The correct phrase that describes what it means to paraphrase is: to use your own words.
The phrase that describes what it means to paraphrase is "to use your own words." Paraphrasing is the act of restating someone else's ideas or words in your own words while still conveying the same meaning. It is different from using a direct quote, where you use someone else's exact words. To paraphrase, you need to understand the original text or idea and then express it using your own language and sentence structure. This technique is often used to clarify or simplify complex information, avoid plagiarism, or tailor information to a specific audience.