Here's why:
* Formal reports require a professional and academic tone. Contractions and colloquialisms tend to be informal and casual, which can undermine the credibility of your report.
* Clarity and precision are paramount. Contractions can sometimes be ambiguous, and colloquialisms may not be understood by all readers.
* Formal writing follows specific conventions. These conventions aim for clarity, objectivity, and a professional voice.
Examples:
* Informal: "It's a good idea to use visuals."
* Formal: "It is a good idea to use visuals."
* Informal: "The data is pretty clear."
* Formal: "The data clearly indicates..."
Exceptions:
While generally discouraged, there might be a few rare exceptions where contractions or colloquial expressions could be acceptable in a formal report, but only if:
* The report is written for a very specific audience: If you are writing for a group who uses informal language in their everyday communication, a few contractions might be acceptable.
* The report is highly technical or specialized: In some fields, using contractions might be common practice, but always check with your supervisor or editor.
* The report is written in a narrative or storytelling style: This is less common for a formal report, but if the report is heavily narrative-based, a few colloquialisms might be used for stylistic reasons.
Always err on the side of caution:
It's always best to avoid contractions and colloquialisms in a formal report unless you are absolutely sure they are appropriate for your specific audience and context.