It occurs when a writer reuses a mix of word, phrases, and ideas from a source without indicating which words and ideas have been borrowed and/or without properly citing the source

it occurs when a writer reuses a mix of word, phrases, and ideas from a source without indicating which words and ideas have been borrowed and/or without properly citing the source.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or words without giving proper credit or acknowledgment. It occurs when a writer reuses a mix of words, phrases, and ideas from a source without indicating which words and ideas have been borrowed and/or without properly citing the source.

Plagiarism can take various forms, including:

  1. Verbatim Copying: This involves directly copying and pasting text from a source without any changes or modifications.

  2. Paraphrasing without Attribution: Paraphrasing is the act of restating someone else’s ideas or information in your own words. However, if you paraphrase without giving credit to the original source, it still counts as plagiarism.

  3. Incomplete or Improper Citations: Even if you include citations or references, if they are incomplete or improperly formatted, it can still be considered plagiarism. It is essential to follow the appropriate citation style guidelines (such as APA, MLA, or Chicago) when referencing sources.

  4. Self-Plagiarism: Self-plagiarism occurs when a writer submits their own previously published work or uses significant portions of their own work without proper citation or acknowledgment.

Plagiarism is considered unethical and a breach of academic and professional integrity. It undermines the original author’s efforts, diminishes the credibility of the plagiarizer, and can have serious consequences, such as academic penalties, damage to reputation, and legal issues in some cases.

To avoid plagiarism, it is crucial to properly attribute and cite all sources used in your work. This includes providing in-text citations for direct quotes or paraphrased information and creating a comprehensive reference list or bibliography at the end of your work. Additionally, using plagiarism detection tools can help identify any unintentional instances of plagiarism and ensure the originality of your work.

Remember, acknowledging and giving credit to the original authors not only demonstrates ethical conduct but also strengthens the credibility and quality of your own work.