Plagiarism isn’t always as obvious as copying and pasting someone else’s work. It can take many forms—some intentional, others accidental—but all of them can have serious consequences in academic settings. Understanding the different types of plagiarism is essential not just for avoiding mistakes, but also for building your skills as a responsible researcher and writer.

In the sections that follow, you’ll explore the most common forms of plagiarism, including direct plagiarism, self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, and accidental plagiarism. Each tab includes definitions, examples, and tips on how to avoid falling into these traps. By recognizing the different ways plagiarism can occur, you'll be better equipped to cite sources properly and maintain academic integrity in all your work.

Definitions for this section are taken, with permission, from Harvard College Writing Program, What Constitutes Plagiarism. The definition of self-plagiarism is adapted, with permission, from Northern Illinois University Faculty Development and Instructional Design Center Academic Dishonesty Definitions and Types and San Jose State University Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, Self-Plagiarism.