What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
synonymising
Example
I spent hours synonymising my essay to make it more interesting. [synonymising: verb]
Example
The writer used synonymising to avoid repeating the same words throughout the article. [synonymising: gerund or present participle]
paraphrasing
Example
I had to paraphrase the article to avoid copying the original author's words. [paraphrase: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to write a paraphrase of the poem to demonstrate their understanding. [paraphrase: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paraphrasing is more commonly used than synonymising in academic and professional contexts. Paraphrasing is a widely accepted practice for avoiding plagiarism and demonstrating understanding, while synonymising is less common and more focused on improving style or tone.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between synonymising and paraphrasing?
Both synonymising and paraphrasing can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, paraphrasing is more commonly used in academic and professional settings, where accuracy and originality are highly valued.
