logo
logo
Sign in

Is Report Writing Formal or Informal

avatar
Matthew Kelley

Both formal and informal reports are the two most common types of business reports. Formal business reports can be as long as twenty pages and might require the company to pay the writer a fee for completing them. Informal business reports are quick and simple, usually one to three pages. The length of informal reports may also depend on the company's preferences in which the report is being submitted.

Difference

  • When a report is highly structured and is relatively long in size, it is called a formal report. According to Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL), "Formal reports are generally long, wordy documents that include extensive background information on the topic at hand."
  • On the other hand, it is called an informal report when a report is less structured and is short in size. According to Purdue OWL, "Informal reports are generally shorter, lighter documents that provide the reader with information on what you found out about your topic."
  • Formal business reports can be between ten and twenty pages. On the other hand, informal business reports are usually one to three pages.
  • Another comparison between formal and informal reports is the approach they use. Formal reports tend to be more direct, while informal reports are less direct because the writer uses a conversational tone to get their point across. For example, if an interviewee were asked about their opinion about a new piece of technology, an informal report would include the interviewee's answer in quotes. On the other hand, a formal report would state what the interviewee said without using their exact words.

Informal Reports

Some companies prefer to receive informal reports because they are quicker and simpler. The formal report takes longer to read because it has a more complex structure. In a formal report, the writer must include a preface that includes a cover page and a table of contents.


Informal reports usually have no research involved instead of existing information on the topic at hand. On the other hand, formal reports require research as well as additional outside resources. In a formal report, the writer must reference their sources at the end of the document.


Informal reports usually have a more conversational tone. On the other hand, formal reports are less personal and more objective due to their structure. In a formal report, most writing is about proving a point or offering a solution to a problem.


One of the main differences between formal and informal reports is how they are structured. A formal report has a more complex structure than an informal one. Formal reports usually start with a preface, an introduction, body paragraphs, and finally, a conclusion. The writer summarizes their findings and offers suggestions or solutions to problems addressed in the report.


The informal content reports are mainly focused on proving a point or offering solutions to problems. The informal report, however, focuses more on what the writer found out about their topic. For example, if someone were researching a business proposal, the formal report would include an executive summary of the findings. In contrast, the informal one would include more in-depth information about the topic.

Formal Report

A formal report will most likely use a direct approach and avoid using slang or casual language. In contrast, an informal report may be less direct and use personal language to get its point across. In a formal business report, highly structured wording is used. On the other hand, in an informal business report, less structured wording is used.


In writing a formal report, the writer must include a reference page at the end of the document where they list their sources. There is usually no need to include a reference page in an informal report because it would just add more pages to something that should already be short.

For example, if someone were researching a school report, they could write an informal report to share what they learned about the topic. On the other hand, in a formal report, the writer would include their sources and suggestions to improve their project.


A business usually receives an informal report because it is quicker and less complex than a formal report. The informal report is also shorter in size than the formal one. Formal reports usually take longer to read due to their structure, while informal reports are simpler and quicker because they do not have a complex structure or include much research.


A formal business report uses highly structured wording, like "it can be seen that" or "it is clear that." There is usually no need for preparatory parts in an informal business report, and the writer can begin with their topic.


In a formal business report, highly structured wording is used, while less structured wording and personal language are used in an informal report. Formal reports also focus on proving a point or offering solutions, while informal reports focus more on what the writer learned about their topic.


For example, when working on a history paper, an informal report may include information shared for the first time or collected through personal research. On the other hand, a formal paper must follow a traditional format because it has different standards and expectations.


There is usually no need for a reference page in an informal report because it would only make the paper longer and more complex. However, a formal report would most likely include a reference page at the end of the document where they list their sources.


Businesses prefer to receive informal reports rather than formal ones because it is shorter and contains less research. The informal report is also shorter in size than the formal one. Formal reports usually take longer to read due to their structure, while informal reports are simpler because they do not have a complex structure or include much research.

collect
0
avatar
Matthew Kelley
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more