REPORT ON

📖 Definition

To 'report on' means to give a detailed account or description of an event or situation, often for a journalistic, academic, or formal purpose. It involves collecting information, analyzing the data, and presenting findings in a structured manner, typically to inform an audience about a specific subject matter or issue.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'report on' means to give a detailed account or description of an event or situation, often for a journalistic, academic, or formal purpose. It involves collecting information, analyzing the data, and presenting findings in a structured manner, typically to inform an audience about a specific subject matter or issue.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
'Report on' cannot be split by an object.
Register
Neutral
Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
'Report on' cannot take a direct object without a preposition.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple report on Journalists report on significant global events daily.
Past Simple reported on She reported on the election results yesterday.
Present Continuous reporting on He is reporting on the summit this week.
Present Perfect have reported on They have reported on the new policy extensively.

💡 When to Use

Journalistic settings
Use 'report on' when conveying information related to news or media, ensuring the details are presented accurately to the audience.
Example: "The columnist will report on the mayor's press conference."
Academic presentations
Employ 'report on' in academic settings to discuss findings from research or studies, providing comprehensive insights and analyses.
Example: "Students must report on their science experiments by Friday."
Business meetings
Use 'report on' in professional contexts to update colleagues or stakeholders about project developments or financial statuses.
Example: "The manager will report on quarterly earnings next week."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect preposition use
❌ Wrong: She will report in the new findings.
✅ Correct: She will report on the new findings.
💡 Tip: Remember: 'Report on' is the correct preposition choice.
Using as transitive
❌ Wrong: They report the issue.
✅ Correct: They report on the issue.
💡 Tip: Always include a preposition to connect with the subject.
Separable usage
❌ Wrong: He will report the disaster on.
✅ Correct: He will report on the disaster.
💡 Tip: 'Report on' stays together.
Practice

REPORT ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

cover document

Antonyms

conceal

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The journalist was sent to ___ the annual summit."

report in
report on
report about
report to

"To report on the world is to mirror its truths, for one must illuminate the depths and uncover wisdom in its unfolding tales."

In Context

In the late 19th century, pioneering journalist Nellie Bly embarked on a daring project to report on conditions inside a notorious mental asylum. Working for the New York World newspaper, Bly feigned insanity to gain entry into the Women's Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell's Island. Her goal was to report on the treatment of women who were often unjustly confined. Upon admission, she witnessed firsthand the harrowing conditions—unsanitary facilities, abusive staff, and inadequate medical care. Bly's determination to report on these injustices went beyond mere documentation; she intended to spark public outrage and reform. After ten days, her ruse was revealed, and the newspaper's legal team secured her release. The New York World promptly published her exposé, titled 'Ten Days in a Mad-House.' Bly's daring undercover efforts to report on the asylum's realities resonated deeply with the American public. The exposé resulted in a grand jury investigation, leading to significant improvements in the treatment of the mentally ill and increased budget allocations for asylums. Nellie Bly's courage to report on hidden truths transformed her into a pioneering figure in investigative journalism, highlighting the power of media to effect social change.

Frequently Asked Questions about Report On

What is the origin of report on?

+
The phrasal verb 'report on' originates from Middle English. 'Report' derives from Latin 'reportare', meaning to bring back, combined with 'on', emphasizing the focus or subject of the report.

Can report on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Report on' is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality allows usage in academic papers, journalistic articles, and casual conversations, making it a widely applicable phrase.

What is the difference between report on and cover?

+
While both mean to convey information, 'report on' implies more detailed analysis or investigation, often used in written formats, whereas 'cover' is broader, including general news or event coverage.
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National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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