What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
restate
Example
Can you please restate your question? I didn't quite understand it. [restate: verb]
Example
Let me restate what I said earlier for those who may have missed it. [restate: verb]
paraphrase
Example
Can you paraphrase what the speaker just said? I want to make sure I understood correctly. [paraphrase: verb]
Example
The student was asked to paraphrase the passage in their own words. [paraphrase: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paraphrase is more commonly used than restate in everyday language. Paraphrase is a versatile tool that can be used in various contexts, while restate is less common and often used in more formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between restate and paraphrase?
Restate is generally considered more formal than paraphrase, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in a range of formality levels depending on the context and audience.