How to Check Plagiarism on Microsoft Word?

Last Updated: Mar 9, 2024 by

Plagiarism is a serious issue in the academic and professional world. It is the act of using someone else’s work or ideas without giving proper credit. With the abundance of information available on the internet, it has become easier for individuals to unintentionally plagiarize. However, with the help of technology, there are now tools available to help detect and prevent plagiarism. In this article, we will discuss how to check plagiarism on Microsoft Word using its built-in plagiarism checker.

What is a Word Plagiarism Checker?

A word plagiarism checker is a tool that scans a document for any instances of plagiarism. It compares the text in the document to a database of sources to determine if there are any similarities. This tool is especially useful for students and professionals who want to ensure that their work is original and properly cited.

How to Access the Plagiarism Checker on Microsoft Word?

The plagiarism checker on Microsoft Word is a built-in feature that can be accessed easily. To use it, follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Word and click on the “Review” tab at the top of the screen.
  2. In the “Proofing” section, click on “Spelling & Grammar.”
  3. A pop-up window will appear. Click on “Options” at the bottom of the window.
  4. In the “When correcting spelling and grammar in Word” section, check the box next to “Check grammar with spelling.”
  5. Under “Writing Style,” select “Grammar & Refinements.”
  6. Click on “Settings” next to “Grammar & Refinements.”
  7. In the “Grammar Settings” window, check the box next to “Check grammar with spelling.”
  8. Click on “OK” to save the changes.
  9. Now, when you run a spell check on your document, the plagiarism checker will also run in the background.

How to Use the Plagiarism Checker on Microsoft Word?

To use the plagiarism checker on Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

  1. Open the document you want to check for plagiarism.
  2. Click on the “Review” tab at the top of the screen.
  3. In the “Proofing” section, click on “Spelling & Grammar.”
  4. The plagiarism checker will automatically run in the background and highlight any potential instances of plagiarism.
  5. Click on the highlighted text to see the source and determine if it needs to be properly cited.
  6. Make any necessary changes to ensure that your work is original and properly cited.

Other Plagiarism Detection Tools

While the built-in plagiarism checker on Microsoft Word is a useful tool, it may not catch all instances of plagiarism. There are other plagiarism detection tools available that can provide a more thorough analysis. Some popular options include Grammarly, Turnitin, and Copyscape. These tools offer more advanced features and can be used for a more comprehensive check of your document.

In conclusion, plagiarism is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. By using the built-in plagiarism checker on Microsoft Word, you can ensure that your work is original and properly cited. However, it is always a good idea to use multiple plagiarism detection tools for a more thorough check.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.