should not be added to the paraphrased version. Paraphrase 2 removes it. 

7d 

Original:

Travel agents have found business difficult in recent years. This is because more people are booking holidays online. Sometimes there is no choice because many travel agents have closed. Now, travel agents are hitting back by doing more of their business online. They hope that people will use their online services. But this could cost people more if the travel agent charges commission or a booking fee. But the travel companies might give the travel agent a commission for getting business for them. 

Paraphrase 1

Business has now become difficult for travel agents. This is due to the fact that an increasing number of people book holidays online. However, since many travel agents have now closed, people have no option. This has led to travel agents increasingly responding by entering the online booking business. This is in the hope that the online booking services will be used by their customers. People fear that this would be more expensive due to travel agents’ booking fees and commission charges. There is a hope, however, that the agents will be given commission by the travel companies. 

Paraphrase 2

The current trend for a growing number of people to book their holidays online has seriously affected the business of travel agents, many of which have closed, thereby giving people no option. However, in response to this situation, travel agents are now conducting more business online in order to persuade people to patronise them. Nevertheless, potential customers fear that their holidays will be more expensive if they are required to pay commission to the agent as well as a booking fee; whereas the agents hope that the travel companies will pay them some commission. 

Comment

The original certainly needs to be paraphrased. It is no more than a series of random thoughts expressed in disjointed sentences. It is also rather too informal. Paraphrase 1 has made some attempt to restructure individual sentences but has not resolved the disjointed nature of the document. Paraphrase 2 has rewritten and restructured the document, and merged the sentences together. This enables the text to flow better, making it more interesting to read. 

7e  

Original

A new research laboratory, which was promised five years ago, and which is therefore long overdue is at last to be erected for the physics department of the university, and staff and students are very excited about this good news which will enable them to carry out more research because it will be much larger than the present laboratory which has been in use since 1970. This means that the department will be able to carry out new research projects in a variety of topics and it is hoped that new postgraduate students will be encouraged to apply to the department to study for their masters’ degrees; the contractors expect the new building to be finished by August of this year meaning that it should be equipped for use by mid-October. 

Paraphrase 1

Five years ago, the university’s physics department was promised a new research laboratory and students are staff are looking forward to this long overdue project being accomplished, as this larger laboratory will enable them to conduct more research than they can in the present 1970 laboratory. Such research will cover many subjects which it is hoped that new postgraduate students will study for their master’s degrees and thereby apply to the university; as the new laboratory will have built by August and be ready for use by mid-October. 

Paraphrase 2

It is good news for the university that, after a long wait of five years, the physics department is at last to have a new research laboratory which will be considerably larger than the existing (1970) one. The staff and students are looking forward to conducting new research programmes in many new topics as well as to attracting new postgraduate masters’ degree students to apply. Although the new building will be completed by August this year, it is expected that it will be ready for use in mid-October, by which time all the equipment will have been installed. 

Comment

Paraphrase 1 makes an effort to change the sentence structure and reword the passage, but retains the two very long sentences. Paraphrase 2 is an improvement as it rewrites the passage and splits the sentences, thereby making the text much clearer. 

8. Our paraphrasing service

It can be seen from this guide that paraphrasing is a complex task. If it is to be effective, it needs a skilful and experienced person and also occupies a considerable amount of time. This is why we recommend that you use our professional paraphrasing service, which also includes editing and proofreading.

PARAPHRASING FOR BUSINESSES

Why should businesses need their documents to be paraphrased?

While most businesses understand the value of having a document proofread or edited, few may see any benefit in having the material that they produce paraphrased. However, there are occasions when this would be helpful. Although it is unlikely that businesses producing their own written material will need to address plagiarism, there are other reasons why they may need a paraphrasing service. 

Websites

Today’s business market is very competitive, and every business needs to keep one step ahead of its competitors if it is become more successful. A company’s website is its shop window which will be read by thousands or even millions of potential customers. All too often, a glance through websites reveals that many of them have not been updated, or some need to be rewritten because they no longer have an impact on their readers. Indeed, potential customers will judge a company’s efficiency by its website. Also, companies sometimes ask why their websites are not receiving as much traffic as they did previously. Just as with any document, if you write a document, you ‘see’ what it is in your mind rather than what is on the page. It could be that some websites need to be completely rewritten because, in their present format, they no longer attract customers. Maybe the sentences are too long, or unnecessarily complicated words are used, both of which are recipes for readers to switch off. Therefore, rewriting and paraphrasing website content can give new life to a website, so it is well worth employing a professional paraphrasing service. 

Company Reports

Reading a company report can be a mundane task, despite the fact that it contains much useful, indeed vital, information for the shareholders, customers and even the general public. Of necessity, the parts of company reports that present financial statements take the same format from year to year. This is unavoidable because of the requirement to compare the accounts with those of the previous year. However, this is a different matter where the narrative of the report is concerned. Some readers may simply skip through the narrative, and look only at the financial statement, which gives them the state of the company at a glance. However, the narrative does contain important information about the past development and future prospects of the company. It also provides any necessary explanations for items in the financial statement. It is therefore important that the narrative is attractive to readers, so that they do not skip over it, thereby missing some important information. This may be attained by rewriting the narrative by a thorough paraphrase. 

Advertising

Although advertising is mainly the realm of the copywriter, particularly for large companies, there are occasions when paraphrasing may be helpful, especially for small companies. These companies may write their own advertising material, such as flyers. These need to be well written if they are to bring an effective response. Advertising is all about impact, and advertising material which is better written will have a greater impact on its target audience. Therefore, even flyers can benefit from a paraphrase so that they have a maximum impact. 

Our Paraphrasing Service for Businesses

We offer a paraphrasing service for businesses for any of the above-mentioned material. Our quality service is available at reasonable prices, and we have a fast turnover rate. Why not try our free-sample service to see if you like the quality of our work?