Top AI Paraphrasing Tools to Improve Academic Writing
Aug 11, 2025 |
23 Mins Read
Paraphrasing is a common academic writing skill. Whether working on an essay, report, or research paper, you may need to rewrite some ideas in your own words while keeping the original meaning.
Writers often paraphrase to summarise, simplify, or highlight certain aspects of a given statement. It also helps demonstrate and facilitate the understanding of a topic.
In recent years, many AI tools have been developed to make the paraphrasing process faster and more efficient. These tools use artificial intelligence to analyse and reword sentences, offering new ways to express the same ideas.
This article introduces AI paraphrasing tools commonly used by students, including Ref-n-write, SciSpace, MyEssayWriter.ai, Scribbr, and Rewrite Guru.
What is an AI Paraphrasing Tool
An AI paraphrasing tool is a software program that uses artificial intelligence to rewrite text. It takes a sentence or paragraph and rephrases it using different words and sentence structures, while keeping the original meaning.
These tools work by using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning. NLP helps the tool understand the structure and meaning of a sentence. Machine learning allows the tool to improve its language skills over time by analysing large amounts of text.
Unlike basic text spinners that simply swap words with synonyms (often creating awkward sentences), AI paraphrasers understand context. They analyse how words relate to each other and produce more natural-sounding results.
For example, if you input the sentence "The study revealed significant findings about climate change," a basic spinner might produce "The examination exposed important discoveries about climate alteration." An AI paraphraser would create something more natural like "The research uncovered notable results regarding climate change."
Why Use A Free Paraphrasing Tool For Academic Writing
AI paraphrasing tools offer several benefits for students working on academic assignments:
- Time efficiency: These tools can quickly reword paragraphs that might take much longer to paraphrase manually. This allows more time for research and critical thinking.
- Language improvement: For non-native English speakers, paraphrasing tools can suggest more natural or academic phrasing that might not come easily.
- Comprehension aid: Seeing complex ideas expressed in simpler language can help students better understand difficult concepts.
However, these tools work best as assistants rather than replacements for your own writing skills. The paraphrase generator provides suggestions, but understanding the content and making thoughtful edits remains important.
How To Paraphrase Online Without Plagiarism
Paraphrasing without plagiarism requires more than just changing a few words. Here's a straightforward process for using online rephrase tools effectively:
1. Identify Your Source
Start with a reliable academic source like a peer-reviewed journal article or textbook. Read it carefully to understand the main ideas before attempting to paraphrase.
Many students make the mistake of trying to paraphrase sentence-by-sentence without first understanding the bigger picture. This often leads to staying too close to the original wording.
2. Choose A Paraphrase Generator
Select a paraphraser tool designed for academic writing. Look for features like:
- Academic vocabulary options
- Ability to maintain a formal tone
- Citation assistance
- Integration with word processors
Free tools like SciSpace and Scribbr offer basic paraphrasing features, while specialised tools like Ref-n-write focus specifically on academic language patterns.
3. Review And Edit
After using a word paraphraser, carefully review the output. The AI might miss nuances or create awkward phrasing that needs fixing.
Look for:
- Sentences that don't make sense
- Terms that were changed incorrectly
- Places where the meaning shifted
- Unnecessarily complex wording
Make manual edits to improve clarity and accuracy. Remember that the paraphrasing tool is just the first step in creating your final text.
4. Cite And Reference
Even when text is completely paraphrased, you still need to cite the source of the ideas. Include an in-text citation and add the full reference to your bibliography.
For example, in APA style, you might write:
Research suggests that paraphrasing tools can help students improve their writing skills (Johnson, 2023).
Features of Top AI Paraphrasing Tools
The table below compares key features of popular AI paraphrasing tools for students and researchers:
| Tool | Best For | Key Features | Limitations | Pricing |
| Ref-n-write | Academic writing style | Academic phrasebank, Microsoft Word integration, discipline-specific phrases | Limited to Word users | Paid software |
| SciSpace | Scientific content | Technical accuracy, 75+ languages, research integration | Word limits on free version | Free basic plan |
| MyEssayWriter.ai | Essay structure | Essay formatting help, citation tools, readability focus | Less effective for technical topics | Free trial available |
| Scribbr | Plagiarism prevention | Academic tone options, plagiarism checker, citation help | 125-word limit per input (free) | Free basic tool |
| Rewrite Guru | Multiple rewriting styles | Creative, fluent, and standard modes; simple interface | May require significant editing | Free with premium options |
Ref-n-write
Ref-n-write works as a Microsoft Word add-on specifically designed for academic writing. It contains a database of phrases from academic papers that helps students write in a scholarly style.
The tool includes:
- An academic phrase bank with thousands of common academic expressions
- Field-specific language for different subjects like biology, engineering, or psychology
- Sentence templates for different parts of academic papers
A biology student writing about experimental results might type "The findings show" and Ref-n-write would suggest alternatives like "The results demonstrate" or "The data indicate" that fit academic writing conventions.
SciSpace
SciSpace offers a paraphrase tool free for basic use, with a focus on maintaining accuracy in scientific and technical writing. Unlike general paraphrasing tools, it understands specialised terminology.
When paraphrasing technical content, SciSpace:
- Preserves field-specific terms that shouldn't be changed
- Maintains the logical flow of complex explanations
- Offers options to paraphrase in multiple languages
For example, it can reword a physics concept while keeping essential technical terms intact, something general paraphrasers often struggle with.
MyEssayWriter.ai
MyEssayWriter.ai functions as an essay paraphraser that helps you with overall document structure and readability. It's particularly helpful for students who struggle with organising their thoughts.
The tool provides:
- Suggestions for improving paragraph transitions
- Help with creating clear thesis statements
- Options for varying sentence structure
A history student using MyEssayWriter.ai might find it helps not just with rewording, but also with organising their arguments in a more logical sequence.
Scribbr
Scribbr offers a free paraphrasing tool with a strong focus on academic integrity. It's designed to help students avoid plagiarism while maintaining proper scholarly tone.
The tool includes:
- Options to paraphrase for fluency or standard academic style
- Integration with plagiarism checking
- Citation assistance for different style guides
An English literature student might use Scribbr to rephrase their analysis of a novel while ensuring they're not accidentally copying the wording of literary critics they've read.
Rewrite Guru
Rewrite Guru is an online paraphrase website that offers multiple ways to rephrase text based on different needs. Its strength is flexibility in how much the text is changed.
The tool provides:
- Multiple rewriting modes from light editing to complete rewording
- A simple interface that's easy for beginners
- Word-by-word synonym suggestions
A sociology student might use Rewrite Guru's different modes to paraphrase the same paragraph in multiple ways, choosing the version that best fits their paper's tone.
Who Benefits From Paraphrasing Tools
Different types of students find value in paraphrasing tools for various reasons:
Undergraduate students working on shorter assignments and essays use these tools to help express ideas clearly. When faced with multiple reading assignments, an AI paraphrasing tool free of charge can help them take better notes without copying text directly.
Graduate students writing theses or dissertations often use AI paraphrase tools to help manage large amounts of literature. When reviewing dozens of research papers, these tools help condense information while maintaining accuracy.
International students who are still building English proficiency find AI paraphrasing tools especially helpful. These tools suggest natural-sounding alternatives to expressions that might be difficult to rephrase when English isn't your first language.
Research students conducting literature reviews use these tools to summarise existing research efficiently. When comparing multiple studies on the same topic, paraphrasing tools help highlight similarities and differences in findings.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Paraphrasers
Do AI paraphrasing tools handle specialised technical content?
Advanced tools like Ref-n-write and SciSpace are designed to handle academic terminology, but always review the output for technical accuracy, especially in specialised fields like medicine or engineering.
How much editing is needed after using a paraphraser tool?
Most students spend about 10-15 minutes editing a 500-word AI-paraphrased text to ensure proper academic tone, correct terminology, and logical flow.
Are data privacy and security guaranteed when using free paraphrasing tools?
Free tools vary in their privacy policies—some store text for AI training purposes, so check their terms of service or consider paid options with stronger privacy guarantees for sensitive academic content.
Expand Your Research With Zendy
While paraphrasing tools help rewrite existing text, finding quality sources to quote or cite is equally important. Zendy's AI-powered research library gives students access to millions of peer-reviewed articles across all academic disciplines.
Zendy complements paraphrasing tools through features like AI summarisation, which condenses lengthy research papers into key points. This helps students understand the main ideas before attempting to paraphrase.
The key phrase highlighting feature automatically identifies important concepts in academic papers, making it easier to spot which ideas are essential to include in your paraphrased notes.
Students can use Zendy to discover relevant research, understand complex concepts through AI assistance, and then use paraphrasing tools to incorporate these ideas into their own writing with proper citation.
This combined approach, finding quality sources through Zendy and rephrasing them thoughtfully with paraphrasing tools, creates a more efficient and effective academic writing process.
From Curator to Digital Navigator: Evolving Roles for Modern Librarians
With the growing integration of digital technologies in academia, librarians are becoming facilitators of discovery. They play a vital role in helping students and researchers find credible information, use digital tools effectively, and develop essential research skills. At Zendy, we believe this shift represents a new chapter for librarians, one where they act as mentors, digital strategists, and AI collaborators. Zendy’s AI-powered research assistant, ZAIA, is one example of how librarians can enhance their work using technology. Librarians can utilise ZAIA to assist users in clarifying research questions, discovering relevant papers more efficiently, and understanding complex academic concepts in simpler terms. This partnership between human expertise and AI efficiency allows librarians to focus more on supporting critical thinking, rather than manual searching. According to our latest survey, AI in Education for Students and Researchers: 2025 Trends and Statistics, over 70% of students now rely on AI for research. Librarians are adapting to this shift by integrating these technologies into their services, offering guidance on ethical AI use, research accuracy, and digital literacy. However, this evolution also comes with challenges. Librarians must ensure users understand how to evaluate AI-generated content, check for biases, and verify sources. The focus is moving beyond access to information, it’s now about ensuring that information is used responsibly and critically. To support this changing role, here are some tools and practices modern librarians can integrate into their workflows: AI-Enhanced DiscoveryUsing tools like ZAIA to help researchers refine queries and find relevant studies faster. Research Data Management Organising, preserving, and curating datasets for long-term academic use. Ethical AI and Digital Literacy Training Teaching researchers how to verify AI outputs, evaluate bias, and maintain academic integrity. Collaborative Digital Spaces Facilitating research communication through online repositories and discussion platforms. In conclusion, librarians today are more than curators, they are digital navigators shaping how knowledge is accessed, evaluated, and shared. As technology continues to evolve, so will its role in guiding researchers and students through the expanding world of digital information. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 65% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Strategic AI Skills Every Librarian Must Develop
In 2026, librarians who understand how AI works will be better equipped to support students and researchers, organise collections, and help patrons find reliable information faster. Developing a few key AI skills can make everyday tasks easier and open up new ways to serve your community. Why AI Skills Matter for Librarians AI tools that recommend books, manage citations, or answer basic questions are becoming more common. Learning how these tools work helps librarians: Offer smarter, faster search results. Improve cataloguing accuracy. Provide better guidance to researchers and students. Remember, AI isn’t replacing professional judgment; it’s supporting it. Core AI Literacy Foundations Before diving into specific tools, it helps to understand some basic ideas behind AI. Machine Learning Basics:Machine learning means teaching a computer to recognise patterns in data. In a library setting, this could mean analysing borrowing habits to suggest new titles or resources. Natural Language Processing (NLP):NLP is what allows a chatbot or search tool to understand and respond to human language. It’s how virtual assistants can answer questions like “What are some journals about public health policy?” Quick Terms to Know: Algorithm: A set of steps an AI follows to make a decision. Training Data: The information used to “teach” an AI system. Neural Network: A type of computer model inspired by how the brain processes information. Bias: When data or systems produce unfair or unbalanced results. Metadata Enrichment With AI Cataloguing is one of the areas where AI makes a noticeable difference. Automated Tagging: AI tools can read through titles and abstracts to suggest keywords or subject headings. Knowledge Graphs: These connect related materials, for example, linking a book on climate change with recent journal articles on the same topic. Bias Checking: Some systems can flag outdated or biased terminology in subject classifications. Generative Prompt Skills Knowing how to “talk” to AI tools is a skill in itself. The clearer your request, the better the result. Try experimenting with prompts like these: Research Prompt: “List three recent studies on community reading programs and summarise their findings.” Teaching Prompt: “Write a short activity plan for a workshop on evaluating online information sources.” Summary Prompt: “Give me a brief overview of this article’s key arguments and methods.” Adjusting tone or adding detail can change the outcome. It’s about learning how to guide the tool rather than letting it guess. Ethical Data Practices AI tools can be useful, but they also raise questions about privacy and fairness. Librarians have always cared deeply about protecting patron information, and that remains true with AI. Keep personal data anonymous wherever possible. Review AI outputs for signs of bias or misinformation. Encourage clear policies around how data is stored and used. Ethical AI is part of a librarian’s duty to maintain trust and fairness. Automating Everyday Tasks AI can take over some of the small, routine jobs that fill up a librarian’s day. Circulation: Systems can send overdue reminders automatically or manage renewals. Chatbots: Basic questions like “What are the library hours?” can be handled instantly. Collection Management: AI can spot patterns in borrowing data to suggest which books to keep, reorder, or retire. Building Your Learning Path Getting comfortable with AI doesn’t have to mean earning a new degree. Start small: Take short online courses or micro-certifications in AI literacy. Join librarian groups or online forums where people share practical tips. Block out one hour a week to try out a new tool or attend a webinar. A little consistent learning goes a long way. Making AI Affordable Many smaller libraries worry about cost, but not every tool is expensive. Free Tools: Some open-access AI platforms, like Zendy, offer affordable access to research databases and AI-powered features. Shared Purchases: Partnering with other libraries to share licenses can cut costs. Cloud Services: Pay-as-you-go plans mean you only pay for what you actually use. There’s usually a way to experiment with AI without stretching the budget. Showing Impact Once AI tools are in use, it’s important to show their value. Track things like: Time saved on cataloguing or circulation tasks. Patron feedback on new services. How often are AI tools used compared to manual systems? Numbers matter, but so do stories. Sharing examples, like a student who found research faster thanks to a new search feature, can make your case even stronger. And remember, the future of librarianship is about using AI tools in libraries thoughtfully to keep libraries relevant, reliable, and welcoming spaces for everyone. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 75% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
Key Considerations for Training Library Teams on New Research Technologies
The integration of Generative AI into academic life appears to be a significant moment for university libraries. As trusted guides in the information ecosystem, librarians are positioned to help researchers explore this new terrain, but this transition requires developing a fresh set of skills. Training your library team on AI-powered research tools could move beyond technical instruction to focus on critical thinking, ethical understanding, and human judgment. Here is a proposed framework for a training program, organised by the new competencies your team might need to explore. Foundational: Understanding Access and Use This initial module establishes a baseline understanding of the technology itself. Accessing the Platform: Teach the technical steps for using the institution's approved AI tools, including authentication, subscription models, and any specific interfaces (e.g., vendor-integrated AI features in academic databases, institutional LLMs, etc.). Core Mechanics: Explain what a Generative AI platform (like a Large Language Model) is and, crucially, what it is not. Cover foundational concepts like: Training Data: Familiarise staff with how to access the institution’s chosen AI tools, noting any specific authentication requirements or limitations tied to vendor-integrated AI features in academic databases. Prompting Basics: Introduce basic prompt engineering, the art of crafting effective, clear queries to get useful outputs. Hallucinations: Directly address the concept of "hallucinations," or factually incorrect/fabricated outputs and citations, and emphasise the need for human verification. Conceptual: Critical Evaluation and Information Management This module focuses on the librarian's core competency: evaluating information in a new context. Locating and Organising: Train staff on how to use AI tools for practical, time-saving tasks, such as: Generating keywords for better traditional database searches. Summarising long articles to quickly grasp the core argument. Identifying common themes across a set of resources. Evaluating Information: This is perhaps the most critical skill. Teach a new layer of critical information literacy: Source Verification: Always cross-check AI-generated citations, summaries, and facts against reliable, academic sources (library databases, peer-reviewed journals). Bias Identification: Examine AI outputs for subtle biases, especially those related to algorithmic bias in the training data, and discuss how to mitigate this when consulting with researchers. Using and Repurposing: Demonstrate how AI-generated material should be treated—as a raw output that must be heavily edited, critiqued, and cited, not as a final product. Social: Communicating with AI as an Interlocutor The quality of AI output is often dependent on the user’s conversational ability. This module suggests treating the AI platform as a possible partner in a dialogue. Advanced Prompt Engineering: Move beyond basic queries to teach techniques for generating nuanced, high-quality results: Assigning the AI a role (such as a 'sceptical editor' or 'historical analyst') to potentially shape a more nuanced response. Practising iterative conversation, where librarians refine an output by providing feedback and further instructions, treating the interaction as an ongoing intellectual exchange. Shared Understanding: Practise using the platform to help users frame their research questions more effectively. Librarians can guide researchers in using the AI to clarify a vague topic or map out a conceptual framework, turning the tool into a catalyst for deeper thought rather than a final answer generator. Socio-Emotional Awareness: Recognising Impact and Building Confidence This module addresses the human factor, building resilience and confidence Recognising the Impact of Emotions: Acknowledge the possibility of emotional responses, such as uncertainty about shifting professional roles or discomfort with rapid technological change, and facilitate a safe space for dialogue. Knowing Strengths and Weaknesses: Reinforce the unique, human-centric value of the librarian: critical thinking, contextualising information, ethical judgment, and deep disciplinary knowledge, skills that AI cannot replicate. The AI could be seen as a means to automate lower-level tasks, allowing librarians to focus on high-value consultation. Developing Confidence: Implement hands-on, low-stakes practice sessions using real-world research scenarios. Confidence grows from successful interaction, not just theoretical knowledge. Encourage experimentation and a "fail-forward" mentality. Ethical: Acting Ethically as a Digital Citizen Ethical use is the cornerstone of responsible AI adoption in academia. Librarians must be the primary educators on responsible usage. Transparency and Disclosure: Discuss the importance of transparency when utilizing AI. Review institutional and journal guidelines that may require students and faculty to disclose how and when AI was used in their work, and offer guidance on how to properly cite these tools. Data Privacy and Security: Review the potential risks associated with uploading unpublished, proprietary, or personally identifiable information (PII) to public AI services. Establish and enforce clear library policies on what data should never be shared with external tools. Copyright and Intellectual Property (IP): Discuss the murky legal landscape of AI-generated content and IP. Emphasise that AI models are often trained on copyrighted material and that users are responsible for ensuring their outputs do not infringe on existing copyrights. Advocate for using library-licensed, trusted-source AI tools whenever possible. Combating Misinformation: Position the librarian as the essential arbiter against the spread of AI-generated misinformation. Training should include spotting common AI red flags, teaching users how to think sceptically, and promoting the library’s curated, authoritative resources as the gold standard. .wp-block-image img { max-width: 65% !important; margin-left: auto !important; margin-right: auto !important; }
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