These simple steps will help improve your paraphrasing skills 

Paraphrasing services are a niche aspect of the proofreading and editing world. Paraphrasing can require a substantial amount of effort and, as such, is the most time-consuming area of the editorial process.

At this stage, it’s crucial to understand what type of role paraphrasing services play in relation to proofreading and editing. In short, paraphrasing requires the writer or editor to rework the provided material. But this is the kicker: the updated content must convey the same message, have the same tone and utilise the same voice.

In other words, paraphrasing means saying the same thing in a different way. No wonder it is such a specialised skill. Those who provide paraphrasing services as part of their proofreading and editing remit have the instinct to hone in on a message and employ their sizable vocabularies to make the same point using different words and phrases (writers should understand, however, that paraphrasing rarely means changing highly technical terms).

When paraphrasing, it is always a good idea to follow these simple steps. Doing so will help create a piece of enhanced writing with a good, steady flow that communicates worthwhile, informative points.

Use a thesaurus

Synonyms are a writer’s friend. The ability to say the same thing using different terms is a defining trait of the English language; it also helps keep material fresh because repeatedly using the same word, phrase, noun, adjective or verb, although technically correct, can become incredibly boring for the reader.

Instead, freshen up the content by using a variety of related words, terms, idioms, expressions and so on. Since freshening up the content is an intrinsic aspect of paraphrasing services during the proofreading and editing process, it only makes sense to employ a thesaurus, which will provide a thorough list of synonyms and related concepts.

Employ the active voice instead of the passive

Changing the grammar structure can inject a whole new level of energy and freshness into a piece of writing. While the passive voice is perfectly acceptable, it can prove a little wordy. Consequently, the writer may find that their work suffers from a lack of urgency or seems clunky and clumsy.

Employing the active voice means that the writer has both made their work more direct and readable and also changed its form, thereby fulfilling one of the required criteria of paraphrasing services.

Modify the word order

Sometimes, simply changing the position of content in a sentence or paragraph can help tighten the work’s structure and improve its flow. Moreover, when a writer adjusts and rejigs the word order, they may find that they have clarified their work’s meaning: for instance, in modifying a paragraph, they may succeed in foregrounding the salient information. In other words, they have made the point clearer by making it more visible and placing it front and centre in the audience's mind.

When proofreading and editing, it is always crucial to remember the importance of refining the content and removing any needless information. Successful paraphrasing will help achieve such a goal.

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