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Mastering Verb Tenses in Literature Reviews

In this blog, we will see what tense you should use in the literature review section of your research paper. We will look at some examples of literature review excerpts from published research papers and understand the tenses used in them.

1. Which Tense to Use?

You may have to use multiple tenses in your literature review depending on what you are saying. The present tense is generally used in statements to introduce the literature review, and the past tense is typically used when you are talking about specific papers. The following table summarizes different types of statements you might typically include in your literature review and the corresponding tenses you should use.

2. Usage Example #1

In the first statement, we make a general statement about the topic by saying that this topic has been studied extensively in the literature, and therefore we have used the present tense. In the second sentence, we say that although there has been a lot of research on this topic, it is still relevant today and therefore we have used the present perfect tense.

✔ Example of simple present & present perfect tense use This is widely reported and extensively explored in the literature. This has been of interest for a considerable period, ranging from the early 90s. _   Broad summary (Simple Present) _   Ongoing situation (Present Perfect)

3. Usage Example #2

In the first statement, we begin the literature review by saying that there are many techniques available in the literature to combat weight gain. This statement is only a general summary of previous research on this topic. So we used the present perfect tense. Then, when we then talk about individual works from the literature, we present their results in the past tense.

✔ Example of present perfect & past tense use A number of solutions have been proposed to deal with the problem of weight gain and obesity. He simplest approach was proposed by Lee et al. (2003) which involves fasting. Wang et al. (2010) proposed an alternative solution of using an intragastric balloon. _   Broad summary (Present Perfect) _   Specific papers from past (Past Tense)

4. Usage Example #3

In the following example, in the first sentence we are talking about a collective finding that is generally accepted in the field, and therefore we have used the present perfect tense. In the second statement, we are talking about a finding from a specific work conducted in the past and have therefore used the past tense.

✔ Example of present perfect & past tense use It has been shown that there is a direct correlation between social media and children’s mental health[1-10]. Recently, Elan et al. [11] showed that these findings also applies to teenagers and older population. _   Accepted findings (Present Perfect) _   Specific paper from past (Past Tense)

5. Usage Example #4

In the example below, we talk about past research papers and that’s why we have used the past tense.

✔ Example of past tense use In the initial work presented by Kim et al. (2004), they showed that there is a direct link between Vitamin C and obesity. Smith et al. (2006) replicated this finding in a much larger study. Recently, it was pointed out by Young et al. (2010) that Vitamin C is also related to many other diseases. _   Specific papers from past (Past Tense)

If you have any questions, please drop a comment below, and we will answer as soon as possible. We also recommend you to refer to our other blogs on  academic writing tools ,   academic writing resources ,  academic writing phrases and research paper examples which are relevant to the topic discussed in this blog. 

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Mastering Tense Usage in Research Papers: A Section-by-Section Guide

Using the right verb tense is key in good academic writing . It’s like the hero no one talks about, making sure your paper looks solid next to others. Research shows that simple present, simple past, and present perfect are the most used tenses in research. Knowing how to use these tenses well shows you’re good with grammar. It also makes your writing clear and easy to follow.

Quick-Tips- Mastering Tense Usage in Research Papers

There’s a way to make tense use easier and even fun. By breaking down each part of your paper, we’ll show you how to handle tense. Let’s get started on making tense use in research papers something you can understand and maybe even like.

Key Takeaways

• Correct verb tense usage enhances academic credibility and clarity of expression in research papers.
• The simple present, simple past, and present perfect are the most utilized tenses in academic writing .
• Each section of a research paper has its preferred tense to maintain consistency and coherence.
• A well-structured methods section with accurate tense usage is crucial for research validity and reliability.
• Mastering verb tenses can transform the readability and impact of your research paper.

Introduction to Verb Tenses in Academic Writing

Mastery of verb tenses is key in academic writing. It helps make things clear and impactful. A study on using verb tenses in research papers got a lot of attention, showing their significance. Using tenses right makes research papers easier to read. It helps readers understand when things happened and their importance.

Why Verb Tenses Matter

Correct verb tenses set the right order and make research clear. The right tense at the start prevents confusion. This makes sure people understand the research well. Using tenses the same way keeps a clear timeline. This stops misunderstandings and keeps the research’s trustworthiness.

Overview of Common Verb Tenses

There are six main tenses in academic writing:

• Simple Present tense: Used for current actions or habits.
• Present Continuous tense: Shows ongoing actions now.
• Simple Past tense: Talks about finished actions in the past.
• Past Continuous tense: Focuses on actions happening over time in the past.
• Simple Future tense: Tells about actions that will happen.
• Future Continuous tense: Points to actions that will be happening over time.

For general statements in academic writing, the simple present tense is common. The present continuous tense is used for actions happening now. This is used less but still has its place. When talking about events that are finished, the simple past tense is fitting. For ongoing actions in the past, the past continuous tense is used. Future tenses are for predicting events to come.

The use of these tenses is very important in academic writing. Getting them right in a research paper makes it clear, builds trust, and shares the research’s impact well.

Choosing the Appropriate Tense for Different Sections

It’s key to use tenses correctly in academic writing. Doing so keeps your work clear and professional. Choose the tense that fits each part of your study well. Make sure to use the same tense throughout your paper.

Establishing Consistency

Using tenses right helps tell your research’s story clearly. Use the present for what’s happening now, the past for what’s done, and the future for newer ideas. This makes your study easy to follow. Here’s an example: “The enzyme activity increases with temperature.” Then, “Scientists found this in a lab test.” Finally, “Many studies have shown this works well.”

• Present tense: Ideal for general facts and ongoing research. Example: “Insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose levels.”
• Simple past tense: Used for describing completed research activities. Example: “Scientists in Wales discovered a new enzyme in the liver.”
• Present perfect tense: Connects past studies with ongoing research. Example: “Many studies have focused on glucagon as an important regulating hormone.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many writers struggle to keep tenses consistent. They might mix tenses without a clear plan. For example, “The research examined the data and shows a significant pattern” confuses readers. To avoid this, stick to the rules for each part of your paper, like using past tense for methods and present for results.

“Tense consistency is key to maintaining the narrative flow and professionalism in your academic writing.” – Dr. Jane Smith, Linguistics Professor

Learning to use tenses well can make your academic writing better. By following these tips, you can make your work more clear and precise.

Verb Tenses in the Introduction Section

Understanding how to use tenses in the introduction of a research paper is key. It ensures the reader knows where the information stands. This makes the reader clear on when and why the information matters.

Present Tense for Established Knowledge

The present tense is important in the introduction. It’s great for stating known facts and common truths. This makes your paper sound up-to-date and follows academic writing norms.

“Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.”

This tense choice shows the basic info your study is built on. It helps readers place your work in the wider knowledge landscape.

Using Past Tenses for Historical Context

Past and present perfect tenses are used for historical background. The simple past tells about finished studies, while the present perfect links past research to the present.

• Simple Past : “Smith (2018) found that the new medication reduced symptoms by 35%.”
• Present Perfect : “Researchers have consistently shown an interest in the effects of sleep on cognitive function.”

Applying these tenses well stitches together past and current studies. This highlights the progress and continuing discovery in your field.

Using the right tenses in your introduction isn’t just about rules. It’s about guiding your readers and setting up a strong base for your research. Let’s apply these principles to improve how we write the introduction of our research papers.

Verb Tenses in the Literature Review Section

We mix verb tenses well in the literature review. This mix helps make past research and its importance now clear. It’s key in doing a good previous studies check and showing a smooth current knowledge summary.

Past Tense for Previous Studies

The literature review mainly uses past tense for looking back. This approach lets us talk about studies that have already happened. For example, we might say “Smith (2010) found that more study time boosted grades.” This makes the old study clear and gives it history.

Present Tense for Current Knowledge

However, we mostly use present tense for talking about lasting theories and ideas. This method is essential in the current knowledge blend. Phrases like “Now, studies show that social media changes how we learn” connect the old and new, showing a full view of research talks.

Getting the right literature review tense isn’t just about being correct. It’s also about telling a story that values both old and new research.

Methodology Section: Best Tense Practices

Getting the tense right in the methodology section is crucial. It’s usually best to use the simple past tense. This tense works well to talk about the research steps that are already complete. Using the right methodology tense helps to be clear. It also makes it easier for others to do the same study.

Imagine talking about how you collected data. You might say, “We conducted a survey… “. This isn’t just about telling what happened. It keeps the section clear and accurate. Using good tense practices helps to explain your research method better.

Now, what if you’re writing a research proposal? Here, it’s good to use the future tense. For example, you might write, “We will use a randomized control trial… “. This clearly shows your planned steps. It makes your proposal more persuasive and well-organized.

Using different tenses can confuse people. So, when you write about your methodology tense , keep it consistent. This helps your section sound professional and be easy to understand.

“Consistent tense usage in the methodology section propels readers effortlessly through your research steps, maintaining a seamless narrative,” says our go-to grammar guru.

Let’s break it down for more clarity:

To sum up, using the right methodology tense is very important. It can really help or hurt your research methodology explanation . By carefully using these tense tips, readers can easily understand our research methods.

Results Section: Maintaining Consistency

The results section is a special place in our research work. It’s where we share our hard-earned outcomes. We do this with very careful steps to keep everything clear and steady. Using the right tense, like talking in past time, helps us tell the story of our findings correctly and plainly.

A good results section shows our data clearly. According to Labani, Wadhwa, & Asthana (2017), the focus is on sharing the real outcomes of our work. It’s not just tossing numbers around. It’s about being so clear that anyone can understand what the numbers mean.

Things like tables and charts are key in this. They’re much more than just filling up space. They help us make our data easy to see and understand. Let’s check out some cool stats that can make our points strong:

These numbers show our findings are rock solid. Take the relapse risk, for example. We found it increases by 2.1 times with a tight confidence range. Such clear stats make our study’s strong points even stronger.

Being clear and to the point with our words is key in the results section. We should keep our sentences simple and straight. Each data point should add to our story. This helps paint a full picture of what we’ve found.

Finally, review and revision are super important. Double-checking our work keeps it free of mistakes and messy bits. This is crucial for keeping our work consistent and sharing our findings in the best possible way.

Tense Usage in Discussion Section

The discussion section in a research paper is key for using tense well. It helps make our points clearer and stronger. This part gets a lot of attention, with 211,445 views on the Wordvice article about it. When we mix tenses, we tie our results to what’s already known and point out what they mean now.

Connecting Findings with Past Studies

We use the simple past tense to link our findings with past research. For instance, we might say, “Previous research showed a positive link between X and Y.” Doing this places our new results in the context of what we already know. It shows we get the field and respect the work done before us.

Present Tense for Current Implications

When discussing what our results could mean now, we often use the present tense. Like, “These findings suggest a new treatment approach.” This shows our research fits into the latest science discussions. It also highlights the possible use of our work now. And, if we’re making future guesses or talking about new research plans, using the future tense helps make these ideas clear.

Conclusion Section: Summarizing Key Points with Proper Tense

The conclusion wraps up our research clearly. It makes sure our readers get the main points and sees the study’s importance today.

Past Tense for Completed Work

We use the past tense to talk about what we’ve finished. It helps us sum up our journey and the big discoveries. This tense closes our story by showing what we’ve achieved.

Present Tense for Ongoing Research

Conversely, the present tense is for what’s still happening from our work. It points out our findings’ ongoing impact and areas needing more study. This keeps our summary alive, not just in the past but now and maybe in the future too.

While short, the conclusion is vital for the study’s message. Using the right tense makes our work’s importance clear. It’s how we can be memorable and show the study matters in the academic world.

Why do verb tenses matter in academic writing?

What are the most commonly used verb tenses in research papers, how do we ensure consistency in verb tense usage, what are some common mistakes to avoid, what tense should be used in the introduction section, how should we approach verb tenses in the literature review section, what is the best tense practice for the methodology section, which tense should be used in the results section, what is the proper tense usage for the discussion section, how should tenses be used in the conclusion section.

• ← Effective Use of Active and Passive Voice in Scientific Manuscripts
• Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Academic Sentences →

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Verb tenses in scientific writing: Which tense should you use?

If you’re fluent in English, using tenses in scientific writing should come naturally to you. You shouldn’t need to flip through a grammar book, ask a freelance editor, or search online for “methods tense” or “literature review tense”.

But verb tenses may start to haunt you if you’re writing an article for a top peer-reviewed journal and you know you have to get every detail right. For example, you may wonder, What tense should be used in methodology sections? Should the introduction or literature review be written in the present tense or past tense?

In this post I’m going to answer these and other questions on verb tenses in scientific writing to make it easier for you to understand which tenses to use in a research paper.

Past or present tense in a cademic writing? It depends.

There’s  no consensus on how authors should be using verb tenses in scientific writing. Here is a summary of the main recommendations of academic writing experts on tenses in scientific writing.

Literature review verb tense

For the literature review, most academic editors recommend using the past simple or present perfect when talking about past research.

Use the past simple to discuss what was done in the past (the authors collected, investigated, analyzed, etc.).

Use present perfect to talk about findings from previous studies that are still valid today (the author has shown, has demonstrated, etc.).

If you don’t want to use the past simple or present perfect tense in literature review sections, your other option is the present simple tense. This is the so-called literary present.

Writing the literature review in the present simple tense helps simulate an ongoing academic conversation , to which you’re contributing (“Author et al. (2021) find…, discuss…, examine… imply…”).

In summary, what tense should the introduction be written in?

• Past simple or present perfect tense for past research
• Present simple for general truths or for the entire literature review section

Verb tenses in the methodology and results sections

For the methodology, almost all academic writing resources agree that the past simple tense is the logical choice. You are discussing what you did (collected data, analyzed them, and derived your results)—and all of that happened in the past.

However, you may also need to use the present simple tense to refer to figures and tables.

In summary, what tense should methods be written in?

For the methodology section, use these tenses:

• the past simple tense to explain your methods
• the present simple tense to refer to figures or tables

What tense should a discussion be written in?

Tenses for the discussion are similar to those for the introduction:

• past simple or present perfect tense when referring to what you did (past research)
• present simple for general truths or for interpretations of your data

Verb tenses in the conclusion section

For the conclusion, you may need to use several tenses. Again, when referring to general truths or implications of your results, use the present simple. When referring to what you did, use the past simple or present perfect tense.

Use the simple past when discussing the research you completed and is no longer continuing. Use the present perfect when discussing an action that started in the past and is still happening now, or an action that happens regularly.

So, for the conclusion, use these tenses:

• present simple for things that are true at the time of writing, the conclusions of your study, and its implications
• past simple or present perfect tense for past work

Knowing how to use verb tenses in scientific writing is better than imitating other authors

In scientific writing, using verb tenses inconsistently or unnecessarily shifting tenses means sloppy writing. A poorly written manuscript submitted to a peer-reviewed journal will come back with a long list of revisions—if it’s accepted for publication. Hiring a freelance editor for research papers can help you polish your writing style and improve the likelihood that your manuscript will be accepted the second time.

If you don’t want to hire a freelance editor, you may need to edit your own research paper . Mastering verb tenses in scientific writing will help you make the right choice for each section of your paper.

Try to resist the temptation to imitate others’ writing style. It’s common for new authors to learn academic writing the same way they learned to speak: by imitation. They peruse some articles published in their target journal to see what verb tenses other authors used and then make the same choices.

However, this is not such a great idea, because not all published articles are examples of good writing. You risk imitating an author that didn’t pay much attention to verb tenses in scientific writing, or whose work was edited by someone with little experience.

How to choose the right verb tenses for a research paper

If emulating others’ writing style comes with the risk of picking up bad habits, how do you choose the right verb tense to use in a scholarly paper?

Unfortunately, style guides, academic writing books, and academic editors give conflicting advice. A solution to this problem is to follow the recommendations of your university’s writing center if you’re writing a PhD thesis or dissertation. If, however, you’re writing a research paper for a journal, follow its guidelines.

Some publishers may let you choose any style guide as long as you’re consistent. In that case, go with the style popular in your academic field (for example, APA Style in social sciences).

Example: Verb tenses in APA Style

If you need to follow the APA Style, it has precise instructions on using verb tenses in research papers:

• Introduction and literature review: To talk about previous studies, use the past simple or present perfect; for findings that continue to be true, use the present simple.
• Methodology and results: To talk about your methods or results, use the past simple or present perfect.
• Conclusions: Write the conclusions of your research and implications of your findings in the present simple.

Here are some examples to help you understand how to use verb tenses in APA:

• Past simple tense to discuss past work:

Author A (2017) showed that varied populations display similar patterns, but Author B demonstrated that patterns vary wildly

• Present perfect to discuss findings from previous studies that are still valid today:

Other researchers have described similar processes in other environments

• Present simple to express general truths, facts, or ideas accepted today:

Most researchers agree that our species appeared in Africa

• Present perfect or past simple tense to describe your methods and results:

We have observed no variation in the economic growth rate, but found it depends on several factors

• Present simple tense to describe the conclusions and implications of your study:

Our results indicate a strong correlation between A and B, but we need further research in this area

Use the right tenses in scientific writing for clarity

The goal of using the right verb tenses in scientific writing is clarity. So, whether you follow your instincts, your advisor’s suggestions, an editor’s recommendations, or a style guide, aim at clarity and logic. A well-written manuscript will have a better chance of being accepted for publication. Also, it won’t require several rounds of revision to improve its language, meaning you save time and can focus on your science.

Do you need to hire a freelance editor for a research paper? Send me a message at [email protected].

Related posts:

• Write your research paper outline
• Should I edit my own research paper?
• Academic editing tips I wish I knew as a research scientist

Last revised on 23 June 2022

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Dissertations & projects: Tenses

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On this page:

“You will use a range of tenses depending on what you are writing about . ” Elizabeth M Fisher, Richard C Thompson, and Daniel Holtom,   Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis Or Dissertation!

Tenses can be tricky to master. Even well respected journals differ in the guidance they give their authors for their use. However, their are some general conventions about what tenses are used in different parts of the report/dissertation. This page gives some advice on standard practice.

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
• << Previous: Writing style
• Next: Voice >>
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Use of verb tenses in APA, Chicago and MLA styles

APA, Chicago and MLA are the three main referencing systems/writing styles used at Massey. Re commendations they make in relation to verb tenses are summarized below. Implementing these recommendations may be especially important if you are planning to publish work in a journal that requires certain style guidelines to be followed. However, for assignments or theses at Massey, it is important to be guided by any advice your lecturer or supervisor may provide in relation to use of tenses.  

Referring to the ideas of other researchers (e.g. in a literature review)

Simple past tense

• Brown (2019) argued that… However, Small (2020) suggested that…

Present perfect tense

• Doñoso (1992) has demonstrated that…

Note : A shift of tense may be used to indicate that the research findings are still relevant.

• Molland (2018) discovered that educational outcomes improve when….

Describing a method or procedure

• The participants were interviewed…
• Other researchers have followed a similar procedure.

Reporting results (your own or those of others)

• The results supported the hypothesis

Personal reactions

Simple present tense

• I believe …
• I sensed a need for…
• I have encountered challenges…

Commenting on the implications of results or findings

• The findings indicate that…

Presenting limitations

• The limitations of this case study are …

Conclusions

• We can conclude that…

Suggesting future directions

• This is an area for future research

Chicago and MLA

Both Chicago and MLA recommend the use of the simple present tense (e.g. ‘argues’) or present perfect tense (e.g. ‘has argued’) in the following situations:

No matter how long ago the work was published, the present tense is used, and even a deceased author ‘argues’ or ‘claims’.

• Vasquez and Lopez argue that…
• Bailey has outlined …

Discussing the actions of characters in literature

• In Episode 4 of James Joyce’s Ulysses , Leopold Bloom walks to the butchers and buys a pork kidney

Narrating a fictional work’s plot

• The plot of Ulysses centres on the wanderings and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin, Ireland, over the course of a single day (16 June 1904)

Discussing a literary work, author or theme.

• James Joyce structures Ulysses around 18 episodes that loosely mirror episodes in Homer's Odyssey
• The themes of Ulysses include compassion and remorse

Note : If the context is clearly historical (rather than textual), use of the past tense is acceptable.

• Ulysses was published on 2 February 1922, James Joyce’s 40th birthday.

These pages are provided as a guide to proper referencing. Your course, department, school, or institute may prescribe specific conventions, and their recommendations supersede these instructions. If you have questions not covered here, check in the style guide listed above, ask your course coordinator, or ask at Academic Q+A .

Page authorised by Director - Centre for Learner Success Last updated on 17 November, 2020

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Grammar: Verb Tenses

Most common verb tenses in academic writing.

According to corpus research, in academic writing, the three tenses used the most often are the simple present , the simple past , and the present perfect (Biber et al., 1999; Caplan, 2012). The next most common tense for capstone writers is the future ; the doctoral study/dissertation proposal at Walden is written in this tense for a study that will be conducted in the future.

Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S., & Finegan, E. (1999). Longman grammar of written and spoken English . Pearson. https://doi.org/10.1162/089120101300346831

Caplan, N. A. (2012). Grammar choices for graduate and professional writers . University of Michigan Press.

Simple present: Use the simple present to describe a general truth or a habitual action. This tense indicates that the statement is generally true in the past, present, and future.

• Example: The hospital admits patients whether or not they have proof of insurance.

Simple past : Use the simple past tense to describe a completed action that took place at a specific point in the past (e.g., last year, 1 hour ago, last Sunday). In the example below, the specific point of time in the past is 1998.

• Example: Zimbardo (1998) researched many aspects of social psychology.

Present perfect: Use the present perfect to indicate an action that occurred at a nonspecific time in the past. This action has relevance in the present. The present perfect is also sometimes used to introduce background information in a paragraph. After the first sentence, the tense shifts to the simple past.

• Example: Numerous researchers have used this method.
• Example: Many researchers have studied how small business owners can be successful beyond the initial few years in business. They found common themes among the small business owners.

Future: Use the future to describe an action that will take place at a particular point in the future (at Walden, this is used especially when writing a proposal for a doctoral capstone study).

• Example: I will conduct semistructured interviews.

Keep in mind that verb tenses should be adjusted after the proposal after the research has been completed. See this blog post about Revising the Proposal for the Final Capstone Document for more information.

APA Style Guidelines on Verb Tense

APA calls for consistency and accuracy in verb tense usage (see APA 7, Section 4.12 and Table 4.1). In other words, avoid unnecessary shifts in verb tense within a paragraph or in adjacent paragraphs to help ensure smooth expression.

• Use the past tense (e.g., researchers presented ) or the present perfect (e.g., researchers have presented ) for the literature review and the description of the procedure if discussing past events.
• Use the past tense to describe the results (e.g., test scores improved significantly).
• Use the present tense to discuss implications of the results and present conclusions (e.g., the results of the study show …).

When explaining what an author or researcher wrote or did, use the past tense.

• Patterson (2012) presented, found, stated, discovered…

However, there can be a shift to the present tense if the research findings still hold true:

• King (2010) found  that revising a document three times improves the final grade.
• Smith (2016) discovered that the treatment is effective.

Verb Tense Guidelines When Referring to the Document Itself

To preview what is coming in the document or to explain what is happening at that moment in the document, use the present or future tense:

• In this study, I will describe …
• In this study, I describe …
• In the next chapter, I will discuss …
• In the next chapter, I discuss …

To refer back to information already covered, such as summaries of discussions that have already taken place or conclusions to chapters/sections, use the past tense:

• Chapter 1 contained my original discussion of the research questions.
• In summary, in this section, I presented information on…

Simple Past Versus the Present Perfect

Rules for the use of the present perfect differ slightly in British and American English. Researchers have also found that among American English writers, sometimes individual preferences dictate whether the simple past or the present perfect is used. In other words, one American English writer may choose the simple past in a place where another American English writer may choose the present perfect.

Keep in mind, however, that the simple past is used for a completed action.  It often is used with signal words or phrases such as "yesterday," "last week," "1 year ago," or "in 2015" to indicate the specific time in the past when the action took place.

• I went to China in 2010 .
• He completed the employee performance reviews last month .

The present perfect focuses more on an action that occurred without focusing on the specific time it happened. Note that the specific time is not given, just that the action has occurred.

• I have travelled to China.

The present perfect focuses more on the result of the action.

• He has completed the employee performance reviews.

The present perfect is often used with signal words such as "since," "already," "just," "until now," "(not) yet," "so far," "ever," "lately," or "recently."

• I have already travelled to China.
• He has recently completed the employee performance reviews.
• Researchers have used this method since it was developed.

Summary of English Verb Tenses

The 12 main tenses:

• Simple present : She writes every day.
• Present progressive: She is writing right now.
• Simple past : She wrote last night.
• Past progressive: She was writing when he called.
• Simple future : She will write tomorrow.
• Future progressive: She will be writing when you arrive.
• Present perfect : She has written Chapter 1.
• Present perfect progressive: She has been writing for 2 hours.
• Past perfect: She had written Chapter 3 before she started Chapter 4.
• Past perfect progressive: She had been writing for 2 hours before her friends arrived.
• Future perfect: She will have written Chapter 4 before she writes Chapter 5.
• Future perfect progressive: She will have been writing for 2 hours by the time her friends come over.

Conditionals:

Zero conditional (general truths/general habits).

• Example: If I have time, I write every day.

First conditional (possible or likely things in the future).

• Example: If I have time, I will write every day.

Second conditional (impossible things in the present/unlikely in the future).

• Example : If I had time, I would write every day.

Third conditional (things that did not happen in the past and their imaginary results)

• Example : If I had had time, I would have written every day.

Subjunctive : This form is sometimes used in that -clauses that are the object of certain verbs or follow certain adjectives. The form of the subjective is the simple form of the verb. It is the same for all persons and number.

• Example : I recommend that he study every day.
• Example: It is important that everyone set a writing schedule.

Verbs Video Playlist

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

• Grammar for Academic Writers: Common Verb Tenses in Academic Writing (video transcript)
• Grammar for Academic Writers: Verb Tense Consistency (video transcript)
• Grammar for Academic Writers: Advanced Subject–Verb Agreement (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Helping Verbs (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Past Tense (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Present Tense (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Future Tense (video transcript)

Related Resources

Knowledge Check: Verb Tenses

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

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