What format is best for paraphrasing a citation in APA?

The best format for paraphrasing a citation in APA is to summarize in your own words and cite correctly. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the information from the original source while maintaining the original meaning. This approach demonstrates your understanding of the material and allows you to integrate the information more seamlessly into your writing.

In APA style, when you paraphrase, you should include an in-text citation that reflects the authorship of the source, which acknowledges the original author’s contribution without relying on their exact wording. While including a page number can enhance clarity, it is not a requirement for paraphrased material. This is distinct from quoting directly from the source, which requires you to use the exact words and include the page number for accuracy. Overall, paraphrasing encourages critical engagement with the text and helps to ensure that your writing is original.