Report vs. Article: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Hifza Nasir || Published on July 20, 2024
A report presents findings or results, often following research or analysis, while an article is a written piece on a wide range of topics, primarily for information or entertainment.
Key Differences
Reports are structured documents focused on conveying the outcomes of specific investigations, studies, or analyses. They are typically formal, including sections like abstracts, methodologies, results, and conclusions to guide the reader through the findings systematically. On the other hand, articles appear in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms, covering various subjects from news and research to opinion pieces and features.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
While reports are often associated with academic, scientific, or business contexts, requiring a certain level of expertise from the reader to fully understand the technical content or data presented, articles aim to be accessible to a general audience.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 20, 2024
Articles might simplify complex subjects or present information in a storytelling format to ensure wider comprehension and appeal. In contrast, reports assume a background understanding of the topic at hand, utilizing specific jargon and detailed analysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
The audience for reports is generally more targeted, consisting of professionals, academics, or policymakers interested in the report's specific findings or recommendations. This audience expects a high level of detail, accuracy, and objectivity. Conversely, articles cater to a more diverse audience, which can include anyone from casual readers to experts, depending on the article's content, style, and publication medium.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 20, 2024
Reports are often published by organizations, research institutions, or government bodies and might be distributed within specific professional or academic circles. Some reports may be made publicly available, but their circulation is generally more restricted compared to articles. Articles are widely published across various media platforms, including newspapers, magazines, websites, and social media, aiming for maximum reach and engagement among the public.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To present detailed findings or analysis on specific issues.
To inform, entertain, or opine on a wide range of topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
Structure
Structured with sections like abstract, methodology, results
Flexible, ranging from formal to informal layouts.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 20, 2024
Audience
Targeted professionals, academics, or policymakers.
General public or specific interest groups.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
Style
Formal, objective, and technical.
Varies widely from formal to conversational tones.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
Publication Medium
Academic journals, corporate or government documents.
Newspapers, magazines, websites, blogs.
Dua Fatima
Jul 20, 2024
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Intent
To inform decision-making, document findings.
To educate, entertain, or provide opinions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
Accessibility
Requires background knowledge or expertise.
Generally designed to be accessible to a broad audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
Dissemination
Restricted to specific professional or academic circles.
Wide publication across various platforms for maximum reach.
Dua Fatima
Jul 20, 2024
Report and Article Definitions
Report
A document presenting comprehensive details of a study or project.
The research team published a report on climate change impacts.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A piece of writing on a particular subject in a newspaper or magazine.
She read an interesting article about gardening.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
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Report
An outcome of professional research.
The medical report indicated significant findings in cancer research.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A non-fictional written composition that forms an independent part of a publication.
The journal published an article on ancient history.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Report
Formal presentation of facts or findings.
The financial audit concluded with a detailed report.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A detailed discussion or analysis of a topic.
The magazine featured an article on renewable energy trends.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
A structured analysis of specific events or data.
The annual sales report highlighted this year's market trends.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
Content intended for information or entertainment online.
He wrote an article on how to improve writing skills.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
A document used for informing decisions.
The feasibility report will guide the new product's development.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
An opinion piece expressing the writer's viewpoints.
The editorial article criticized the new city policy.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
To make or present an official or formal account of
The study reported a decline in heart disease. The audit reports that the company lost money.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
To give an official account or statement of; as, a treasurer reports the receipts and expenditures.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Article
Any of the words belonging to this part of speech. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
To make a report, or response, in respect of a matter inquired of, a duty enjoined, or information expected; as, the committee will report at twelve o'clock.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
Hifza Nasir
Mar 05, 2024
Report
A formal account of the proceedings or transactions of a group
A company's annual report.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Report
To write or provide an account or summation of for publication or broadcast
Report the news.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 05, 2024
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Dua Fatima
Mar 05, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are reports accessible to the general public?
While some reports are publicly available, they often require background knowledge or expertise for full comprehension.
Dua Fatima
Jul 20, 2024
Who writes reports?
Reports are written by experts, researchers, or professionals specializing in the subject matter of the report.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
What types of articles are there?
There are various types of articles, including news, features, opinion pieces, research summaries, and reviews.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 20, 2024
Can anyone publish an article?
Technically, anyone can publish an article, especially with the proliferation of online platforms, but quality and credibility vary widely.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
What makes a good report?
A good report is well-structured, clear, accurate, objective, and provides in-depth analysis on its subject matter.
Dua Fatima
Jul 20, 2024
How important is audience consideration in writing articles?
Audience consideration is crucial in writing articles, as the content and style are tailored to meet the interests and understanding levels of the intended.
Hifza Nasir
Jul 20, 2024
Can articles be based on reports?
Yes, articles can be based on reports, summarizing key findings and making them accessible to a general audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
What is the primary purpose of a report?
The primary purpose of a report is to present detailed findings or analysis on specific issues, often for professional or academic purposes.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
How does the style of writing in reports differ from articles?
Reports are written in a formal, objective, and technical style, whereas articles can vary from formal to conversational tones.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
How do reports influence decision-making?
Reports provide comprehensive data and analysis that can inform policy decisions, academic research, and business strategies.
Shumaila Saeed
Jul 20, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
