Here's why:
* Originality: Plagiarism is about taking someone else's original work and presenting it as your own. Even if you change a few words, the core idea, structure, and arguments still belong to the original author.
* Fair Use: There are exceptions for fair use (like quoting small portions for research or criticism), but simply changing a few words usually doesn't qualify.
* Academic Integrity: Academic institutions and professional organizations take plagiarism very seriously. Even if you think your changes are significant enough to avoid detection, they might still be considered plagiarism.
* Ethical Considerations: It's important to give credit where credit is due and acknowledge the original source of your ideas.
How to avoid plagiarism:
* Paraphrase correctly: Instead of just changing a few words, rewrite the idea in your own words and style, ensuring you understand the concept fully.
* Quote accurately: If you directly use someone else's words, use quotation marks and cite the source.
* Use citations: Always cite your sources using proper formatting (e.g., footnotes, endnotes, bibliography) to give credit to the original author.
Remember: If you're unsure about whether something is plagiarism, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek guidance from a professor, advisor, or online plagiarism checker.