to report on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to report on something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of providing information or updates about a specific topic or event. Example: "The journalist was assigned to report on the recent developments in the local government."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They get to report on something "going viral" without weighing in on whether it's true or not.

The Guardian - Opinion

This has been a grisly week, and the future looks rather a mess, so as light relief I'd like to report on something uplifting and beautiful I saw in London last week – an exhibition by artists working with the charity Intoart of ceramics, prints and paintings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Wine was something Prial sought to report on like a crime or a disaster, and to explain to readers in plain language.

The New York Times

And you can report on something any number of ways".

The New York Times

She added, however, "We also don't comment on how we may report on something before it happens".

The New York Times

How can you (Mr. Broder) properly report on something without doing your homework in advance of the drive?" Resident1728 of Virginia had a different viewpoint: "The newspaper was absolutely correct in selecting someone to test-drive the vehicle, who was not a so-called expert.

The New York Times

To fill the time between fund-raising events, and to give the campaign press something to report on, the candidates are already giving fall-style campaign speeches and criticizing each other.

The New Yorker

Mr Starr may yet have something to report on the other scandals, including Whitewater; he is said to have found nothing impeachable, but plenty that reinforces the pervading aura of sleaze.

The Economist

While it's always interesting and useful to report on how a campaign believes something is going to play out, it seems to me in this case the news that the quote in the ad is falsely attributed to Obama outweighs the news of the Romney campaign's predictable spin.

The New Yorker

Prosperity preaching wasn't just something to report on; it was a personal attack on her faith.

Huffington Post

Lizza quotes Politico's Morning Score at length, levying the same charge: "While it's always interesting and useful to report on how a campaign believes something is going to play out, it seems to me in this case the news that the quote in the ad is falsely attributed to Obama outweighs the news of the Romney campaign's predictable spin".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to report on something", ensure your language is clear and objective, especially in journalistic or academic contexts. Avoid biased or inflammatory language.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice constructions when "to report on something". Instead of "It was reported on...", use active voice: "The journalist reported on...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to report on something" functions primarily as an infinitive phrase that describes the act of conveying information about a specific subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in news reporting, academic discussions, and general communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the infinitive phrase "to report on something" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe the act of conveying information about a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in Wiki and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's important to maintain clarity and objectivity, avoiding passive voice constructions where possible. Semantically related alternatives include "to cover something" and "to provide information on something", each offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to cover something

Uses "cover" instead of "report", implying a broader scope of information gathering and presentation.

to provide information on something

Focuses on the act of providing information, emphasizing the informational aspect of reporting.

to give an account of something

Highlights the act of recounting or narrating events related to the subject.

to present a story on something

Emphasizes the narrative aspect of reporting, framing it as a story.

to document something

Focuses on recording and preserving information about the subject.

to investigate something

Implies a more in-depth and probing examination of the topic.

to examine something

Implies a detailed inspection or analysis of the subject.

to analyze something

Highlights the critical evaluation and interpretation of the subject.

to write about something

Focuses on the act of writing as the primary mode of reporting.

to offer insights into something

Emphasizes providing a deeper understanding or perspective on the subject.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "to report on something"?

You can use alternatives like "to cover something", "to provide information on something", or "to give an account of something" depending on the context.

How do I use "to report on something" in a sentence?

You can use "to report on something" to describe the act of providing information about a specific topic. For example, "The journalist was assigned "to report on something" that happened yesterday".

What is the difference between "to report on something" and "to comment on something"?

"To report on something" focuses on providing factual information, while "to comment on something" involves expressing opinions or reactions. For example, a journalist might "to report on something" newsworthy, while an analyst might "to comment on something" that impacts the industry.

Is "to report about something" grammatically correct instead of "to report on something"?

While "to report about something" might be understood, "to report on something" is the more standard and grammatically preferred construction. Using "on" indicates a focus on the specific subject being reported.