这两个名词的有“报道，叙述”之意。
1. account 普通用词，不如report正式，侧重对亲身经历或目睹之事所作的书面或口头的报道或叙述。如：
He gave me a detailed account of this work. 他跟我谈了他工作的详细情况。
He gave her an account of his progress．他向她谈了他的进展情况。
I should be glad if you would give an account of it. 如果你愿给我讲讲这事我会很高兴。
2. report 正式用词，多指报刊上的报道，强调对情况经过调查或审核后作出的详尽叙述，具有一定权威性。如：
He is totally convinced of the truth of the report. 他完全相信这报告的真实性。
His report is more than a survey. 他的报告不止是一项调查。
The report noted a drop in sales. 报告提到销售量下滑的问题。
I’ve just received a report about it. 我刚收到关于这事的一份报告。