What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
documentary
Example
The documentary about climate change was eye-opening. [documentary: noun]
Example
She enjoys watching documentaries about history and science. [documentaries: plural noun]
report
Example
The journalist filed a report on the latest political scandal. [report: noun]
Example
He reported on the findings of his research in a detailed report. [reported: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Report is more commonly used than documentary in everyday language, as it is a versatile term that can cover a wide range of contexts, such as news reports, research reports, or financial reports. Documentary is less common and is typically associated with the film and television industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between documentary and report?
Report is a more formal term than documentary, as it is often used in academic, business, or legal contexts. Documentary is more casual and is often associated with entertainment or leisure.
