FAQ: What is plagiarism?

Definition

As defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, to plagiarize is:

"to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own : use (another's production) without crediting the source : to commit literary theft : present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source." Source: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarize This link opens in a new window 

Make sure to check out SNHU-specific resources for specific information on SNHU’s definitions of plagiarism:

• Academic Honesty & Plagiarism Guide (Shapiro Library)
• Campus Academic Catalog: Plagiarism
• Online Academic Catalog: Plagiarism This link opens in a new window

Examples

What are some examples of plagiarism?

• Copying a sentence, whole paragraph, or large blocks of text from another source without citing it.
• Copying from an online source or website, such as Wikipedia.
• Copying someone else's work, including your friends and classmates.
• Purchasing and/or downloading a paper from the Internet and turning it in as your own.
• Taking someone else's ideas and words and rephrasing them in your own words, without citing the original source.
• Not using quotation marks properly for direct quotations.
• Turning in someone's else work as your own.

What you DON'T need to cite?

• Common knowledge (e.g., the sun rises in the east and sets in the west).
• Your own opinions or experiences.

More Information

SNHU has provided the resources on this page to help individuals learn more about copyright laws and issues. However, SNHU cannot be responsible for the accuracy or completeness of third-party links. This page is intended to be educational in nature and is not meant to constitute legal advice.

• How to Lower your Turnitin Score This link opens in a new window (SNHU Academic Support)
• Plagiarism This link opens in a new window (APA Style)
• Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty This link opens in a new window (MLA Style)
• Let’s Talk about Plagiarism This link opens in a new window (Chicago Manual of Style)