The difference between formal and informal reports is always confusing, and many times writers fail to recognize these differences which may distort the overall perception of the report. Informal reports are often short-one to three pages- with no need for the preliminary parts. They are usually informational but include little or no research. Informal reports often use personal language and a direct approach to address the recipient (Pearson).

On the other hand, formal reports are longer and have multiple supplemental parts. They require in-depth research and analysis, and the wording arrangement is usually indirect. For example, an opening for an informal report may begin with: this is a report for my trip to the New York Convention. An informal report, however, has to prepare a reader for the research used and persuade them with solid facts before making recommendations. The introduction to a formal report has to include the problem under investigation as well as the purpose of the report before presenting the research details.

Additionally, informal reports often use words and sentences that focus more on the writer of the report. For instance, a progress report on the team’s success in landing a new contract may include this: following our conversation with Mrs. Smith, she agreed to meet with the team in two weeks. A formal report, on the other hand, uses more objective words that focus on the problem and the solution (Williams). For example in a formal report recommending a solution for the company, the most important thing here is the solution. Your team has already been tasked with preparing the report, and so you must show the reader the recommendations for solving the presented problem.

Furthermore, informal writing may include the use of first-person narration. it is the use of words such as ‘me, us, or our’; or second person narration such as ‘you’ or ‘yours.’ The report may use contractions, but this should be done carefully. Also, the writer can state their opinion and use active voice. This is not similar for formal reports. Formal reports use no first or second person pronouns. Only third person pronouns are allowed in this context. These are words such as ‘they’ or ‘them’(Williams). Finally, formal reports should never employ the use of personal opinions or superlatives. Comments such as ‘the most incredible’ or ‘greatest ever seen’ should be avoided at all costs. Formal reports should provide facts and let the reader form their own opinion. For example, rather than saying ‘sales will quickly go up’ one could make predictions using facts that the sales have the potential of increasing by 2% in 12 months (Smith). Informal reports, however, may include personal opinions such as ‘incredible’ or ‘awesome.’ Although these words can be included in informal report, one must understand that not everybody shares the same opinion thus credibility may be necessary.

A situation where formal reports can be used is when presenting the progress of a company project or when recommending strategies for change in a company. For example, a project manager may be required to write a formal report showing that the project is meeting its milestones and predict the amount of time it will take before it is finally completed. On the other hand, an informal report can be written in a class where a teacher may ask you to describe your most interesting vacation or even to describe your baptism. In this case, you can use informal language to describe your experience.

Works Cited

Pearsoned.Ca, 2019. Formal reports and proposals.  http://www.pearsoned.ca/highered/divisions/virtual_tours/northey/sample_chapter_9.pdf  Accessed  10 Feb 2019.

Smith, Rebekah. “Difference Between Formal & Informal Reports.” Bizfluent, 2018, https://bizfluent.com/info-8186680-difference-between-formal-informal-reports.html. Accessed 10 Feb 2019.

Williams, Judy Steiner. “Formal and Informal Reports.” Linkedin Learning, 2019, https://www.linkedin.com/learning/writing-a-business-report/formal-and-informal-reports. Accessed 10 Feb 2019.

Do you need high quality Custom Essay Writing Services?