Useful Phrases and Structures for Writing Reports

Introduction(use and learn this word for word)

The aim of this report is to provide an evaluation of____________. It is based on (an audit carried
out on the premises) as well as (comments from staff). It will also provide suggestions and
recommendations for improvement.

Quoting People
It is clear from employee feedback that . . .
Comments from staff suggest that . . .
It has been mentioned that . . .
It has also been reported that . . .

Reporting Observations
It has been noted that . . .
It has been observed that . . .
Yet another observation is that . . .
Another point to mention is . . .
Yet another aspect to highlight is . . .

Expressing Possible Results of Problems

This could lead to . . .
This may well result in . . .
This might give rise to . .
One possible outcome of this could be . . .
This could have serious implications for .
This could have a negative impact on . . . .

Expressing Causes of Problems

This could be due to (the fact that) . . .
This could be attributed to (the fact that). . .
This could be the result of . . .

Suggesting ideas.
It would (not) be advisable / practical to
Perhaps the most effective way to.....would be to . . .
must be taken into account / consideration.

Suggesting Solutions to Stated problems

One solution to this problem could be . . . .
To combat this, . . .
This could be prevented by. . . .
To improve this situation, it is suggested that . . .
A (more spacious area) would be the solution.
.. would be an effective way of dealing with this problem.
In light of this, the following measures should be taken.
It is therefore believed that . . . .
If this is to improve, it is vital . . . .
To rectify this,it is essential . . .
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Concluding
With some investment and careful planning, improvements could be made.
Although the current situation is generally good, there is definitely room for improvement.
The current state of affairs is cause for alarm and drastic action is needed to avoid . . . . .
On the whole, the findings of the report have been positive / negative.
Should the recommended course of action be undertaken, the outlined problemswouldeasily be
resolved.
Should these recommendations be carried out, the ______ is bound to be a resounding success.

Grammar that will Impress

Participle phrases and gerunds up front:
"Burning plastics produces dioxins."
"Reducing the retirement age would create significant difficulties for pension funds."
"Having been released from prison, many people subsequently reoffend."

Conditionals with inversions instead of "If.."

"Were the government to ......... , we would .............."
"Had television not been invented, economic growth would have been slower."
"Had the police implemented the law more strictly, fewer people would now be disabled."

Cleft sentences
"What ecologists object to is ............"
"What many people would like to see is ......................"
"It is the ................. that I object to."

Inversions
"Not only are landfill sites unsightly but they are also a source of pollution"
"Rarely do we see our political leaders riding bikes."

Passives
"It is often forgotten that ..................."
"............. is considered to be ............."
"...... has been attributed to ......."
".......has been linked with ........"
"The conclusion to be drawn is that ............."

The advanced use of 'so'

This is so grave an issue that ......