What involves expressing a thought or idea in an alternate and sometimes shortened form?

Paraphrasing involves taking a specific thought or idea and re-expressing it in your own words, while maintaining the original meaning. This process often results in a version that is altered in form and sometimes shorter, as it distills the core message without the exact wording of the original text. This skill is essential for demonstrating comprehension of material and for avoiding plagiarism, allowing one to convey the same ideas through a unique expression.

While summarizing involves condensing information and capturing only the main points, it may not retain the same level of detail as paraphrasing. Quoting refers to reproducing someone else's words exactly, which does not involve altering the form. Rephrasing is similar to paraphrasing but often suggests a more straightforward restatement that might not significantly alter the original form. Paraphrasing is distinct in its emphasis on transforming the language while keeping the essence intact.