Noun Verb B1 — Intermediate /rɪˈpɔːt/

Report — Definition, Examples & Usage

A formal account of facts — and the act of giving one.

Quick Definition — Noun & Verb

Report (noun) — a formal written or spoken account of facts, findings, or events, typically produced after investigation or observation.
Report (verb) — to give or write a formal account of something; to communicate information to an authority or audience.

What Does Report Mean?

Report entered English in the 14th century via Old French reporter, itself from Latin reportare — meaning "to carry back". The prefix re- (back) combined with portare (to carry) conveys the idea of bringing information back to someone who needs it. The same Latin root gives us transport, import, export, and porter.

In modern British English report is one of the most versatile and high-frequency words in the language. As a noun it covers everything from a school report to an annual financial report. As a verb it appears in journalism ("the BBC reported that…"), the workplace ("report to your manager"), and formal writing ("the committee reported its findings"). Knowing both forms — and the collocations that surround them — is essential for B1+ learners.

Note that in British English the verb phrase report to has a workplace meaning — to be managed by, or to present oneself at — which is distinct from its journalistic use. Context makes the sense clear: "She reports to the head of department" (management hierarchy) versus "She reported on the summit" (journalism).

Example Sentences

SentenceLevelUsage note
The teacher gave each student a school report at the end of term. A2 report as countable noun — school context
The annual report showed strong growth last year. B1 annual report — fixed collocation in business
Journalists reported that the minister had resigned. B1 report + that-clause — news register
The independent inquiry will report on its findings next month. B2 report on — formal/official use of the verb
According to the report, levels of air pollution in urban areas have reached a critical threshold. C1 according to a report — academic/formal noun phrase

Common Collocations

CollocationExample
annual reportShareholders received the annual report in March.
progress reportThe project manager sent a progress report to the client.
news reportA news report confirmed the details of the accident.
write a reportStudents must write a report on their research findings.
submit a reportPlease submit your report by Friday afternoon.
file a reportShe went to the police station to file a report.
report toThe new assistant will report directly to the director.
report onThe journalist was sent abroad to report on the conflict.
final reportThe final report will be published at the end of the year.
written reportAll complaints must be submitted as a written report.

Usage Notes

Key Points for Learners

  • Noun or verb? The word report is spelled and pronounced identically as both noun and verb (/rɪˈpɔːt/). Context and grammar position tell you which it is: "The report was long" (noun, subject) versus "They report daily" (verb).
  • Verb patterns: Report as a verb can be followed by a that-clause ("It was reported that…"), the preposition on ("report on a topic"), or a noun object ("report the incident"). It can also be used passively: "The results were reported in the journal."
  • Register: Both the noun and verb lean formal or semi-formal. In casual conversation people more often say "tell" or "say" — e.g. "He told me he'd be late" rather than "He reported that he would be late."
  • Report vs. reporting: The gerund reporting refers to the ongoing activity or profession: "investigative reporting", "financial reporting". Use the gerund when you mean the practice itself rather than a single document.
  • British spelling note: There is no difference between British and American English for this word. Both spell it report and use the same core collocations.

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

According to the report, it says that sales increased. (redundant — "according to the report" already attributes the claim)

According to the report, sales increased last quarter.

The journalist reported about the summit. ("report about" is non-standard)

The journalist reported on the summit. (use "report on" when describing the topic covered)

She wrote a report about the progress of the project. (wordy)

She wrote a progress report on the project. (use the fixed collocation "progress report")

Related Words

reporter reporting reported reportedly reportage account findings summary review record

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “report”

What does report mean in English?
As a noun, a report is a formal written or spoken account of facts, findings, or events — for example, a school report or a news report. As a verb, to report means to give or communicate information about something, often in a formal or official context. Both uses are common at B1 level and above.
What is the difference between report and account?
Both words describe a factual description of events. A report tends to be structured and often written — it is used in professional, academic, and news contexts. An account is broader and can be spoken or informal: 'She gave an account of what happened.' In formal writing, report is generally the stronger and more precise choice.
How do you use report as a verb?
As a verb, report can be followed by a noun object ('The journalist reported the story'), a that-clause ('Scientists reported that temperatures had risen'), or the preposition on ('The committee will report on its findings'). It can also be used reflexively in British English: 'Please report to reception on arrival.'
What is the plural of report?
The plural is simply reports: 'Several reports confirmed the results.' Report is a regular countable noun. It can also be used in an uncountable sense in the phrase 'by all reports' or 'by report', meaning 'according to what people say'.
What collocations are common with report?
Common collocations include: annual report, progress report, final report, news report, police report, school report, written report, research report, file a report, submit a report, publish a report, and compile a report. Knowing these collocations will help your writing sound natural.
What is the difference between report and reporting?
Report is the base verb or countable noun. Reporting is the gerund (used as a noun) or the present participle: 'Reporting on the conflict was dangerous.' It also refers to the professional activity: 'investigative reporting'. Use reporting when you want to describe the process or practice of giving formal accounts.
Is report formal or informal?
The noun report is typically formal or semi-formal and is most common in written English — business documents, news articles, academic papers, and official communications. The verb to report has both formal uses ('The officer reported the incident') and slightly more neutral everyday uses ('He reported back to his manager').
What is reported speech?
Reported speech (also called indirect speech) is the grammatical structure used to describe what someone said without quoting their exact words. For example: Direct speech: 'I am tired.' Reported speech: 'She said that she was tired.' The word report gives us the related term reporting verb, which includes verbs such as said, told, asked, and announced.
What is the origin of the word report?
Report entered English in the 14th century via Old French reporter, itself from Latin reportare, meaning 'to carry back'. The prefix re- (back) and portare (to carry) together suggest the idea of bringing information back to someone. The same Latin root gives us transport, import, export, and porter.
How can I practise using report in English?
Use LexFizz's Complete the Sentence exercise to practise report in realistic contexts, or try the Flash Cards tool to learn report alongside its key collocations. For writing practice, try drafting a short report on a topic you know well — this forces you to use the formal register and vocabulary that go with the word naturally.