How to Check for Plagiarism in Google Docs

how to check for plagiarism in google docs
by David Harris // January 22  

Plagiarism can have serious consequences in both academic and professional settings. It’s important to ensure that your work is original and properly cited. If you’re using Google Docs and want to check for plagiarism, you might be wondering how to do it effectively. The good news is that several tools and steps can help you identify potential plagiarism in your documents.

Quick Answer: Use Google Docs Add-ons and External Tools

To check for plagiarism in Google Docs, you can utilize various add-ons specifically designed for this purpose, or you can copy your text into an external plagiarism checker. Both methods are straightforward and can help you ensure your content is original.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check for Plagiarism in Google Docs

  1. Open Your Document:
    • Start by opening your Google Docs document that you want to check for plagiarism.
  2. Choose an Add-On:
    • Click on “Extensions” in the top menu.
    • Hover over “Add-ons” and then select “Get add-ons.”
    • Search for plagiarism-checking tools like Plagiarism Checker, Plagscan, or CheckMyWriting.
    • Click on the tool you wish to use and follow the instructions to install it.
  3. Run the Plagiarism Check:
    • After installation, go back to “Extensions” and select the plagiarism checker you installed.
    • Follow the prompts to run the check. Most tools will scan your document and highlight any text that matches other sources.
  4. Review the Report:
    • After completing the scan, the tool will generate a report. Check for flagged text and review the sources cited in the report to evaluate if the matching content needs rephrasing or proper citation.
  5. Make Necessary Edits:
    • Based on the findings, revise your document by rephrasing flagged sections, adding citations, or removing overly similar passages.

Real-World Application of Plagiarism Checking in Google Docs

Imagine you’re a college student working on a research paper for your English class. After writing your draft in Google Docs, you wonder if you’ve inadvertently copied phrases from research articles you looked at. By using an add-on like Plagscan, you can easily check your document. Upon running the report, you find a few phrases that need adjustment. Rephrasing those sections helps ensure your work is original, improving your chances of receiving a higher grade while maintaining academic integrity.

Pros and Cons of Plagiarism Checking in Google Docs

Pros:

  • Accessibility: Google Docs is free and easily accessible from any device with an internet connection.
  • Integration: Many add-ons work seamlessly within Google Docs, making it simple to check for plagiarism without having to leave your document.
  • User-Friendly: Most tools come with straightforward interfaces, making them easy to use, even for beginners.

Cons:

  • Limitations of Free Tools: Many reliable plagiarism-checking tools require a paid subscription for comprehensive scans.
  • False Positives: Sometimes, the tools may flag common phrases or citations as plagiarism, which can be misleading.
  • Dependency on the Internet: Since Google Docs operates online, a reliable Internet connection is necessary to use add-ons.

Best Practices for Checking Plagiarism in Google Docs

  1. Use Multiple Tools: Don’t rely on just one plagiarism checker. Using two or more tools can provide a more comprehensive view of potential plagiarism.
  2. Keep Notes: As you write or edit, keep notes of your sources. Jot down quotes, the pages you reference, and links to web articles. This habit can help you ensure you give credit where it’s due.
  3. Know Common Phrases: Understand that common phrases like “in conclusion” or “as a result” can be flagged. Keep your eyes peeled for longer phrases that aren’t yours.
  4. Regular Checks: Make plagiarism checks a routine part of your writing process. The earlier you catch potential issues, the easier they are to resolve.

Potential Pitfalls in Checking for Plagiarism

  • Ignoring Citations: Failing to cite sources properly can result in unintended plagiarism. Always double-check your citations for accuracy and adherence to your required style guide (APA, MLA, etc.).
  • Relying Solely on Technology: While technology is immensely helpful, it should not replace your critical reading skills. Always read your work critically to ensure clarity and originality.
  • Timing: Avoid checking for plagiarism at the last minute. Leaving it until right before the deadline may not allow enough time for necessary revisions.

Example of Using Google Docs Add-Ons for Plagiarism Checking

Let’s say you are writing a blog post about desktop publishing tips. After compiling information from various sources, you realize some sentences might closely resemble the original text. To help streamline the process, you install the Plagiarism Checker add-on.

After you run the check, you find that a couple of sentences are flagged. You notice that one sentence reads, “Using contrasting colors can significantly enhance readability.” It’s a common phrase in design literature, but the checker flagged it as a match.

Instead of changing the content entirely, you rephrase it to say, “Contrasting colors play a vital role in improving how easily content can be read. This approach not only makes your work original but conveys the same message.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Originality

  • Paraphrase Effectively: When you find ideas or phrases you want to use from a source, rephrase them thoroughly rather than simply altering a few words. This approach gives you a better chance of making the content your own.
  • Collaborate Cautiously: If you’re working with others, be clear about the contributions each person makes to avoid mixing up sources and potential plagiarism.
  • Stay Updated with Tools: Technology evolves rapidly, so be sure to keep abreast of new plagiarism-checking tools and methods that emerge over time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Checking for Plagiarism in Google Docs

When you’re using Google Docs to create your documents, it’s important to ensure that your work is original. While Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in plagiarism checker, several methods can help you check for copied content. Here are some common issues you might face and how to solve them.

Issue 1: Difficulty in Accessing Plagiarism Checkers

Scenario: You decide to use a third-party plagiarism checker like Grammarly or Turnitin, but you can’t get the extension to work properly with your Google Docs.

Solution: First, make sure the extension is installed correctly. Go to the “Extensions” menu and check if the plagiarism checker is listed there. If it’s not, reinstall the extension through the Chrome Web Store by locating the tool. Once it’s installed, you might need to refresh Google Docs or restart your browser. If you’re still facing issues, check if any browser updates are pending. Updating the browser can often resolve compatibility issues.

Issue 2: Word Count or Document Length Limitations

Scenario: You’ve copied your entire essay into a plagiarism checker, but it stops scanning at a certain word count, leaving you unsure if part of your work is plagiarized.

Solution: Most free plagiarism checkers have word count limitations. If you exceed this limit, try breaking your document into smaller sections, usually around 1,000 words, and check each part separately. This way, you can ensure full coverage of your document. Keep a list of these sections so you can address each one and make any necessary revisions based on the results.

Issue 3: Misinterpretation of Results

Scenario: You receive a plagiarism report showing a high similarity percentage, but you believe you’ve paraphrased everything correctly.

Solution: Carefully go through the report and identify which sections are flagged. Highlight the specific phrases in your document and compare them to the sources mentioned in the report. If you find that the flagged text is too similar to the source, rephrase it further or use quotation marks if you intend to keep that wording. If you’re confident that your paraphrasing was adequate, consider reaching out to support the tool you’re using to clarify why certain sections were flagged.

Issue 4: Using Google Docs Offline

Scenario: You’re working offline on your Google Docs and want to check for plagiarism, but you can’t access the online tools you need.

Solution: If you anticipate needing to check for plagiarism while offline, prepare in advance. Save your document and export it in a format like Microsoft Word or PDF. Once you’re back online, you can upload it to a plagiarism checker of your choice. Alternately, consider using software that doesn’t require an internet connection, such as desktop applications that check for plagiarism, and make sure to install them before you disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Check For Plagiarism In Google Docs

Q. How can I check for plagiarism in my Google Docs document?
A. You can copy your text and use an online plagiarism checker, or you can use the built-in tools in your word processor to help identify any copied content.

Q. Does Google Docs have a built-in plagiarism checker?
A. No, Google Docs does not have a specific plagiarism checker, but you can use add-ons or third-party tools linked to Google Docs to check for plagiarism.

Q. What are some popular plagiarism-checking tools I can use with Google Docs?
A. Some popular tools include Grammarly, Turnitin, and Quetext. These can often be used as add-ons for Google Docs to help check for plagiarism.

Q. How do I install a plagiarism checker add-on for Google Docs?
A. Go to the “Extensions menu, select “Add-ons, then “Get add-ons. Search for a plagiarism checker, click on it, and follow the installation prompts.

Q. What should I do if I find plagiarism in my document?
A. If you find plagiarism, you can rewrite the affected sections in your own words, add proper citations, or remove the borrowed content altogether.

Q. Is it easy to use a plagiarism checker add-on in Google Docs?
A. Yes, most plagiarism checker add-ons are user-friendly. Once installed, you usually just need to select the text and run the checker to see the results.

Q. Can I check the entire document for plagiarism at once in Google Docs?
A. Yes, most plagiarism checkers allow you to check the whole document at once, but make sure to follow the specific instructions given by the chosen tool.

Q. Is it free to check for plagiarism in Google Docs?
A. Some plagiarism checkers offer free trials or basic free versions, but many high-quality tools may require a subscription for full access.

Q. How accurate are plagiarism checkers?
A. Plagiarism checkers can be quite accurate, but they may not catch everything. It’s always a good idea to manually review your work for originality as well.

Q. Can I use Google Search to check for plagiarism?
A. Yes, you can paste a sentence or two from your document into Google Search to see if the same text appears elsewhere on the internet, helping you identify potential plagiarism.

Conclusion

Checking for plagiarism in Google Docs is an important step to ensure your work is original and properly credited. By using built-in tools like the Explore feature or utilizing third-party plagiarism checkers, you can easily verify the uniqueness of your text. Always check for plagiarism to uphold your reputation as a writer and honor the efforts of others. With these methods, you can produce quality content with confidence, knowing that your ideas are authentically your own.

Disclaimer: Our article on checking plagiarism in Google Docs is designed to educate and guide. To gain a comprehensive understanding, visit Google Docs Support and Quetext for additional resources. This content is intended to provide valuable insights, and we recommend supplementing with Turnitin and Plagiarism.org. By understanding the subject matter, you’ll be well-equipped to check for plagiarism and maintain academic integrity effectively.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.