What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dossier
Example
The detective compiled a dossier of evidence against the suspect. [dossier: noun]
Example
The journalist spent months compiling a dossier on the company's history. [dossier: noun]
report
Example
The committee presented a report on the state of the economy. [report: noun]
Example
The journalist reported on the latest developments in the conflict. [reported: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Report is more commonly used than dossier in everyday language, especially in academic and business contexts. Dossier is more specialized and often used in government, legal, or journalistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dossier and report?
Report is generally considered more formal than dossier, as it follows a structured format and is often used in academic or business settings. Dossier can be more flexible in its organization and may be used in less formal contexts, such as journalism or personal research.