When most people check for plagiarism, they often only check for exact phrases. While this is one of the main forms, several other ways to copy someone else's work exists both online and in print. Making this mistake can have serious consequences including large fines even if you have copied someone else's work unknowingly. The best way to learn how to avoid plagiarism is to learn how to identify it.

There are five main types of plagiarism to watch out for:

1. Identical Stylistic Choices

This type may be difficult to identify when you check for plagiarism. Copying an exact literary device such as a simile or metaphor is another thing to watch out for when learning how to avoid plagiarism. The original writer uses these writing mechanics to express certain thoughts and they make up a significant portion of that writers individual style. If you choose to use that particular portion of the work for inspiration, incorporate your own unique style.

2. Common Knowledge VS Plagiarism

Often times, writers incorporate their own concepts and views in their writing. If you check for plagiarism and notice the same things in the second written piece, you have found a violation. Any time unique thoughts are repeated in another writers work, it needs to be identified through a bibliography or another accepted method of citing sources.

When learning how to avoid plagiarism, one exception to this rule exists. Common knowledge (things that are well known by individuals or in a particular field) can be used in additional writing without having to cite a particular source. For example, "elephant's are grey" is common knowledge. Studies released on a new genetic finding, on the other hand, require that you reveal the source. This not only protects the author, but it also gives your work credibility.

3. Synonyms And Word Swapping

Another way to check for plagiarism is to look for an exact section of a written work that has been copied and had some of the words exchanged for their synonyms or similar phrases. This has particularly become popular in recent years with the invention of 'spinning' software. It is also one of the common misconceptions when learning how to avoid plagiarism.

For example - The original might be "The cat jumped at the mouse." The second sentence might be "The feline pounced at the mouse." While the two sentences appear different, the second one is clearly copied from the first version.

4. Patterns

When using resources to find information, you need to be careful not to have the same organization as the original as this is also considered plagiarizing. This generally occurs when a writer rephrases the source sentence by sentence, called infringing on the original writers organization or reasoning style.

5. Exact Phrasing

When asked how to avoid plagiarism, the most common response is not copying exact phrases. This method is the most common way people check for plagiarism. This may include copying an entire piece of writing, a paragraph, or a sentence. Even repeating an important phrase can be considered copying. In order to do this legally, you must give the source direct credit for their work and use quotes around the exact phrases.

The rules for learning how to avoid plagiarism aren't exactly a cut and dried subject; a majority of the time it is a matter of opinion -- particularly when it comes to concepts and writing techniques. When you check for plagiarism, it is important to be as fair as you can to the writer while maintaining respect and protecting original author's work.