Paraphrase: do I need to change every word?
Say the same idea in a different way without changing the meaning.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
To paraphrase is to say the same idea with other words or another sentence structure. You do not have to find a synonym for every word.
Keep three things: who is being talked about, what is happening, how strong the claim is. If you replace Some students with all young people, the meaning changes.
First understand the idea, then rewrite it without looking at the sentence. At the end, check whether the two versions really say the same thing.
See an example
Original: More students are choosing online courses.
Suitable: Online courses are becoming a more popular choice among students.
Changes the meaning: All students prefer online learning.
In the last version, more has turned into “all”, and choosing has become a claim of general preference.
Now you try
Which version keeps the meaning of the sentence “Some people find working from home difficult”?
A. Working from home is difficult for everyone. B. Certain people struggle with working from home.
Rewrite the sentence “Many students use the library” keeping the meaning.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
B keeps the meaning: some people → certain people, find difficult → struggle with. A, though, applies the claim to everyone.
A possible version for the second task: The library is used by many students. The active sentence has become passive, but the idea about the users and their number has not changed.
Develop, development, developed: word families
Official sources for this topic
Cambridge · English Grammar Today