What is the Difference Between Quoting and Paraphrasing?

The main difference between quoting and paraphrasing lies in how you use the original source material in your writing. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

Quoting:

• Involves using the exact words and phrases of the original source.
• Must be identical to the original, matching the source document word for word.
• Requires attributing the quote to the original author.
• Page numbers may be included if needed for clarity.
• Direct quotations are often used when the original statement is well-written, uses elements like parallelism or alliteration, or when the exact wording is important for your claim.

Paraphrasing:

• Involves rephrasing a passage from the original source material into your own words.
• Must still be attributed to the original source.
• Usually shorter than the original passage, as it condenses the ideas.
• Requires understanding the original passage and rephrasing it in a way that preserves the meaning.
• Paraphrasing is often used in research and argumentative essays to show that you understand the source and can convey its ideas in your own words.

In summary, quoting directly reproduces the original source material, while paraphrasing rewords the ideas into your own language. Both methods require proper attribution to the original source.

Comparative Table: Quoting vs Paraphrasing

Here is a table comparing the differences between quoting and paraphrasing:

In summary, quoting involves reproducing a statement word-for-word from its original source, while paraphrasing involves explaining a statement using your own words and sentence structure. Both methods require proper citations to give credit to the original source.