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Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples

Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples

Published on September 22, 2014 by Shane Bryson . Revised on September 18, 2023.

Tense communicates an event’s location in time. The different tenses are identified by their associated verb forms. There are three main verb tenses: past , present , and future .

In English, each of these tenses can take four main aspects: simple , perfect , continuous (also known as progressive ), and perfect continuous . The perfect aspect is formed using the verb to have , while the continuous aspect is formed using the verb to be .

In academic writing , the most commonly used tenses are the present simple , the past simple , and the present perfect .

Tenses and their functions, when to use the present simple, when to use the past simple, when to use the present perfect, when to use other tenses.

The table below gives an overview of some of the basic functions of tenses and aspects. Tenses locate an event in time, while aspects communicate durations and relationships between events that happen at different times.

It can be difficult to pick the right verb tenses and use them consistently. If you struggle with verb tenses in your thesis or dissertation , you could consider using a thesis proofreading service .

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The present simple is the most commonly used tense in academic writing, so if in doubt, this should be your default choice of tense. There are two main situations where you always need to use the present tense.

Describing facts, generalizations, and explanations

Facts that are always true do not need to be located in a specific time, so they are stated in the present simple. You might state these types of facts when giving background information in your introduction .

The Eiffel tower is in Paris.
Light travels faster than sound.

Similarly, theories and generalizations based on facts are expressed in the present simple.

Average income differs by race and gender.
Older people express less concern about the environment than younger people.

Explanations of terms, theories, and ideas should also be written in the present simple.

Photosynthesis refers to the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
According to Piketty (2013), inequality grows over time in capitalist economies.

Describing the content of a text

Things that happen within the space of a text should be treated similarly to facts and generalizations.

This applies to fictional narratives in books, films, plays, etc. Use the present simple to describe the events or actions that are your main focus; other tenses can be used to mark different times within the text itself.

In the first novel, Harry learns he is a wizard and travels to Hogwarts for the first time, finally escaping the constraints of the family that raised him.

The events in the first part of the sentence are the writer’s main focus, so they are described in the present tense. The second part uses the past tense to add extra information about something that happened prior to those events within the book.

When discussing and analyzing nonfiction, similarly, use the present simple to describe what the author does within the pages of the text ( argues , explains , demonstrates , etc).

In The History of Sexuality , Foucault asserts that sexual identity is a modern invention.
Paglia (1993) critiques Foucault’s theory.

This rule also applies when you are describing what you do in your own text. When summarizing the research in your abstract , describing your objectives, or giving an overview of the dissertation structure in your introduction, the present simple is the best choice of tense.

This research aims to synthesize the two theories.
Chapter 3 explains the methodology and discusses ethical issues.
The paper concludes with recommendations for further research.

The past simple should be used to describe completed actions and events, including steps in the research process and historical background information.

Reporting research steps

Whether you are referring to your own research or someone else’s, use the past simple to report specific steps in the research process that have been completed.

Olden (2017) recruited 17 participants for the study.
We transcribed and coded the interviews before analyzing the results.

The past simple is also the most appropriate choice for reporting the results of your research.

All of the focus group participants agreed that the new version was an improvement.
We found a positive correlation between the variables, but it was not as strong as we hypothesized .

Describing historical events

Background information about events that took place in the past should also be described in the past simple tense.

James Joyce pioneered the modernist use of stream of consciousness.
Donald Trump’s election in 2016 contradicted the predictions of commentators.

The present perfect is used mainly to describe past research that took place over an unspecified time period. You can also use it to create a connection between the findings of past research and your own work.

Summarizing previous work

When summarizing a whole body of research or describing the history of an ongoing debate, use the present perfect.

Many researchers have investigated the effects of poverty on health.
Studies have shown a link between cancer and red meat consumption.
Identity politics has been a topic of heated debate since the 1960s.
The problem of free will has vexed philosophers for centuries.

Similarly, when mentioning research that took place over an unspecified time period in the past (as opposed to a specific step or outcome of that research), use the present perfect instead of the past tense.

Green et al. have conducted extensive research on the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction.

Emphasizing the present relevance of previous work

When describing the outcomes of past research with verbs like fi nd , discover or demonstrate , you can use either the past simple or the present perfect.

The present perfect is a good choice to emphasize the continuing relevance of a piece of research and its consequences for your own work. It implies that the current research will build on, follow from, or respond to what previous researchers have done.

Smith (2015) has found that younger drivers are involved in more traffic accidents than older drivers, but more research is required to make effective policy recommendations.
As Monbiot (2013) has shown , ecological change is closely linked to social and political processes.

Note, however, that the facts and generalizations that emerge from past research are reported in the present simple.

While the above are the most commonly used tenses in academic writing, there are many cases where you’ll use other tenses to make distinctions between times.

Future simple

The future simple is used for making predictions or stating intentions. You can use it in a research proposal to describe what you intend to do.

It is also sometimes used for making predictions and stating hypotheses . Take care, though, to avoid making statements about the future that imply a high level of certainty. It’s often a better choice to use other verbs like expect , predict, and assume to make more cautious statements.

There will be a strong positive correlation.
We expect to find a strong positive correlation.
H1 predicts a strong positive correlation.

Similarly, when discussing the future implications of your research, rather than making statements with will, try to use other verbs or modal verbs that imply possibility ( can , could , may , might ).

These findings will influence future approaches to the topic.
These findings could influence future approaches to the topic.

Present, past, and future continuous

The continuous aspect is not commonly used in academic writing. It tends to convey an informal tone, and in most cases, the present simple or present perfect is a better choice.

Some scholars are suggesting that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.
Some scholars suggest that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.
Some scholars have suggested that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.

However, in certain types of academic writing, such as literary and historical studies, the continuous aspect might be used in narrative descriptions or accounts of past events. It is often useful for positioning events in relation to one another.

While Harry is traveling to Hogwarts for the first time, he meets many of the characters who will become central to the narrative.
The country was still recovering from the recession when Donald Trump was elected.

Past perfect

Similarly, the past perfect is not commonly used, except in disciplines that require making fine distinctions between different points in the past or different points in a narrative’s plot.

Sources in this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Bryson, S. (2023, September 18). Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/verbs/tenses/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Shane Bryson

Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

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How to Use Tenses within Scientific Writing

Written by: Chloe Collier

One’s tense will vary depending on what one is trying to convey within their paper or section of their paper. For example, the tense may change between the methods section and the discussion section.

Abstract --> Past tense

The abstract is usually in the past tense due to it showing what has already been studied.

Example: “This study was conducted at the Iyarina Field School, and within the indigenous Waorani community within Yasuni National Park region.”

Introduction --> Present tense

Example: “ Clidemia heterophylla and Piperaceae musteum are both plants with ant domata, meaning that there is an ant mutualism which protects them from a higher level of herbivory.”

Methods --> Past tense

In the methods section one would use past tense due to what they have done was in the past.
It has been debated whether one should use active or passive voice. The scientific journal Nature states that one should use active voice as to convey the concepts more directly.
Example: “In the geographic areas selected for the study, ten random focal plants were selected as points for the study.”

Results --> Past tense

Example: “We observed that there was no significant statistical difference in herbivory on Piperaceae between the two locations, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador (01° 10’ 11, 13”S and 77° 10’ 01. 47 NW) and Iyarina Field School, Ecuador (01° 02’ 35.2” S and 77° 43’ 02. 45” W), with the one exception being that there was found to be a statistical significance in the number count within a one-meter radius of Piperaceae musteum (Piperaceae).”

Discussion --> Present tense and past tense

Example: “Symbiotic ant mutualistic relationships within species will defend their host plant since the plant provides them with food. In the case of Melastomataceae, they have swellings at the base of their petioles that house the ants and aid to protect them from herbivores.”
One would use past tense to summarize one’s results
Example: “In the future to further this experiment, we would expand this project and expand our sample size in order to have a more solid base for our findings.”

Mastering the Use of Tenses in Your Research Paper

Many students and early career researchers find themselves grappling with various aspects of academic writing. One critical aspect is ensuring correct grammar, most importantly the appropriate use of tenses in your research paper. In this article, we explain the basics of using tenses in scientific writing and list best practices for different sections of your academic manuscript. By understanding the role of tenses in your research paper and applying them accurately, you can enhance the clarity and credibility of our research work.

Understanding the basics: Using tenses in research papers

Tenses in scientific writing serve as valuable tools to indicate the time frame in which certain actions or ideas take place. The simple past tense and simple present tense are the most used tenses in research papers. They are supplemented by the present perfect, past perfect, and occasionally the future tense. Consistency and precision are crucial in academic writing, so let’s into the basics of tenses in your research paper and discuss the recommended tenses for each section.

The simple past tense: Literature review, methods

Use this tense in your research paper when talking of or describing specific actions or events that occurred in the past; they should not be linked to the present in the same sentence. The simple past tense is used predominantly in the literature review to talk about existing research on the topic, for example, “Watson and Crick published their landmark paper on the structure of DNA in 1953.” It is also typically used in the methods section to describe the methods used in previous studies; what you did and how you did it. For example, “We selected five samples at random.” This tense in scientific writing can also be used to state facts that were once believed to be true but have since been invalidated, for example, “Bats were thought to be blind.”

The past perfect tense: Methods, conclusion

Best used to describe two related events that occurred at different times in the past, this tense is typically used in the methods section, especially when describing earlier stages of the experimental procedure. For example, “By the time the temperature and humidity reached optimal levels, the plants had already begun to revive,” or “Respondents who had been grouped into different control groups were given a placebo instead of the new formulation.” Use the past perfect tense in your research paper to describe research or experiments that may have already been completed at the time of writing the manuscript and in the conclusion to summarize the research findings.

The simple present tense: Introduction, results, tables and figures

A researcher or academic writer can use simple present tense in the introduction when stating the objectives of the study, to interpret the results, discuss the significance of the findings or to present conclusions. Use the simple present tense in your research papers when referring to results presented in tables and figures in your writing. For example, “Fig.3 shows that…”. The present tense an also be used to talk about the research paper as a whole, for example, “Section 4.1 discusses…”.

This tense in scientific writing is also used to state what is generally true and what is unlikely to change. For example, “The Earth revolves around the sun” or “Human babies generally start speaking when they are 2 years old.” This tense works well in the results section , which indicates what one believes to be true and relevant to the present research. For example, “Robinson maintains that soaking seeds in strong acid helps in breaking seed dormancy.”

The present perfect tense: Introduction, literature review

The present perfect tense in scientific writing is used to talk about a past event that is linked to the present or to talk about trends or events that have occurred recently. One may need to use this tense in the introduction while providing a background to the study. For example, “The demand for more sophisticated 5G devices has increased significantly over the past few years.” Additionally, the present perfect tense is also used frequently in the literature review sections while referring to previous research that is fairly recent. For example, “Recent experiments on the samples collected have revealed high levels of saline.”

The future tense: Discussion, conclusions

Use the future tense in your research paper when describing events that are expected to occur in the future; this is not very common in academic writing. Typically, its use is limited to the discussion section toward the end, when one needs to make recommendations or indicate a future course of action based on the research results. It is usually recommended that parts of the conclusion section be written in the future tense. For example, “These research findings will open up new possibilities for the effective use of Epsom salt in agriculture.”

Understanding and implementing the appropriate use of tenses in different sections of your research paper is essential for effective communication of your ideas. However, remember that the guidelines provided above are not hard and fast rules. That being said, proofread your work carefully and avoid mixing up tenses in a single sentence or paragraph or it could impact readability. By mastering the use of tenses in your research paper, you can ensure clarity, consistency, and accuracy and elevate the quality of your academic writing.

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Dissertations & projects: Tenses

Research questions
The process of reviewing
Project management
Literature-based projects

What tenses will you use?

There are exceptions however, most notably in the literature review where you will use a mixture of past , present and present perfect tenses (don't worry, that is explained below), when discussing the implications of your findings when the present tense is appropriate and in the recommendations where you are likely to use the future tense.

The tenses used as standard practice in each of these sections of your report are given and explained below.

In your abstract

You have some leeway with tense use in your abstract and guidance does vary which can sometimes be confusing. We recommend the following:

Describing the current situation and reason for your study

Mostly use the present tense, i.e. "This is the current state of affairs and this is why this study is needed."

Occasionally, you may find the need to use something called the present perfect tense when you are describing things that happened in the past but are still relevant. The present perfect tense uses have/has and then the past participle of the verb i.e. Previous research on this topic has focused on...

Describing the aims of your study

Here you have a choice. It is perfectly acceptable to use either the present or past tense, i.e. "This study aims to..." or "This study aimed to..."

Describing your methodology

Use the past tense to describe what you did, i.e. "A qualitative approach was used." "A survey was undertaken to ...". "The blood sample was analysed by..."

Describing your findings

Use the past tense to describe what you found as it is specific to your study, i.e. "The results showed that...", "The analysis indicated that..."

Suggesting the implications of your study

Use the present tense as even though your study took place in the past, your implications remain relevant in the present, i.e. Results revealed x which indicates that..."

Example abstract

An example abstract with reasoning for the tenses chosen can be found at the bottom of this excellent blog post:

Using the Present Tense and Past Tense When Writing an Abstract

In your methodology

The methodology is one of the easiest sections when it comes to tenses as you are explaining to your reader what you did. This is therefore almost exclusively written in the past tense.

Blood specimens were frozen at -80 o C.

A survey was designed using the Jisc Surveys tool.

Participants were purposefully selected.

The following search strategy was used to search the literature:

Very occasionally you may use the present tense if you are justifying a decision you have taken (as the justification is still valid, not just at the time you made the decision). For example:

Purposeful sampling was used to ensure that a range of views were included. This sampling method maximises efficiency and validity as it identifies information-rich cases and ... (Morse & Niehaus, 2009).

In your discussion/conclusion

This will primarily be written in the present tense as you are generally discussing or making conclusions about the relevance of your findings at the present time. So you may write:

The findings of this research suggest that.../are potentially important because.../could open a new avenue for further research...

There will also be times when you use the past tense , especially when referring to part of your own research or previous published research research - but this is usually followed by something in the present tense to indicate the current relevance or the future tense to indicate possible future directions:

Analysis of the survey results found most respondents were not concerned with the processes, just the outcome. This suggests that managers should focus on...

These findings mirrored those of Cheung (2020), who also found that ESL pupils failed to understand some basic yet fundamental instructions. Addressing this will help ensure...

In your introduction

The introduction generally introduces what is in the rest of your document as is therefore describing the present situation and so uses the present tense :

Chapter 3 describes the research methodology.

Depending on your discipline, your introduction may also review the literature so please also see that section below.

In your literature review

The findings of some literature may only be applicable in the specific circumstances that the research was undertaken and so need grounding to that study. Conversely, the findings of other literature may now be accepted as established knowledge. Also, you may consider the findings of older literature to be still relevant and relatively recent literature be already superseded. The tenses you write in will help to indicate a lot of this to the reader. In other words, you will use a mix of tenses in your review depending on what you are implying.

Findings only applicable in the specific circumstances

Use the past tense . For example:

In an early study, Sharkey et al. (1991) found that isoprene emissions were doubled in leaves on sunnier sides of oak and aspen trees.

Using the past tense indicates that you are not implying that isoprene emissions are always doubled on the sunnier side of the trees, just that is what was found in the Sharkey et al. study.

Findings that are still relevant or now established knowledge

Mostly use the present tense , unless the study is not recent and the authors are the subject of the sentence (which you should use very sparingly in a literature review) when you may need to use a mixture of the past and present. For example:

A narrowing of what 'graduateness' represents damages students’ abilities to thrive as they move through what will almost certainly be complex career pathways (Holmes, 2001).

Holmes (2001) argued strongly that a narrowing of what 'graduateness' represents damages students’ abilities to thrive as they move through what will almost certainly be complex career pathways

Both of these imply that you think this is still the case (although it is perhaps more strongly implied in the first example). You may also want to use some academic caution too - such as writing 'may damage' rather than the more definite 'damages'.

Presenting your results

As with your methodology, your results section should be written in the past tense . This indicates that you are accepting that the results are specific to your research. Whilst they may have current implications, that part will not be considered until your discussion/conclusions section(s).

Four main themes were identified from the interview data.

There was a significant change in oxygen levels.

Like with the methodology, you will occasionally switch to present tense to write things like "Table 3.4 shows that ..." but generally, stick to the past tense.

In your recommendations

Not everyone will need to include recommendations and some may have them as part of the conclusions chapter. Recommendations are written in a mixture of the present tense and future tense :

It is recommended that ward layout is adapted, where possible, to provide low-sensory bays for patients with autism. These will still be useable by all patients but...

Useful links

Verb tenses in scientific manuscripts From International Science Editing
Which Verb Tenses Should I Use in a Research Paper? Blog from WordVice
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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Verb Tenses

What this handout is about.

The present simple, past simple, and present perfect verb tenses account for approximately 80% of verb tense use in academic writing. This handout will help you understand how to use these three verb tenses in your own academic writing.

Click here for a color-coded illustration of changing verb tenses in academic writing.

Present simple tense

The present simple tense is used:

In your introduction, the present simple tense describes what we already know about the topic. In the conclusion, it says what we now know about the topic and what further research is still needed.

“The data suggest…” “The research shows…”

“The dinoflagellate’s TFVCs require an unidentified substance in fresh fish excreta” (Penrose and Katz, 330).

“There is evidence that…”

“So I’m walking through the park yesterday, and I hear all of this loud music and yelling. Turns out, there’s a free concert!” “Shakespeare captures human nature so accurately.”

Past simple tense

Past simple tense is used for two main functions in most academic fields.

“…customers obviously want to be treated at least as well on fishing vessels as they are by other recreation businesses. [General claim using simple present] De Young (1987) found the quality of service to be more important than catching fish in attracting repeat customers. [Specific claim from a previous study using simple past] (Marine Science)

We conducted a secondary data analysis… (Public Health) Descriptional statistical tests and t-student test were used for statistical analysis. (Medicine) The control group of students took the course previously… (Education)

Present perfect tense

The present perfect acts as a “bridge” tense by connecting some past event or state to the present moment. It implies that whatever is being referred to in the past is still true and relevant today.

“There have been several investigations into…” “Educators have always been interested in student learning.”

Some studies have shown that girls have significantly higher fears than boys after trauma (Pfefferbaum et al., 1999; Pine &; Cohen, 2002; Shaw, 2003). Other studies have found no gender differences (Rahav and Ronen, 1994). (Psychology)

Special notes

Can i change tenses.

Yes. English is a language that uses many verb tenses at the same time. The key is choosing the verb tense that is appropriate for what you’re trying to convey.

What’s the difference between present simple and past simple for reporting research results?

Past simple limits your claims to the results of your own study. E.g., “Our study found that teenagers were moody.” (In this study, teenagers were moody.)
Present simple elevates your claim to a generalization. E.g., “Our study found that teenagers are moody.” (Teenagers are always moody.)

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Biber, Douglas. 1999. Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English . New York: Longman.

Hawes, Thomas, and Sarah Thomas. 1997. “Tense Choices in Citations.” Research into the Teaching of English 31 (3): 393-414.

Hinkel, Eli. 2004. Teaching Academic ESL Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar . Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Penrose, Ann, and Steven Katz. 2004. Writing in the Sciences: Exploring the Conventions of Scientific Discourse , 2nd ed. New York: Longman.

Swales, John, and Christine B. Feak. 2004. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills , 2nd ed. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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How to Use Tenses in Academic Writing Effectively

Verb tenses alert readers when a certain event or action takes place. However, in academic writing, tense usage goes beyond the simple representation of chronology. Tense choice also indicates the degree of generality intended and discloses an author’s attitude towards the idea/theory that is being reported.

To gain insight into tense usage in academic writing, a typical academic paper can be divided into its most common framework and grammar usage can be molded according to the typical framework used in the particular subject area. This article will primarily explore and expand on the general usage of tenses in quantitative and scientific studies.

Introduction

The introduction expresses background information, which is generally accepted as facts in a particular subject area. The relevance of the study also needs to be stated; along with this, a brief outline of the author’s opinion is also expressed. This section is generally written in the present tense considering its contents—presentation of accepted facts and current opinion of the facts and theories being reported.

Methods Section

The Methods section describes the processes that were followed to arrive at a certain conclusion. Considering these processes generally take place before the arrival at a conclusion, the Methods are usually written in the simple past tense. Additionally, the passive voice is abundantly used in this section.

Discussion & Conclusion Sections

Authors may use a carefully selected (and contextually relevant) combination of present and past tense in this section. For instance, the outcomes and processes can be summarized in the past tense while the implications and future relevance can be described in the present tense. The Conclusion section can also be constructed in a similar manner considering the contextual relevance of the facts and implications being considered (for example, the past tense can be used to refer to a theory or fact that has been sufficiently refuted in a field).

The following table can be used as a simple reference.

Source: https://www.usq.edu.au/academic-success-planner/verbs/verb-tenses/step1

As there are no definite rules of tense usage when writing literature reviews , either the past or the present tense can be used (for example, it may seem prudent to discuss the literature in line with contemporary arguments rather than as accepted facts). However, it is important to ensure that the tense usage is consistent so as not to confuse readers.

Tense usage in the humanities varies greatly from its usage in scientific papers. For example, the most notable illustration in Literature documents, which embodies the idea of a “literary present” when elaborating on a work of fiction—that is the world of fiction and the authorial intent exists in a timeless world that is best represented in the present tense. However, qualitative studies in the field of humanities still adhere to the general framework described in this article.

References:

Academic Skills, University of Melbourne. Using Tenses in Scientific Writing . Retrieved from http://services.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/471294/Using_tenses_in_scientific_writing_Update_051112.pdf

Academic Coaching & Writing. Guide to the Use of Verb Tense in the Humanities . Retrieved from http://www.academiccoachingandwriting.org/assets/uploads/ACW%20Verb%20Tenses%20in%20the%20Humanities.pdf

Academic Success Planner, University of Southern Queensland. Verb Tenses in Academic Writing . Retrieved from https://www.usq.edu.au/academic-success-planner/verbs/verb-tenses/step1

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Tense Tendencies in Thesis and Dissertations

Score high grades with proper use of tenses in dissertation and thesis papers

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Tense Trends in a Dissertation: Which tense to be used in Which Chapter?

However well and thoroughly researched your dissertation or dissertation may be, it will fail to impress and secure good grades if it has distorted grammar and spelling errors. So, before the submission of dissertation, you need to be doubly sure about your work by proofreading again and again to make it free from grammatical errors.

Let us discuss one of the most commonly made queries here. What tense to be used in which section of the dissertation? If you are confused about the same read on….

Consistency of verb throughout the dissertation ensures a smooth expression and leaves the impression of your dissertation as an impeccable one. So, which type of verb tenses should be used in the different sections of the dissertation? Here is a quick look:

When to Use Past Tense?

For describing Methodologies and Reporting Your Results:

Methodologies used is to be written in the past tense as it is something you have already attempted or completed so it should be written in the past tense only. Also, the results section is for the purpose of recording what you have found so it has to be written in past as well.

Citations or when referring to the work done by past researchers

When you cite any previous research in your dissertation, you need to use past tense. Citations of dissertation are to be written in the past tense. Whatever the previous researcher has said, did or wrote happened in the past at a specific point of time and hence it cannot be written in the present or future tense.

To describe a fact, law, finding or any other similar thing used in the dissertation which is no longer relevant or valid is to be mentioned in the past tense.

When to Use Present Tense?

For the findings that are general or universal truths or for the findings that are relevant and valid till date:

Present tense is used in the dissertations to express the findings that are still valid, relevant or true. Not only this, all the facts, general truths, conclusions, etc. that are supported by the research results and that cannot be changed are to be written in the present tense.

To refer any section or any portion which is a part of dissertation

If you refer to certain charts, tables or graphs etc. mentioned in the paper itself you should use a present tense only. Also, when you need to discuss your current findings or conclude depending on your current findings then you should use present tense.

Title: This is the place where no other tense accept present tense can be used.

Abstract of the Dissertation

Abstract of a dissertation is a short summary of a long and elaborative work. It enables the potential readers to identify what the paper is all about and decide whether the paper is worth reading or not. It includes statement of the topic, its purpose and objectives of the research. This is to be written in perfect past.

Introduction of the Dissertation:

It provides preliminary background information that puts research in context. It also clarifies the focus of study and also points out the value of research. This particular section specifies the aims and objectives of research work. It is to be written in (present and future) tense.

Methodologies Used:

In this section of the dissertation all the methods adopted for gathering and collecting data have to be mentioned along with their proper details. The section should be written in past perfect, present or in future tense.

Result of the Dissertation:

In this section of the dissertation work, you report the findings of study that are based on the methodologies used in conducting the dissertation. This section of the research work states the finding of research where researcher puts all the findings of the research logically without any interpretations. The section is to be written in Past perfect tense.

Discussions of Dissertation:

The purpose of discussion is to interpret and describe the importance of findings in the view of what is already known about the problem and to investigate and explain the understanding of dissertation. Since it is direct and straightforward, it should be written in present tense only. Since it is like a direct discussion with the readers, it needs to be in present tense only.

Conclusion:

Conclusion of a dissertation is an important section of dissertation work as it is the last part of dissertation and when you write it effectively, you will be able to create a lasting impression. So, aim towards making it the last impression and clearly state the answer of your research, make a summary of the entire research work and reflects your research. Conclusion is to be written in present tense mentioning the scope of further study on the topic.

Background: A Quick Look

There are three types of tenses that make 98% of the tensed verbs that are used in the academic writing. One of the most common tense used in writing dissertations is the present simple. Past simple and present perfect are also widely used.

Where to Use Present Simple Tense?

It is used for framing the Research paper. When you open the dissertation and begin to write what the readers already know about the topic and in the conclusion to tell what is not known.

Apart from that Present Simple is used for the following:

To point out the main focus, or argument or aim of the research paper.
To make general statements, interpretations, conclusions and other findings of the past and current research.
To refer to the findings of previous studies without the mention of author’s name.
To refer to charts, tables or figures etc.
To describe the events or plots.

Where to Use Past Simple Tense?

The past simple tense is used for referring the activities that took in the past. There are some specific places where this tense is used.

To make general statements or the conclusions past simple tense is used. Sometimes, interpretations about the findings of the previous and current research are also done in past simple.
To describe methodologies or data.
To report the results of studies.

Where to Use Present Perfect Tense?

This tense is used to refer that the previous research work is valid and relevant today. This tense has three following functions.

For introducing any new topic or used for introducing a new report or a research paper.
For summarising or briefing the previous research.
For pointing out any gaps in the existing research work and to set a connection between the past and the present.
To explain any past findings without referring to the original paper.

Different sections of the dissertation take up different tenses. You need to be well aware and use your rationale to apply the correct form of tense. Future tense is used in the rare case but it can be used when future scope of any study done is discussed. There are times when you can switch tense within a paragraph or even within a sentence but you should have a good reason for doing so and the sentence should not sound weird anyway.

A glimpse of which tense to use where in dissertation

Chapter one which is an introduction or a prelude is to be written. Both the present and the past tense are used.
Chapter two is the literature review and it is to be written only in the past tense as they are the previously carried out works.
Chapter three is research analysis (specific methods chosen by the writer to carry out research work. It is to be written in past.
hapter four caters to results derived from research studies. It explains the results of objective, question and point out the salient results. It is to be written in combination of present and past.
Chapter five is conclusion, further discussions or future scope. It has to be in present tense only.

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Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples

Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples

Published on 20 October 2022 by Shane Bryson . Revised on 11 September 2023.

Tense communicates an event’s location in time. The different tenses are identified by their associated verb forms. There are three main verb tenses: past , present , and future .

In academic writing , the most commonly used tenses are the present simple , the past simple , and the present perfect .

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Tenses and their functions, when to use the present simple, when to use the past simple, when to use the present perfect, when to use other tenses.

It can be difficult to pick the right verb tenses and use them consistently. If you struggle with verb tenses in your thesis or dissertation , you could consider using a thesis proofreading service .

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Describing facts, generalisations, and explanations

The Eiffel tower is in Paris.
Light travels faster than sound.

Similarly, theories and generalisations based on facts are expressed in the present simple.

Average income differs by race and gender.
Older people express less concern about the environment than younger people.

Explanations of terms, theories, and ideas should also be written in the present simple.

Photosynthesis refers to the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
According to Piketty (2013), inequality grows over time in capitalist economies.

Describing the content of a text

Things that happen within the space of a text should be treated similarly to facts and generalisations.

In the first novel, Harry learns he is a wizard and travels to Hogwarts for the first time, finally escaping the constraints of the family that raised him.

When discussing and analyzing nonfiction, similarly, use the present simple to describe what the author does within the pages of the text ( argues , explains , demonstrates , etc).

In The History of Sexuality , Foucault asserts that sexual identity is a modern invention.
Paglia (1993) critiques Foucault’s theory.

This rule also applies when you are describing what you do in your own text. When summarising the research in your abstract , describing your objectives, or giving an overview of the dissertation structure in your introduction, the present simple is the best choice of tense.

This research aims to synthesise the two theories.
Chapter 3 explains the methodology and discusses ethical issues.
The paper concludes with recommendations for further research.

The past simple should be used to describe completed actions and events, including steps in the research process and historical background information.

Reporting research steps

Whether you are referring to your own research or someone else’s, use the past simple to report specific steps in the research process that have been completed.

Olden (2017) recruited 17 participants for the study.
We transcribed and coded the interviews before analyzing the results.

The past simple is also the most appropriate choice for reporting the results of your research.

All of the focus group participants agreed that the new version was an improvement.
We found a positive correlation between the variables, but it was not as strong as we hypothesised .

Describing historical events

Background information about events that took place in the past should also be described in the past simple tense.

James Joyce pioneered the modernist use of stream of consciousness.
Donald Trump’s election in 2016 contradicted the predictions of commentators.

Summarising previous work

When summarising a whole body of research or describing the history of an ongoing debate, use the present perfect.

Many researchers have investigated the effects of poverty on health.
Studies have shown a link between cancer and red meat consumption.
Identity politics has been a topic of heated debate since the 1960s.
The problem of free will has vexed philosophers for centuries.

Green et al. have conducted extensive research on the ecological effects of wolf reintroduction.

Emphasising the present relevance of previous work

When describing the outcomes of past research with verbs like fi nd , discover or demonstrate , you can use either the past simple or the present perfect.

The present perfect is a good choice to emphasise the continuing relevance of a piece of research and its consequences for your own work. It implies that the current research will build on, follow from, or respond to what previous researchers have done.

Smith (2015) has found that younger drivers are involved in more traffic accidents than older drivers, but more research is required to make effective policy recommendations.
As Monbiot (2013) has shown , ecological change is closely linked to social and political processes.

Note, however, that the facts and generalisations that emerge from past research are reported in the present simple.

While the above are the most commonly used tenses in academic writing, there are many cases where you’ll use other tenses to make distinctions between times.

Future simple

The future simple is used for making predictions or stating intentions. You can use it in a research proposal to describe what you intend to do.

There will be a strong positive correlation.
We expect to find a strong positive correlation.
H1 predicts a strong positive correlation.

These findings will influence future approaches to the topic.
These findings could influence future approaches to the topic.

Present, past, and future continuous

The continuous aspect is not commonly used in academic writing. It tends to convey an informal tone, and in most cases, the present simple or present perfect is a better choice.

Some scholars are suggesting that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.
Some scholars suggest that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.
Some scholars have suggested that mainstream economic paradigms are no longer adequate.

While Harry is traveling to Hogwarts for the first time, he meets many of the characters who will become central to the narrative.
The country was still recovering from the recession when Donald Trump was elected.

Past perfect

Similarly, the past perfect is not commonly used, except in disciplines that require making fine distinctions between different points in the past or different points in a narrative’s plot.

Sources for this article

We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below.

Bryson, S. (2023, September 11). Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 20 March 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/english-language/verb-tenses/

Aarts, B. (2011). Oxford modern English grammar . Oxford University Press.

Butterfield, J. (Ed.). (2015). Fowler’s dictionary of modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Garner, B. A. (2016). Garner’s modern English usage (4th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Verb Tenses – How To Use Them In Academic Writing

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Although there are many verb tenses you can use in the English language, only three tenses are used in academic writing 98% of the time. The most commonly used are the present simple tense, the simple past tense, and the present perfect tense . In this guide, you will learn about the three key tenses in detail and how to use them appropriately in accordance with academia. Moreover, examples will be included in order to provide a better understanding of shaping sentences correctly.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Verb Tenses – In a Nutshell
2 Definition: Verb tenses
3 The importance of using the right verb tenses
4 The 3 key verb tenses in academic writing
5 Using other verb tenses in academic writing

Verb Tenses – In a Nutshell

In academic writing, you will mostly need to use the present simple tense, the past simple tense, and the present perfect tense.
The present simple tense is used to describe actions that happen continuously or habitually, and can also be used to describe a general truth.
The past simple tense refers to actions that were completed at some point in the past.
With the present perfect verb tenses, writers can make references to previous studies.

Definition: Verb tenses

The tense of a verb determines when an action takes place. By checking the tense of a verb, you can determine whether the action happened in the past, is happening right now, will happen in the future, or is continuing to go on from a past point. While there are many tenses, academic writing usually employs the present simple tense, the past simple tense, and the present perfect tense.

The importance of using the right verb tenses

By using the correct verb tense, you will be able to clearly express the time relationship among the ideas presented.

When choosing verb tenses to use in academic writing, you should aim for consistency , clarity , and simplicity . You should try to stick to the present simple, past simple, and present perfect tense.

Understanding verb tenses and their aspects

Verbs in the English language can be converted to present or past tense. In order to refer to events that will happen in the future, you have to use a modal verb (“will”) or the present progressive tense. When using verb tenses, it is important to understand the aspects of verb tenses. These are simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive. Here are some examples to illustrate:

I clean the house.

Progressive:

I was cleaning the house.
I have cleaned the house.

Perfect progressive:

I had been cleaning the house.

The 3 key verb tenses in academic writing

In academic writing, the most commonly used verb tenses are the present simple, past simple, and present perfect tense. Let’s look at each of these verb tenses in detail.

The present simple

The past simple, the present perfect.

In academic writing, present simple verb tenses can describe actions that happen continuously or habitually. For example :

Doctors in the European Union treat patients without private health insurance.
Researchers dismiss their bias and instead check the scientific evidence to come up with conclusions.
Immigrants cross the US border to find better job opportunities.

These verb tenses can also be used to describe a general truth, as you can see in this example:

Islam prohibits its followers from eating pork.
The Chinese economy grows by approximately 8% every year.
Bodybuilders take supplements to boost their muscle growth.

You can use the past simple verb tenses to describe actions that were completed at a specific point in the past . For example :

King John ruled England from 1199 to 1216.
We walked ten miles that day.
The family lived in Oxford in the 1960s.

These verb tenses are also used to indicate that an action took place in the past , and from general knowledge or common sense, we are certain that it was completed. For example :

The Romans invaded and conquered Egypt.
Ludwig Krapf explored East Africa and recorded Mt Kilimanjaro.

The present perfect verb tense is also used commonly in academic writing, and you can use it when referring to previous research . The verb tenses would indicate that the research is still relevant in the present time. In the following example , the present perfect tense is used to introduce new topics, reports, or papers:

A lot of research has been done to determine the impacts of industrialization on climate change.

The present perfect tense is also used to summarize the findings of previous research. For example:

Studies conducted on different communities have found that cultivating gratitude increases contentment.

This verb tense also allows researchers to point out gaps in existing research and gives them a chance to indicate how they will add value to the existing studies. For example:

Although these studies have proved that religious people are happier, it is still unclear how the two are co-related.

With the present perfect tense, you will also be able to refer to previous research without having to mention them. For example:

It has been proven that religious people have lower anxiety levels.

Using other verb tenses in academic writing

When writing proposals, you will occasionally need to use the future simple tense to describe actions that will happen at some point in the future.

To collect data, I will conduct semi-structured interviews.

You can also use the present progressive tense when describing events that are evolving at the time of writing.

Protesters are rising up against police brutality around the world.

What verb tenses do you use in academic writing?

In academic writing, people mostly use:

Present simple tense
Past simple tense
Present perfect tense.

The present simple tense is used when an action is happening right now or happens regularly, while the present perfect tense is used for actions that took place in the past and continued to the present time.

With the simple past tense, writers are able to talk about actions that were completed at a time before now.

Is it incorrect to use multiple verb tenses in a sentence?

As an academic writer, you can mix different tenses in a sentence and paragraph; you just need to make sure they are used appropriately for the context.

If the actions in the sentence or paragraph happen at the same time, you will have to use the same tense for all of them. Otherwise, you can switch the tenses as the context demands.

Which verb tenses should I use when referring to the academic paper itself?

When referring to actions that will come in the academic paper, the writer should use the present or future tense.

For example:

In this study, I will discuss the impacts of industrialization on the economy.

If you want to refer to information that was covered previously in the paper, you have to use the past tense .

Should I use the active or passive voice with the verb tenses?

Active voice is commonly used to describe actions in academic writing, and it generally clarifies your sentences’ meaning.

You can use passive voice to describe processes and various research results.

You should remember that these are simply guidelines you should follow, and you should judge whether you should use active or passive voice with the verb tenses depending on the context .

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Introduction to Verb Tenses

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This handout explains and describes the sequence of verb tenses in English.

Only two tenses are conveyed through the verb alone: present (“sing") and past (“sang"). Most English tenses, as many as thirty of them, are marked by other words called auxiliaries. Understanding the six basic tenses allows writers to re-create much of the reality of time in their writing.

Simple Present: They walk.

Present Perfect: They have walk ed .

Simple Past: They walk ed .

Past Perfect: They had walk ed .

Future: They will walk.

Future Perfect: They will have walk ed .

Usually, the perfect tenses are the hardest to remember. Here’s a useful tip: all of the perfect tenses are formed by adding an auxiliary or auxiliaries to the past participle, the third principal part.

1 st principal part (simple present): ring, walk

2 nd principal part (simple past): rang, walked

3 rd principal part (past participle): rung, walked

In the above examples, will or will have are the auxiliaries. The following are the most common auxiliaries: be, being, been, can, do, may, must, might, could, should, ought, shall, will, would, has, have, had.

Present Perfect

The present perfect consists of a past participle (the third principal part) with "has" or "have." It designates action which began in the past but which continues into the present or the effect of which still continues.

1. Simple Past : “Betty taught for ten years.” This means that Betty taught in the past; she is no longer teaching.

2. Present Perfect : “Betty has taught for ten years.” This means that Betty taught for ten years, and she still teaches today.

1. Simple Past : “John did his homework so he can go to the movies.” In this example, John has already completed his homework.

2. Present Perfect : “If John has done his homework, he can go to the movies.” In this case, John has not yet completed his homework, but he will most likely do so soon.

Present Perfect Infinitives

Infinitives also have perfect tense forms. These occur when the infinitive is combined with the word “have.” Sometimes, problems arise when infinitives are used with verbs of the future, such as “hope,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” or “want.”

I wanted to go to the movies.

Janet meant to see the doctor.

In both of these cases, the action happened in the past. Thus, these would both be simple past verb forms.

Present perfect infinitives, such as the examples below, set up a sequence of events. Usually the action that is represented by the present perfect tense was completed before the action of the main verb.

1. I am happy to have participated in this campaign! The current state of happiness is in the present: “I am happy.” Yet, this happiness comes from having participated in this campaign that most likely happened in the near past. Therefore, the person is saying that he or she is currently happy due to an event that happened in the near past.

2. John had hoped to have won the trophy. The past perfect verbal phrase, “had hoped,” indicates that John hoped in the past, and no longer does. “To have won the trophy” indicates a moment in the near past when the trophy was still able to be won. Thus, John, at the time of possibly winning the trophy, had hoped to do so, but never did.

Thus the action of the main verb points back in time; the action of the perfect infinitive has been completed.

Past Perfect

The past perfect tense designates action in the past just as simple past does, but the past perfect’s action has been completed before another action.

1. Simple Past : “John raised vegetables.” Here, John raised vegetables at an indeterminate time in the past.

2. Past Perfect : “John sold the vegetables that he had raised .” In this sentence, John raised the vegetables before he sold them.

1. Simple Past : “Renee washed the car when George arrived.” In this sentence, Renee waited to wash the car until after George arrived.

2. Past Perfect : “Renee had washed the car when George arrived.” Here, Renee had already finished washing the car by the time George arrived.

In sentences expressing condition and result, the past perfect tense is used in the part that states the condition.

1. If I had done my exercises, I would have passed the test.

2. I think Sven would have been elected if he hadn't sounded so pompous.

Further, in both cases, the word if starts the conditional part of the sentence. Usually, results are marked by an implied then . For example:

If I had done my exercises, then I would have passed the test.

If Sven hadn’t sounded so pompous, then he would have been elected.

Again, the word then is not required, but it is implied.

Future Perfect

The future perfect tense is used for an action that will be completed at a specific time in the future.

1. Simple Future : “On Saturday, I will finish my housework.” In this sentence, the person will finish his or her housework sometime on Saturday.

2. Future Perfect : “By noon on Saturday, I will have finished my housework.” By noon on Saturday, this person will have the housework already done even though right now it is in the future.

1. Simple Future : “You will work fifty hours.” In this example, you will work fifty hours in the future. The implication here is that you will not work more than fifty hours.

2. Future Perfect : “You will have worked fifty hours by the end of this pay period.” By the end of this pay period, you would have already worked fifty hours. However, as of right now, this situation is in the future. The implication here is that you could work more hours.

1. Judy saved thirty dollars. (past—the saving is completed)

2. Judy will save thirty dollars. (future—the saving has not happened yet)

3. Judy has saved thirty dollars. (present perfect—the saving has happened recently)

4. Judy had saved thirty dollars by the end of last month. (past perfect—the saving occurred in the recent past)

5. Judy will have saved thirty dollars by the end of this month. (future perfect—the saving will occur in the near future, by the end of this month)

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When people with different tolerances for clutter live together, things can get tense. Experts offer ways to find peace amid the piles.

By Catherine Pearson

Last year, Tracy McCubbin — who has been a professional declutterer for two decades and lives by the motto “don’t put it down, put it away” — married a man she described as “very messy.”

Both acknowledged the “cosmic joke” of their unlikely pairing. Ms. McCubbin put blue painter’s tape on every drawer and cupboard in the kitchen when the pair first moved in together, offering a map to what goes where. But she has also learned to practice what she preaches to her clients, staying cool and calm about messes that don’t affect her day-to-day functioning. Like his night stand, which is buried under books, charging cables and remotes to TVs she is fairly certain they no longer own.

Or the jumble of tools her husband, an avid gardener, tends to leave in the yard. “It’s all over the place,” Ms. McCubbin sighed. “But you know what? We have a beautiful garden. Our fruit trees are fruiting. It’s really been about understanding: This part doesn’t matter.”

Ms. McCubbin, and other experts in organizing as well as psychology, said there were a few practical strategies that could help pack rats and neatniks cohabitate in relative harmony.

Improve your organization systems.

“Oftentimes when one person is more cluttered, the underlying thesis is that they’re wrong, that they’re doing it the wrong way, that they’re bad,” Ms. McCubbin said. But in many cases, household clutter is simply an indication you don’t have solid systems in place.

Some of the solutions she offers to clients are almost too obvious, she said. For instance, she has worked with frustrated parents whose children toss backpacks and coats in what she calls the “landing strip” just inside the front door. Hanging a few hooks that they can easily reach helps.

Ms. McCubbin also recommends adding sufficient shelving for an avid reader’s books. (“The line in the sand is they have to be on a shelf. They can’t be in stacks on the floor.”) At home, she put a dish by the front door, so her husband wasn’t “losing his mind for 10 or 15 minutes every day” looking for his wallet and keys.

“It’s always important to explain that these systems are being put in place to help,” she said, “not because ‘you’re wrong.’”

Focus on functionality.

Ms. McCubbin said it’s most important to consider the practical implications of clutter.

“The goal in getting organized is to make your home work for you,” she said. “It’s not about rainbow bookshelves or making things look perfect, it’s about getting control of clutter so that you can cook in your kitchen and actually use your garage.”

Pour most of your energy into common spaces, Ms. McCubbin advises her clients. For example, she and her husband like to cook, so the kitchen must function well for both of them, she said. But he has an office and a bathroom that she rarely steps foot in so she does not have to see the mess. (Many people don’t have that much space, she acknowledged.)

Focusing on function can be especially helpful for parents who don’t want to battle their children over messy bedrooms. Antonia Colins, who runs the website Balance Through Simplicity, has two adolescent daughters, one of whom struggles with neatness. So Ms. Colins has set basic ground rules, she said. For instance, she insists on clutter-free floors and a desk that is clear enough to study from. (She also expects her daughters to put their dirty laundry next to the washing machine, and return any plates or glasses to the kitchen.) But she looks the other way if the bed isn’t made perfectly or if there is a pile of clean clothes in the corner.

Consider the deeper issues at play.

Sometimes clutter piles up because someone is unwilling to put in the effort to clean and organize. Other times, it is because they have mental or physical roadblocks, explained Michael A. Tompkins, a psychologist and co-author of “Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding and Compulsive Acquiring.”

Perhaps the most obvious example is hoarding disorder , but there are other links between mental health and messiness . For instance, those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.) or other executive functioning issues often struggle with excess clutter. In those instances, patience and understanding can go a long way, he said.

Physical limitations can also be a factor. “I’m 73, so I can speak to this personally,” Dr. Tompkins said. “My ability to maintain my living environment has degraded as my physical capacity has degraded, not because I’m not still interested in keeping my living environment tidy and organized.”

He said that it is important to note any sudden or drastic changes in a person’s household cleanliness (or if they seem to be accumulating an unhealthy amount of stuff) and flag them to a primary care physician, as they can indicate an underlying health issue.

If a person is simply unwilling to compromise on clutter, that may also be cause for concern. There could be more foundational relationship problems at play.

“It’s never just about the socks,” said Kiaundra Jackson, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. “It’s really about poor communication skills, or other needs, or gender roles — or something way deeper.”

If one person in the household is especially rigid about clutter, that may be more about control than cleanliness, she said, and is something he or she may need to work on in individual therapy. Couples therapy or simply working with an organizer can also help you come to a better understanding if you have reached a stalemate, Ms. Jackson said.

Be strategic in how you talk about it.

Though outside support can help, learning new communication tactics can sometimes be enough to defuse conflict, Ms. Jackson said. Don’t broach the topic of clutter when anyone involved is hungry or tired, she said. And beware of nagging, which she characterized as repeating the same thing over and over in the same way.

“Try a different avenue, try a different tone, try a different time of day,” Ms. Jackson urged, like perhaps writing an email rather than squabbling about messes at the end of a long workweek.

Be deliberate about voicing your expectations, Ms. Jackson said, and revisit them often, because regular check-ins can prevent resentment from building. She declined to offer a specific time frame for those conversations, as it varies from household to household, but she encouraged anyone moving into a new season in life (after a new baby or a job change, for instance) to talk about household expectations.

“Even if there’s just been a shift in preferences,” she said, “that needs to be vocalized.”

Catherine Pearson is a Times reporter who writes about families and relationships. More about Catherine Pearson

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Verb Tenses in Academic Writing | Rules, Differences & Examples

Table of contents

Check for common mistakes

Describing facts, generalizations, and explanations

Describing the content of a text

Reporting research steps

Describing historical events

Summarizing previous work

Emphasizing the present relevance of previous work

Future simple

Present, past, and future continuous

Past perfect

Sources in this article

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How to Use Tenses within Scientific Writing

Abstract --> Past tense

Introduction --> Present tense

Methods --> Past tense

Results --> Past tense

Discussion --> Present tense and past tense

Mastering the Use of Tenses in Your Research Paper

Understanding the basics: Using tenses in research papers

The simple past tense: Literature review, methods

The past perfect tense: Methods, conclusion

The simple present tense: Introduction, results, tables and figures

The present perfect tense: Introduction, literature review

The future tense: Discussion, conclusions

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Getting It Right: Inquire vs. Enquire in Research Writing

Dissertations & projects: Tenses

On this page:

What tenses will you use?

In your abstract

Describing the current situation and reason for your study

Describing the aims of your study

Describing your methodology

Describing your findings

Suggesting the implications of your study

Example abstract

In your methodology

In your discussion/conclusion

In your introduction

In your literature review

Findings only applicable in the specific circumstances

Findings that are still relevant or now established knowledge

Presenting your results

In your recommendations

Useful links

Verb Tenses

Present simple tense

Past simple tense

Present perfect tense

Special notes

What’s the difference between present simple and past simple for reporting research results?

Works consulted

How to Use Tenses in Academic Writing Effectively

Introduction

Methods Section

Discussion & Conclusion Sections

Source: https://www.usq.edu.au/academic-success-planner/verbs/verb-tenses/step1

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