The easiest way is to use online text comparison tools, which compare texts side by side. You can paste both texts into the tool, and it will highlight the similar sentences or phrases.
This is called using automated tools, but you can also compare texts manually. You would need to carefully read both texts and look for similar phrases and sentences. However, this method can take more time and effort.
If you want to compare a text with a lot of websites or other writings, you can use a plagiarism checker. These tools check your text against a large database of texts to see if anything is copied.
Compare texts
How to Check Similarity Between Two Texts Using Plagiarism Compare
STEP 1. Enter the Texts:
- Type or paste the first text into the left box.
- Type or paste the second text into the right box.
STEP 2. Compare: Click the "Compare Texts" button.
STEP 3. Review the Results:
- If the similarity score is greater than 0, some matches were found.
- A higher score means the texts are more similar.
STEP 4. Analyze Matches:
- Exact matches are highlighted in red.
- Paraphrased sections appear in orange.
STEP 5. Download the Report: Save a PDF similarity report for printing or sharing.
STEP 6. Make Changes & Try Again:
- Delete your data when you're done.
- Modify your text if needed and run the comparison again.
Automated Similarity Tools vs. Manual Review
Automated similarity tools like Plagiarism Compare can quickly find exact matches and paraphrased text. However, to fully and deeply compare texts, a manual review is recommended. This allows you to analyze meaning, structure, and subtle rewording that automated tools might miss.
STEP 1. Read Both Texts Carefully
- Print each text on separate sheets of paper for easier reading and highlighting.
- If using a computer, open both texts in a word processor and place the windows side by side.
- Read through each text carefully to understand the main ideas and key points.
STEP 2. Compare Sentence Structure
- Check if the sentence structures in both texts are similar.
- Look for patterns where only a few words are changed but the structure remains the same.
STEP 3. Identify Matching Phrases and Words
- Highlight repeated phrases, keywords, and expressions.
- Use different colors to mark exact matches and reworded phrases.
- If working digitally, use text highlighter tools in your word processor.
STEP 4. Look for Paraphrased Content
- Check if one text rewrites the other while keeping the same meaning.
- Watch for minor word changes but identical sentence structure.
STEP 5. Compare the Main Ideas and Arguments
- Analyze whether both texts present the same ideas in the same order.
- Look for copied logic, reasoning, or storytelling patterns.
STEP 6. Check Citations and Sources
- Verify if both texts use the same references, examples, or facts.
- If the text includes a reference list, compare them to ensure proper credit is given to original sources.
