Is it Plagiarism if I change “are” to “were” within a sentence?
The answer is unequivocally yes. Changing a verb tense such as switching from “are” to “were” within a sentence does not absolve you of the responsibility to acknowledge the original source. This is especially true in an age where sophisticated plagiarism detection tools can identify even the slightest alterations to a passage, ensuring that the essence of the original source remains intact even after subtle modifications.
Understanding Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious form of academic and literary fraud. It occurs when you present someone else's words or ideas as your own. This can be both direct and indirect, intentional or unintentional, and it is a violation of academic integrity. When you plagiarize, you falsely claim credit for the original author's work, which can lead to severe consequences, including failure, expulsion, and even legal action.
Why Verb Tense Changes Don’t Prevent Plagiarism
Some people mistakenly believe that merely changing a few words, altering the verb tense, or rearranging clauses can bypass detection. However, modern plagiarism detection software is highly advanced and can easily identify matches even if these alterations are subtle. Tools like TurnItIn, which has a default threshold of identifying matches with more than 3 words in the same order, can flag the entire sentence as suspicious.
Even if you replace every instance of “are” with “were” in a sentence from a copyrighted text, the software will still recognize this as a potential match. The essential meaning and structure of the original text remain unchanged, which is what plagiarism detection tools are designed to identify. Thus, such tactics do not prevent plagiarism; they merely make it harder to detect in the past.
The Importance of Ownership and Transparency
The safest and most ethical approach is to own up to your use of the original source. Always acknowledge the source and cite it appropriately. If the author's words or ideas are so well articulated that you struggle to rephrase them, you can use a quotation. Simply place the text in quotation marks, introduce it as a source, and include a citation.
On the other hand, if you must rephrase or summarize the text, make it clear which words and ideas are yours and which are from the original source. This honesty not only prevents plagiarism but also strengthens your academic credibility. It shows that you have a deep understanding of the topic and can articulate it effectively.
Consequences of Attempting to Conceal Plagiarism
Attempting to conceal plagiarized content can have severe consequences. Even minor alterations, such as changing verb tenses or rearranging words, can be detected. Instructors are trained to recognize such tactics and can still identify the plagiarized content. Furthermore, whenever you try to cover up plagiarism, you provide evidence that it was intentional. This can lead to harsher penalties, as the instructor will be aware that you are aware of the ethical standards and deliberately flouting them.
For instance, using TurnItIn and other similar tools, instructors can review the original source material and your paraphrased or rephrased version side by side. They can easily spot the discrepancies and determine whether the changes are merely cosmetic or reflect a genuine attempt to rephrase the content.
Conclusion: Embracing Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is fundamental to the ethos of higher education. It is essential to credit and acknowledge the original sources of any ideas or words you use. Changing verb tenses or making other small alterations does not absolve you of the responsibility to cite the source. By understanding the implications of plagiarism and embracing honesty and transparency, you can maintain your academic credibility and uphold the integrity of your work.
Instead of trying to bypass plagiarism detection tools, focus on asserting your original ideas and conclusions. This approach not only strengthens your academic reputation but also demonstrates your commitment to ethical research and writing practices.
In summary, while changing verb tenses may alter the wording, it does not change the fact that you are still presenting someone else's ideas as your own. Always cite your sources, own your work, and adhere to the principles of academic integrity.