In the year in review section of an NIH RPPR, I frame outcomes as progress against decision points, not promises. I mirror each specific aim and use wording like partially achieved or data generated to inform next phase. At Advanced Professional Accounting Services I learned this tone translates well to grant reporting. One phrasing that resonated with a program officer was stating what the data allowed us to rule out. That showed rigor without hype. It kept expectations grounded and credible.