Can You Plagiarize Yourself? All you need to know about self plagiarism

By Evans Sep 04 2021

Plagiarism has for decades bedeviled the world of academia. It actually stands out as one of the most troubling aspects scholars grapple with every day. Notably, though plagiarism comes in many ways, the most common one being directly copying content from a source without acknowledging or giving credit to the original author. Then there’s plagiarism which is to some extent, self-explanatory. It is mostly where you end up copying content you’ve already submitted before without proper referencing. That’s not all though. So, how can you plagiarize yourself? What are the dangers that come along with self-plagiarism? Is the practice unethical? Read on to learn more.

How It Happens

Like already mentioned, self-plagiarism mostly happens when you directly copy content from works you’ve already submitted before without proper referencing. Note here that the emphasis is on failing to properly reference what you copy as work you’ve already submitted elsewhere before. Like in all other forms of plagiarism, inadvertent and deliberate failure to acknowledge the author of the information you’re copying amounts to cheating. It is in fact, what makes the whole idea of self-plagiarism unethical.

How To Avoid It

It is simple. First check with your institution’s website for guidance and advice on self-plagiarism. You’ll most likely see a FAQs section with ‘Can you plagiarize yourself? ‘Then, by all means, don’t copy and paste or cut and paste from your previous essay into a new one. If you have to go that way, find new ways of expressing what you intend to copy.

Note that there are instances when copying and pasting directly from your work may look like the only option you have. The best you can do here is properly cite your previous work. Remember that plagiarism is all about presenting someone else’s work as your own. The only way you can have your work devoid of the issue is to properly cite and reference your previous work.  For instance, if you’ve already published a research paper elsewhere, find out who owns the copyright before using or submitting the research paper somewhere else. If you wish to publish part of your thesis or dissertation, then check first with your institution if they allow it.

Talk To Your Professor

Your professors will most likely be lenient on you each time you use your own work with their consent. Many will actually take their time to guide you on how you can use your previous work when writing new essays and other scholarly publications. Be sure to ask for guidance in good time. that is, always ask for permission to cite your own previous works before you can even begin writing.

Use New Materials

This is by far one of the most effective ways you can use toavoid self-plagiarism. Chances are, there are already several other scholars who have explored the essay topic you wish to write on. They may have published their works shortly after you also published the one you’re tempted to copy from. Take time to look up and research what’s new. If and where possible, stick to using new sources. You can of course, maintain your style and tone of writing. You can also maintain your strong views on the topic you’re writing about, just don’t copy from your previous work.

Can You Plagiarize Yourself If You’re Expressing Views You Strongly Hold?

Writers usually end up developing their own distinct way of expressing their views and ideas. This can sometimes be mistaken for plagiarism while it’s not. Note that even if you are a new writer, you still have your own distinct views and voice. Your writing may therefore, sound similar across different platforms. It could even sound like you’re recycling ideas. The difference will lie in how you express ideas and views you’ve already expressed somewhere else.

Be sure to review your work if you’re concerned that you may have self-plagiarized. This is important because in some cases, self-plagiarism is unintended. Be particularly keen if your phrasing is similar to your previews works. This should not worry you so much because you can always paraphrase your previous works. 

Legal Ramifications Of Self-Plagiarism

As already hinted, always find out who the true owner of the work you intend to quote is. You could’ve written the essay yes, but that doesn’t mean you own the copyright. This is especially the case if your essay appears alongside those or other scholars. In this case, copying directly without citing or referencing won’t just amount to self-plagiarism. It will also result to copyright infringement which is a criminal offence in many countries.

Wrap Up

Self-plagiarism is real. You only have to google , ‘can you plagiarize yourself’. The results reveal that indeed, it is possible. Your professor can also attest to the same. The sad part about it is the fact that self-plagiarism comes along with serious consequences. The good bit about it has everything to do with the fact that it is easy to avoid self-plagiarism.