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A1 noun #282 most common 16 min read

report

Top 282

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips report in 30 Seconds

Explanation report in your Level:

At the A1 level, a report is simply a document or a talk that gives information. You might see it in school, like a 'school report' that tells your parents your grades. You might hear a 'weather report' on the radio that tells you if it will rain. It is a very common word for any piece of information that is written down or spoken clearly to tell people what is happening. You use it when you want to talk about facts. For example, 'I have a report for my teacher.' It is a basic noun that helps you describe how we share information in everyday life. You don't need to worry about complex types of reports yet; just think of it as a 'fact paper' or a 'news talk.'

At the A2 level, you start to use 'report' in more specific ways. You might talk about a 'news report' you saw on TV or a 'book report' you wrote for class. You understand that a report is usually about something that happened in the past or is happening now. You can use verbs like 'write a report,' 'give a report,' or 'read a report.' You also learn that reports are often formal. For example, if there is an accident, the police will make a 'police report.' You can describe a report using simple adjectives like 'good,' 'bad,' 'long,' or 'short.' It is a countable noun, so you remember to say 'one report' or 'two reports.'

At the B1 level, you recognize that a report is a structured document used in professional and academic settings. You might use it to describe a 'progress report' at work or a 'lab report' in a science class. You understand that a report should be objective and based on evidence. You start using more complex phrases like 'according to the report' or 'the report suggests.' You also learn about different parts of a report, such as the 'introduction' or the 'conclusion.' You can distinguish between a 'written report' and a 'verbal report.' You are becoming more aware of the formal tone required when discussing or writing reports in a business or school environment.

At the B2 level, you use 'report' with more precision and variety. You can discuss 'annual reports,' 'market reports,' or 'feasibility reports.' You understand that a report often involves analysis and recommendations, not just a list of facts. You can use a wider range of verbs, such as 'compile,' 'submit,' 'analyze,' or 'circulate a report.' You are also aware of the word's use in different registers, such as the 'report of a gun' in literature. You can critique a report's accuracy or depth, using adjectives like 'comprehensive,' 'biased,' or 'preliminary.' You understand how reports function within an organization to facilitate decision-making and accountability.

At the C1 level, you are comfortable with the nuances of 'report' in highly specialized contexts. You can discuss 'audit reports,' 'intelligence reports,' or 'clinical reports' with an understanding of the specific conventions of those fields. You recognize how the structure and language of a report can influence its reception and impact. You can use the word in idiomatic expressions and understand its subtle differences from synonyms like 'account,' 'brief,' or 'treatise.' You are capable of producing complex reports yourself, ensuring they meet professional standards for clarity, objectivity, and evidence-based reasoning. You understand the legal and ethical implications of filing or publishing certain types of reports.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'report' and its place in the English language. You can use it rhetorically to discuss the power of information and the role of reporting in society. You understand its historical development and its use in diverse literary and technical genres. You can navigate the most complex reporting structures in international organizations or high-level academic research. You are sensitive to the subtle connotations of the word in different cultural and professional contexts. Whether you are analyzing a government white paper or a sophisticated financial report, you can interpret the underlying data and the strategic intent behind the reporting process with total fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

report in 30 Seconds

A report is a formal document or spoken account that provides facts and information about a specific event, situation, or investigation to an audience.
It is commonly used in professional, academic, and journalistic settings to ensure accountability, document progress, and keep the public or authorities informed.
The word can also refer to a loud, sudden noise, such as a gunshot, though this usage is much less common than the informational one.
Grammatically, it is a countable noun that often pairs with verbs like 'write,' 'submit,' 'read,' and 'file,' and prepositions like 'on' or 'about.'

The word report is a fundamental noun in the English language, primarily used to describe a document or a spoken account that provides specific information about a situation, event, or investigation. At its core, a report is a tool for communication that prioritizes facts, data, and objective observations over personal opinions or creative storytelling. When you hear the word report, you should think of a structured delivery of knowledge intended for an audience that needs to make decisions or stay informed. This word is ubiquitous in professional, academic, and civic life because it serves as the primary vehicle for accountability and record-keeping.

Professional Context: In the workplace, a report might be a monthly sales summary, a project update, or a financial audit. It is a formal way of showing what has been accomplished and what challenges remain.
Educational Context: Students often receive a school report, which is a document from teachers explaining how well the student is doing in their classes. It lists grades and comments on behavior.
Journalistic Context: In the news, a report is a story about a current event, such as a weather report or a news report about a local election. It aims to tell the public what is happening in the world.

The timing of a report is often crucial. Some reports are daily, while others are annual. The purpose remains the same: to organize complex information into a format that is easy to understand. For example, a doctor might write a medical report after examining a patient. This report ensures that other healthcare providers understand the patient's condition and the treatment plan. Without reports, information would be lost, and organizations would struggle to maintain a clear history of their activities. The word implies a certain level of formality and seriousness, suggesting that the information contained within is reliable and has been verified.

The manager asked for a detailed report on the project's progress by Friday afternoon.

Furthermore, a report can be a verbal statement. If a witness sees a crime, they give a report to the police. This spoken account is just as much a report as a printed document because it conveys essential facts to an authority figure. In every case, the person providing the report is acting as a messenger of information. They have gathered data, observed events, or analyzed situations and are now presenting their findings to others. This act of reporting is essential for the functioning of modern society, as it allows for the sharing of expertise and the monitoring of progress across all sectors of human endeavor.

According to the latest weather report, it is going to rain heavily this weekend.

In summary, the noun report is used whenever facts need to be communicated clearly and formally. Whether it is a child's school grades, a company's profit margins, or a journalist's description of a fire, the report is the bridge between the event and the people who need to know about it. It is a word that carries the weight of evidence and the expectation of accuracy.

I need to read the annual report before the meeting starts tomorrow morning.

The police officer took a full report from the person who saw the accident.

Her science report was very long and included many charts and pictures.

Using the noun report correctly involves understanding its grammatical role and the common verbs that accompany it. As a countable noun, it can be singular (a report) or plural (reports). It often follows verbs of creation, such as 'write,' 'prepare,' or 'compile,' and verbs of delivery, such as 'give,' 'submit,' 'present,' or 'file.' Understanding these combinations is key to sounding natural in English.

Verbs of Creation: Commonly used with 'write,' 'make,' or 'draw up.' Example: 'She is writing a report on global warming.' This implies the process of gathering data and putting it into words.
Verbs of Submission: Commonly used with 'submit,' 'hand in,' or 'file.' Example: 'The detective filed a report after the investigation.' This refers to the official act of giving the document to an authority.
Verbs of Reception: Commonly used with 'read,' 'receive,' or 'study.' Example: 'The board of directors studied the financial report carefully.'

Adjectives are frequently used to describe the nature or quality of a report. You might hear about a 'detailed report,' an 'accurate report,' a 'brief report,' or a 'confidential report.' These adjectives provide more context about what the reader should expect. For instance, a 'preliminary report' is one that is released early, before all the facts are known, while a 'comprehensive report' covers every single detail of a subject.

The news report provided a clear account of the events that took place during the protest.

Prepositions also play a vital role. We usually say a report 'on' or 'about' a topic. For example, 'a report on the economy' or 'a report about the missing person.' When referring to the source of the information, we might say 'according to the report.' This phrase is very common in journalism and academic writing to attribute facts to a specific document. Another common structure is 'in the report,' which identifies where specific information can be found.

In his report, the consultant suggested several ways to improve the company's efficiency.

In more formal settings, you might encounter the phrase 'to make a report.' This is often used by officials, like police officers or military personnel, to describe the act of formally stating facts. For example, 'The sentry had to make a report every hour.' This emphasizes the duty and the formal nature of the communication. Similarly, 'a report of' is used to describe the content, such as 'a report of a fire' or 'a report of a sighting.' This structure is often used when the information is still being verified.

There have been several reports of strange lights in the sky over the last few weeks.

The annual report is over two hundred pages long and contains many complex tables.

I am waiting for the lab report to confirm the results of the blood test.

Finally, consider the difference between a 'verbal report' and a 'written report.' A verbal report is spoken, often in a meeting or over the phone, while a written report is a physical or digital document. Both are equally valid uses of the noun, but the context usually makes it clear which one is being discussed. By mastering these patterns, you can use the word 'report' with confidence in any situation.

The word report is one of the most common nouns in the English language because it is essential to how we share information in various environments. You will hear it in the morning on the news, during your workday in the office, and even in casual conversations about school or the weather. Its presence across different domains of life makes it a versatile and indispensable term.

In the News Media: Journalists use the word constantly. You will hear phrases like 'live report,' 'investigative report,' or 'special report.' News anchors often say, 'And now, a report from our correspondent in London.'
In Corporate Offices: Business meetings are often centered around reports. Managers ask for 'status reports,' 'expense reports,' or 'market analysis reports.' It is the language of professional accountability.
In Schools and Universities: Students and parents frequently discuss 'report cards' or 'progress reports.' In higher education, students write 'lab reports' or 'research reports' as part of their coursework.

Beyond these structured environments, you will also hear 'report' in the context of public safety and law. Police officers 'take a report' when a crime is committed. Citizens 'file a report' if they lose their passport or have their car stolen. In these cases, the word signifies an official record that can be used later in legal proceedings. Even in the military, 'reporting for duty' is a standard phrase, though that uses the verb form; the noun form appears in 'intelligence reports' which are vital for strategic planning.

The evening news began with a shocking report on the local government's spending habits.

Scientific and medical fields are also heavy users of the word. A 'clinical report' details the results of a drug trial, while a 'pathology report' explains the findings of a laboratory test on a tissue sample. In these contexts, the word 'report' is synonymous with precision and scientific truth. Doctors rely on these reports to make life-saving decisions, highlighting the word's importance in high-stakes situations. When a scientist publishes a 'research report,' they are sharing their discoveries with the global community, contributing to the collective knowledge of humanity.

I just received my credit report, and I was surprised to see how much my score had improved.

In the digital age, the word has taken on new meanings. We often see buttons on social media to 'report' a post or a user. While this is the verb form, the result is a 'user report' that moderators review. Similarly, software developers look at 'bug reports' to fix errors in their code. This modern usage shows how the concept of reporting—providing information about a problem or a situation—remains central even as our technology changes. Whether it is a paper document from 1950 or a digital notification in 2024, a report is always about getting the facts to the right people.

The pilot gave a weather report to the passengers before the plane took off.

The government's report on education suggests that more funding is needed for primary schools.

I need to finish my book report by Monday morning if I want to get a good grade.

In conclusion, you will hear 'report' everywhere from the courtroom to the classroom. It is a word that signals the transition from action to documentation, from event to analysis. By paying attention to how it is used in these different settings, you will gain a deeper understanding of how information is structured and shared in the English-speaking world.

While the word report is relatively straightforward, learners of English often make a few common mistakes regarding its grammar, its distinction from similar words, and its usage in specific contexts. Understanding these pitfalls will help you communicate more accurately and professionally.

Confusing Noun and Verb: Learners sometimes forget that 'report' can be both. For example, saying 'I need to report' when you mean 'I need to write a report' can be confusing. The first is an action; the second is a task involving a document.
Countability Errors: Some learners treat 'report' as an uncountable noun, like 'information.' You cannot say 'I have many report.' You must say 'I have many reports' or 'I have a lot of reports.'
Preposition Confusion: Using the wrong preposition is common. It is a 'report on' or 'report about' a topic, not a 'report of' a topic (unless you are reporting a specific event like 'a report of a crime').

Another frequent mistake is confusing 'report' with 'news' or 'story.' While a news story can be a report, not all reports are news. A report is typically more formal, structured, and factual than a general story. If you tell a friend about your weekend, that is a story. If you write a document for your boss about your weekend sales, that is a report. The distinction lies in the level of formality and the intended purpose of the information.

Incorrect: I am writing a report of the new project.
Correct: I am writing a report on the new project.

Learners also struggle with the difference between 'report' and 'account.' An account is often more personal or narrative, while a report is objective. If you describe what you saw during a robbery, that is an 'eyewitness account.' If the police then compile all the evidence into a document, that is a 'police report.' Using 'report' for a purely personal, subjective narrative can sound overly formal or slightly off-target.

Incorrect: She gave a report of her feelings.
Correct: She gave an account of her feelings.

In academic writing, a common mistake is failing to cite the report correctly. Since a report is a factual document, you must specify which report you are referring to. Saying 'The report says...' is too vague. You should say 'The 2023 WHO report states...' This adds credibility and clarity to your writing. Additionally, avoid using 'report' when you mean 'essay.' An essay is an argument or an analysis of ideas, whereas a report is a presentation of facts and findings.

Incorrect: I have to write a report about why Shakespeare is great.
Correct: I have to write an essay about why Shakespeare is great.

Incorrect: There are three report on the desk.
Correct: There are three reports on the desk.

Incorrect: According to report, the company is doing well.
Correct: According to the report, the company is doing well.

By being mindful of these common errors, you can ensure that your use of 'report' is both grammatically correct and contextually appropriate. Remember that 'report' implies structure, facts, and formality. If your communication doesn't have those elements, you might need a different word.

To truly master the word report, it is helpful to understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance and register. While 'report' is a very versatile word, sometimes a more specific term can make your writing or speaking more precise. Depending on the context—whether it is legal, academic, or casual—different alternatives might be more suitable.

Account vs. Report: An 'account' is often a narrative description of an event, sometimes from a personal perspective. A 'report' is more formal and objective. You give an account of your travels, but you write a report on a business trip.
Statement vs. Report: A 'statement' is a formal spoken or written communication, often used in legal or official contexts. A 'witness statement' is a type of report, but 'statement' often refers to a single declaration, whereas 'report' implies a more detailed document.
Record vs. Report: A 'record' is a piece of evidence about the past, often kept for future reference. A 'report' is a presentation of that information. You might look at historical records to write a report.

In a business setting, you might use the word 'briefing' or 'summary.' A 'briefing' is a short, concise report given to someone to prepare them for a task or meeting. A 'summary' is a condensed version of a longer report. If your boss is busy, they might ask for a 'one-page summary' instead of the full 'fifty-page report.' Using these terms correctly shows that you understand the needs of your audience and the value of their time.

The CEO requested a brief summary of the findings rather than the full technical report.

In academic or scientific contexts, 'paper' or 'article' are common alternatives. A 'research paper' is a type of report that includes original research and analysis. A 'journal article' is a report published in a scholarly publication. While 'report' is still used (e.g., 'lab report'), 'paper' often implies a higher level of theoretical discussion. Similarly, in the news, a 'dispatch' is a report sent from a distant location, often in a military or foreign correspondence context.

The journalist's dispatch from the front lines provided a harrowing account of the conflict.

For technical issues, 'documentation' is a useful collective noun. Instead of saying 'I have many reports on how the software works,' you can say 'The software documentation is very thorough.' This covers all the reports, manuals, and guides related to the product. In a legal context, a 'brief' is a written report used in a court case to argue a specific point. Each of these words carries a specific weight and is used in a specific professional 'tribe.'

The lawyer spent all night preparing the legal brief for the upcoming trial.

The doctor's assessment of the patient was included in the final medical report.

The committee issued a bulletin to update the public on the situation.

In conclusion, while 'report' is your go-to word for factual documents, exploring these alternatives will help you refine your meaning. Whether you need the narrative feel of an 'account,' the brevity of a 'summary,' or the legal weight of a 'statement,' choosing the right word will make your communication more effective and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'report' has been used in English since the 14th century. Its meaning has evolved from simply bringing back news to the highly structured, formal documents we use in business and science today.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /rɪˈpɔːt/

US /rɪˈpɔːrt/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-PORT.

Rhymes With

port court short sort sport fort wart snort

Common Errors

Stressing the first syllable (RE-port).
Pronouncing the 'e' in the first syllable too clearly like 'ree'.
Dropping the final 't' sound.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'support'.
Making the 'o' sound too short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word itself is very easy to recognize and read in most contexts.

Writing 2/5

Requires knowledge of common collocations and prepositions (on/about).

Speaking 1/5

Easy to pronounce, though the stress must be on the second syllable.

Listening 1/5

Very common word that is usually clear in spoken English.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

news paper tell write fact

Learn Next

analysis document summary investigation official

Advanced

monograph treatise dispatch brief audit

Grammar to Know

Countable Nouns

I have one report. He has two reports.

Prepositions of Topic

A report ON climate change. A report ABOUT the accident.

Compound Nouns

Weather report, news report, school report.

Reporting Verbs

The report states that... The report suggests that...

Passive Voice in Formal Reports

The report was written by a team of experts.

Examples by Level

I have a school report today.

J'ai un bulletin scolaire aujourd'hui.

Uses 'a' before the singular noun.

The weather report says it is sunny.

Le bulletin météo dit qu'il fait beau.

Compound noun: weather report.

She wrote a short report.

Elle a écrit un court rapport.

Adjective 'short' describes the noun.

Is the report on the desk?

Le rapport est-il sur le bureau ?

Definite article 'the' refers to a specific report.

I need to read this report.

Je dois lire ce rapport.

Demonstrative 'this' points to the noun.

The news report is at six.

Le reportage est à six heures.

Refers to a scheduled broadcast.

He gave a report to the class.

Il a fait un exposé à la classe.

Verb 'gave' indicates a verbal presentation.

The report has many pictures.

Le rapport contient beaucoup d'images.

Plural noun 'pictures' follows 'has'.

I finished my book report last night.

J'ai fini mon compte rendu de lecture hier soir.

Possessive 'my' shows ownership.

The police wrote a report about the accident.

La police a rédigé un rapport sur l'accident.

Preposition 'about' indicates the topic.

There are many reports of heavy snow.

Il y a de nombreux signalements de fortes chutes de neige.

Plural form 'reports' used with 'many'.

She is preparing a report for her boss.

Elle prépare un rapport pour son patron.

Present continuous verb 'preparing'.

The doctor's report was very clear.

Le rapport du médecin était très clair.

Possessive 'doctor's' modifies the noun.

Did you see the report on the news?

As-tu vu le reportage aux informations ?

Question form with 'did'.

The annual report is ready now.

Le rapport annuel est prêt maintenant.

Adjective 'annual' specifies the type.

I have to file a report for the lost keys.

Je dois déposer une main courante pour les clés perdues.

Verb 'file' is common in official contexts.

According to the report, sales have increased.

Selon le rapport, les ventes ont augmenté.

Common introductory phrase.

The committee will publish its report next month.

Le comité publiera son rapport le mois prochain.

Future tense with 'will'.

I need a progress report on the construction.

J'ai besoin d'un état d'avancement des travaux.

Specific type: progress report.

The report highlights several important issues.

Le rapport souligne plusieurs problèmes importants.

Verb 'highlights' shows the report's function.

We received a confidential report about the merger.

Nous avons reçu un rapport confidentiel sur la fusion.

Adjective 'confidential' adds nuance.

The student submitted a detailed lab report.

L'étudiant a soumis un compte rendu de laboratoire détaillé.

Formal verb 'submitted'.

The report was based on extensive research.

Le rapport était basé sur des recherches approfondies.

Passive voice 'was based on'.

Can you summarize the main points of the report?

Pouvez-vous résumer les points principaux du rapport ?

Verb 'summarize' relates to handling reports.

The preliminary report suggests a technical failure.

Le rapport préliminaire suggère une défaillance technique.

Adjective 'preliminary' indicates timing.

She was asked to compile a report on market trends.

On lui a demandé de compiler un rapport sur les tendances du marché.

Verb 'compile' implies gathering data.

The report's findings were disputed by the opposition.

Les conclusions du rapport ont été contestées par l'opposition.

Possessive 'report's' used with 'findings'.

An independent report cleared the company of any wrongdoing.

Un rapport indépendant a blanchi l'entreprise de toute faute.

Adjective 'independent' adds credibility.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the situation.

Le rapport fournit une vue d'ensemble complète de la situation.

Adjective 'comprehensive' means thorough.

We are awaiting the final report from the consultants.

Nous attendons le rapport final des consultants.

Present continuous 'are awaiting'.

The report draws attention to the lack of resources.

Le rapport attire l'attention sur le manque de ressources.

Idiomatic phrase 'draws attention to'.

The sudden report of a gun startled the crowd.

La détonation soudaine d'une arme a fait sursauter la foule.

Rare usage meaning 'loud noise'.

The report underscores the urgency of climate action.

Le rapport souligne l'urgence d'une action pour le climat.

Formal verb 'underscores'.

The findings in the report are subject to further verification.

Les conclusions du rapport sont sujettes à une vérification ultérieure.

Complex phrase 'subject to further verification'.

The report was commissioned to investigate the fraud allegations.

Le rapport a été commandé pour enquêter sur les allégations de fraude.

Verb 'commissioned' indicates official request.

There is a glaring omission in the latest government report.

Il y a une omission flagrante dans le dernier rapport du gouvernement.

Strong adjective 'glaring' with 'omission'.

The report's methodology has been criticized by academics.

La méthodologie du rapport a été critiquée par des universitaires.

Noun 'methodology' refers to the report's structure.

The report serves as a blueprint for future urban development.

Le rapport sert de plan directeur pour le développement urbain futur.

Metaphorical use of 'blueprint'.

The leaked report caused a significant drop in share prices.

Le rapport divulgué a provoqué une baisse significative du cours des actions.

Adjective 'leaked' implies unauthorized release.

The report provides an insightful analysis of the social dynamics.

Le rapport fournit une analyse perspicace des dynamiques sociales.

Adjective 'insightful' suggests deep understanding.

The report meticulously documents the historical injustices.

Le rapport documente méticuleusement les injustices historiques.

Adverb 'meticulously' modifies the verb 'documents'.

The report's conclusions are predicated on several assumptions.

Les conclusions du rapport reposent sur plusieurs hypothèses.

Formal phrase 'predicated on'.

The report is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication.

Le rapport témoigne du travail acharné et du dévouement de l'équipe.

Metaphorical use of 'testament'.

The report's publication was timed to coincide with the summit.

La publication du rapport a été programmée pour coïncider avec le sommet.

Passive construction with 'was timed'.

The report glosses over the more controversial aspects of the deal.

Le rapport passe sous silence les aspects les plus controversés de l'accord.

Phrasal verb 'glosses over' means to ignore.

The report provides a nuanced perspective on the geopolitical crisis.

Le rapport fournit une perspective nuancée sur la crise géopolitique.

Adjective 'nuanced' implies complexity.

The report's findings are corroborated by independent studies.

Les conclusions du rapport sont corroborées par des études indépendantes.

Formal verb 'corroborated' means confirmed.

The report's rhetoric was clearly designed to appease the public.

La rhétorique du rapport était clairement conçue pour apaiser le public.

Noun 'rhetoric' refers to the style of language.

Synonyms

account record statement summary briefing

Antonyms

silence secret concealment

Common Collocations

annual report

weather report

news report

police report

progress report

detailed report

preliminary report

confidential report

verbal report

lab report

Common Phrases

according to the report

— Used to say that information comes from a specific document or account.

According to the report, the population is growing rapidly.

file a report

— To officially submit a document to an authority, like the police.

She had to file a report after her purse was snatched.

make a report

— To give a formal spoken or written account of something.

The witness was asked to make a report of what she saw.

submit a report

— To give a completed report to a person in authority, like a boss or teacher.

Please submit your report by the end of the day.

draw up a report

— To prepare or write a formal document.

The committee will draw up a report on the new policy.

a report on

— Specifies the subject matter of the document.

I am writing a report on the history of the city.

in the report

— Refers to information contained within the document.

The statistics are clearly shown in the report.

receive a report

— To get a document or account from someone else.

We received a report that the road was blocked.

study the report

— To read and analyze a report carefully.

The experts spent weeks studying the environmental report.

publish a report

— To make a report available to the public.

The university published a report on student health.

Often Confused With

report vs news

News is the information itself; a report is the document or account that carries it.

report vs story

A story can be fiction or personal; a report is usually factual and formal.

report vs essay

An essay argues a point; a report presents facts and findings.

Idioms & Expressions

"bring someone to book"

— To punish someone or make them explain their behavior, often involving a report.

The corrupt officials were finally brought to book after the report was released.

formal

"give a good account of oneself"

— To perform well in a situation, which would be reflected in a report.

The young athlete gave a good account of himself in the race.

neutral

"off the record"

— Information given that is not intended to be included in an official report.

The politician spoke to the journalist off the record.

informal

"on the record"

— Information given that can be officially reported and quoted.

His comments were made on the record during the interview.

formal

"blow the whistle"

— To report illegal or dishonest activity to the authorities.

He decided to blow the whistle on the company's illegal dumping.

informal

"keep tabs on"

— To monitor someone or something, often resulting in regular reports.

The manager keeps tabs on the project's progress every day.

informal

"call to account"

— To demand an explanation for someone's actions, often via a report.

The director was called to account for the missing funds.

formal

"run a report"

— To use software to generate a document based on data.

I'll run a report on the sales figures for you.

professional

"word of mouth"

— Information spread by talking rather than through an official report.

The news spread by word of mouth before the official report was released.

neutral

"paper trail"

— A series of documents or reports that show what has happened.

The investigators followed the paper trail to find the culprit.

neutral

Easily Confused

report vs Account

Both describe events.

An account is more narrative and personal; a report is more formal and objective.

He gave an account of his holiday, but wrote a report on his business trip.

report vs Statement

Both are formal communications.

A statement is often a single declaration; a report is a more detailed document.

The witness made a statement, which was included in the police report.

report vs Record

Both store information.

A record is the raw data or evidence; a report is the presentation of that data.

We checked the records to write the final report.

report vs Summary

Both give information.

A summary is a short version of something else; a report is the full document.

I read the summary because the report was too long.

report vs Briefing

Both are informative.

A briefing is a short report given before a task; a report is often given after.

The pilot gave a briefing before the flight and a report after.

Sentence Patterns

I have a [type] report.

I have a school report.

She wrote a report about [topic].

She wrote a report about the park.

According to the report, [fact].

According to the report, the price is high.

The report provides a [adjective] overview of [topic].

The report provides a detailed overview of the project.

The report highlights the need for [action].

The report highlights the need for more investment.

The report's findings are predicated on [assumption].

The report's findings are predicated on stable market conditions.

The [type] report is [adjective].

The weather report is good.

Did you see the [type] report?

Did you see the news report?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

I have many report. → I have many reports.
Report is a countable noun, so you must use the plural form 'reports' with 'many.'
The report about the accident was very news. → The report about the accident was very informative.
'News' is a noun, not an adjective. You should use an adjective like 'informative' or 'interesting' to describe the report.
I am writing a report of global warming. → I am writing a report on global warming.
Use the preposition 'on' or 'about' to describe the subject of a report.
He gave a report for his feelings. → He gave an account of his feelings.
A report is for objective facts. For personal feelings, 'account' or 'description' is a better word.
According to report, the company is failing. → According to the report, the company is failing.
You need the definite article 'the' because you are referring to a specific report.

Tips

Use the right preposition

Always use 'on' or 'about' for the subject of a report. For example, 'a report on the economy' is correct, while 'a report for the economy' is not.

Learn compound nouns

Words like 'weather report' and 'news report' are very common. Learning them as single units will help you speak more naturally.

Use formal verbs

In an office, use verbs like 'submit,' 'prepare,' or 'compile' instead of just 'do' or 'make' when talking about reports.

Keep it objective

A report should be about facts. Avoid using words like 'I think' or 'I feel.' Instead, use 'The data shows' or 'The report suggests.'

Stress the second syllable

The word is pronounced re-PORT. Putting the stress on the first syllable (RE-port) is a common mistake for learners.

Listen for 'According to...'

This phrase is a big clue that someone is about to share information from a report. It helps you identify the source of the facts.

Read real reports

Try reading a simple news report or a weather report in English every day. This will help you see how the word is used in real life.

Understand the 'Report Card'

In English-speaking countries, school reports are a big deal. Knowing this will help you understand jokes or stories about school life.

Report vs. News

Remember that 'news' is the general category, but a 'report' is a specific piece of information or a specific document.

Use bullet points

When you write a report, bullet points make your facts much easier to read. This is a standard style in English-speaking workplaces.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'RE-PORT'. You are 'PORT-ing' (carrying) information 'RE' (back) to someone who needs it. A reporter carries the news back to the station.

Visual Association

Imagine a person carrying a heavy folder (the report) back from a distant place to a waiting boss at a desk.

Word Web

News School Business Police Facts Document Information Account

Challenge

Try to use the word 'report' in three different ways today: once about the weather, once about your work or school, and once about a news story you heard.

Word Origin

The word 'report' comes from the Old French word 'reporter,' which means 'to bring back.' This Old French word was derived from the Latin 'reportare,' where 're-' means 'back' and 'portare' means 'to carry.' Thus, the original sense of the word was to 'carry back' information from one place to another.

Original meaning: To carry back or bring back information.

Indo-European (Latin -> Romance -> English)

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'reporting' someone can have negative connotations, such as 'tattling' in school or 'snitching' in other contexts.

In the UK, 'report' is the standard term for the document parents get from school. In the US, 'report card' is more common.

The Mueller Report (a famous US political document). Minority Report (a famous science fiction story and movie). The Warren Report (the official report on the JFK assassination).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School

book report
school report
report card
write a report

Work

annual report
progress report
submit a report
monthly report

News

weather report
news report
live report
special report

Police

police report
file a report
accident report
incident report

Science

lab report
research report
technical report
final report

Conversation Starters

"Have you seen the latest weather report for this weekend?"

"What did your teacher say in your last school report?"

"Do you have to write many reports for your job?"

"Did you hear the news report about the big fire downtown?"

"Can you help me finish this book report before tomorrow?"

Journal Prompts

Write a short report about what you did yesterday. Include only the facts.

Describe a time you were happy with a school or work report you received.

If you were a news reporter, what kind of report would you like to make?

Imagine you found a mysterious report on the street. What does it say?

Why do you think reports are important for a company or a school?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As a noun, it means a document or account (e.g., 'a school report'). As a verb, it means the act of giving information (e.g., 'to report a crime').

An essay is usually about ideas and arguments, while a report is about facts, data, and findings. Reports also have a more structured layout with headings.

Yes, but usually only when referring to an event, like 'a report of a fire' or 'a report of a crime.' For topics, use 'on' or 'about.'

Yes, it is countable. You can have one report, two reports, or many reports. Don't use it like 'information' which is uncountable.

It means that the information you are sharing comes from a specific report. It is a way to show where you got your facts.

In the US, a report card is a document that shows a student's grades for a school term. In the UK, it is often just called a 'school report.'

In a literary context, this means the loud noise or bang that a gun makes when it is fired. It is a more old-fashioned use of the word.

Start with a clear title, use headings, stick to the facts, and make sure your information is organized logically. Always proofread for accuracy.

An annual report is a document published by a company every year to tell its shareholders about its financial health and activities.

Yes, a 'verbal report' is a spoken account of information, often given in a meeting or over the radio, like a weather report.