a special report

USAGE SUMMARY

"a special report" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It can be used to refer to a report that is different or unique in some way, often due to its topic or purpose. Example: The newspaper published a special report on the effects of climate change in the Arctic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A special report from Business Day Live.

The New York Times

A special report in Money & Business.

The New York Times

But here's a special report on the opportunities in Africa.

The New York Times

A special report by Roger Cohen, Page A6.

The New York Times

First we did a special report twice a year.

The New York Times - Books

THIS week, the print edition has a special report on China's economy written by Simon Cox.

The Economist

This raises privacy concerns for consumers Read a special report on technology and advertising .

The Economist

Improving Americans' health will take much more.Read on: The big picture: a special report on obesity.

The Economist

China Central Television's news broadcast interrupted its regular programming with a special report.

The New York Times

A special report in the IHT's education pages on Tuesday examines both sides of the issue.

The New York Times

I've written a few articles about Formula One for a special report.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a special report" to delve into complex issues that require detailed explanation and analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "a special report" for routine updates or minor analyses. Reserve it for investigations or analyses that offer unique insights or comprehensive coverage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special report" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces a detailed analysis or investigation, as Ludwig examples show, distinguishing it from routine reporting. The word choice here highlights the thorough and unique nature of the report.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special report" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce in-depth analyses or investigations across various domains. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to inform and provide detailed insights, distinguishing itself from routine reporting. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to professional register. To use it effectively, ensure the report offers unique insights and comprehensive coverage, avoiding its application for routine updates. Ludwig provides many examples from authoritative sources such as The New York Times, The Economist, and The Guardian, showcasing the phrase's versatility and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a detailed analysis

Replaces "report" with "analysis", focusing on the depth of examination.

an in-depth study

Substitutes "report" with "study", emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the investigation.

a comprehensive review

Replaces "report" with "review", highlighting a thorough assessment.

an exclusive investigation

Emphasizes the unique and privileged access to information.

a feature article

Highlights the article's focus as a main, prominent piece.

a white paper

Refers to an authoritative report or guide that informs readers concisely about a complex issue.

a briefing document

Implies a concise summary intended to inform decision-makers.

a situation report

Focuses on presenting the current status of a particular situation.

an investigative piece

Highlights the nature of uncovering information through investigation.

a spotlight analysis

Emphasizes bringing attention to a specific topic through analysis.

FAQs

How can I use "a special report" in a sentence?

You can use "a special report" to introduce a detailed analysis or investigation, as in "The newspaper published "a special report" on climate change".

What's the difference between "a special report" and "a regular report"?

"A special report" typically indicates a more in-depth, focused, or unique analysis compared to "a regular report", which might cover routine or periodic information.

What are some alternatives to using "a special report"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a detailed analysis", "an in-depth study", or "an exclusive investigation".

When is it appropriate to use the term "a special report"?

It's appropriate to use "a special report" when the analysis is more detailed, focused, or unique than a standard report, often indicating significant research or investigation.