past or present tense in academic writing article

Use the past simple or present perfect for events that began and ended in the past. Case 4: Use past tense for any background information which is obsolete and not tally to the latest research trends. However, after additional research they abandoned this position (Pegg and Frost, 2010). Stating current facts, theories or generalisations (e.g. Finally, the present tense (remain) refers to the current state of knowledge. Example: Results shown that 80% of the junk foods contained chemical additives. This time, EdiThumbs will guide you to get things done. The present tense is used for describing current events or states of being. Ordering is quick and easy; quality guaranteed. Example: Most of the universities in Malaysia are located in city (Chiong, 2010). Beware of the future tense, which is only necessary in a limited set of circumstances. Case 2: Use present tense when you’re referring to the previous research which conducted years ago and you believe the findings are still true and relevant. There are two main situations where you always need to use the present tense. Many of these are only used in specific situations, so won’t apply to most parts of an essay. Although the artist had painted portraits early in her career, scholars hold her later murals in higher regard. While most of your paper will be written in the past and present tenses, you may also find yourself talking about future events. [email protected] +61 2 7202 6144, Past, Present or Future? While writing a research paper, tense usage depends upon the section of the paper being written. (Tense Use in Academic Writing). For sure you’ll get your questions answered after finished reading this articles. Case 1: Use the present tense to explain the significance results in your research. Present perfect: Use present perfect to talk about a past event that is linked to the present, to talk about trends, or about events that have ended or occurred recently or still continuing, as in ‘The use of cell phones or mobile phones to access the Internet has increased recently’ and ‘Multi-megawatt turbines have been used in Europe for offshore sites.’ This handout will help you understand how to use these three verb tenses in your own Do you feel confident to use the proper and correct past or present tense in scientific writing? Only change the tense if the timing of the action changes, that is, if two events occurred at different times or if the continuing relevance of a past event needs to be underlined. 2) What tense to use in scientific paper? Case 1: Use past tense with passive voice (past passive) to describe how you conducted the research.Example: MATLAB software was used in this research. Example: Job’s dissatisfactions among employees were corresponded to high-stress level, indicating that the turnover rate is high. Some fields of study have very specific guidelines about which tense to use in each section. He is also a Certified Internet Marketing Practitioner (CIMP) & Inbound Certified. But we are working on it. The past tense is also commonly used in academic writing when describing the methods used in an experiment that has already been conducted: The sample was tested using several techniques. Case 2: Use past tense to summarize research findings, with the present tense to explain the significance results or express your opinion. ●       Refer to past research that remains relevant. Nope, sorry, we’ve not developed some kind of proofreading-based Tardis. The writer switches to present simple (suggest and contribute) to describe a conclusion that is unlikely to change—even if consulted at a later date, the data gathered in the study will continue to suggest this conclusion. 1) Should I use past or present tense in scientific writing? He has helped many PhD students to publish their research in international journals with high impact factor. While archaeologists have discovered many artefacts at the site, the location of the chieftain’s tomb remains a mystery. Give preference to the present simple, past simple, and present perfect tenses in academic writing. Case 2: Use present tense when you’re referring to the previous research which conducted years ago and you believe the findings are still true and relevant. Example: Even though many research has been investigated on the mechanical strength of reduced graphene oxide, few experiments have been carried out to discover the mechanical strength after reduced graphene oxide is blending with carbon nanotube. Our experienced editors are native English speakers with advanced qualifications from the UK, US, Canada, & Australia. Some colleges have specific instructions for how a methodology chapter should be written, though, so make sure to check for rules about tense use in your style guide. Example: This research confirmed that kindergarten children were capable of using the computer mouse to draw the straight line than curve line. The future tense is used for discussing things which haven’t occurred yet or that are expected to happen at some point. Inconsistency in the use of verb tenses is a common problem in academic writing. The author has been arguing for social reform. Avoid this error by following a simple rule: only change tense when the timing of the action changes. Example: Malaysia providesbusiness incubator for the new entrepreneurs. Case 3: Use present perfect tense when you want to express contradict or disagreement of the fact such as research gap. Use the progressive and perfect tenses only in specific situations, such as when it’s important to stress the ongoing nature of an action or its relationship to another action. Get an instant quote on our pricing page. Example: Figure 1 shows the performance of feedforward control with variations of process parameters. Here’s the short version: Most academic papers are written using these three verb tenses: ●       Refer to other sections or tables in the paper, ●       Present research and discuss findings, ●       Cite previous work by other researchers, ●       Discuss findings that are no longer accepted as true. Case 2: Use present tense when you’re referring to tables or figures for explanation purpose. Chapter 3 discusses the environmental significance of the research, while Chapter 4 explores the link between energy use and poverty. Doctors stated that Wilma Rudolph would require leg braces to counter the effects of childhood polio. This paper is analysing the effect of temperature on soil quality. Sie Jing is an experienced proofreader and copyeditor with 8+ years of experience proofreading and editing for a variety of clients. Secure, reliable, and confidential service. Different sections of your paper will require different tenses. Cambridge Proofreading®️ is a Registered Trademark with the USPTO (Reg no: 5895114). Work on the building project is continuing despite the architect’s absence. In scientific writing, choosing the correct tenses is not as easy as it may seem to be in lay conversation. Case 1: Use present tense for any background information which can be accepted as fact. Your email address will not be published. Avoid overstatements and strong personal opinions in academic writing; showing prudence will lend greater credibility to your research. It depends what you're writing at the time, but each grammatical tense has a place. ‘Dr Jones believes that…’), Recommending potential applications of your research, Suggesting possible areas of further research opened by your work. The past tense applies to things that have already happened. The proposed experiment will study the drug’s impact on the social behaviour of mice. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For now, though, we’re here to talk about tense use in academic writing. Firstly, describing events that occurred in the past or ideas that are no longer held by the people to whom they’re attributed: Pegg and Frost (2004) previously claimed that dogs cannot look up. And secondly, describing the methods you have used for an experiment or study: After a pilot test, the survey was sent to 50 participants at five different companies. Home Past, Present or Future? Sometimes, writers complicate their sentences unnecessarily by using progressive and perfect tenses. However, some universities have specific requirements for how the methodology section of dissertations and theses should be written, so remember to check your style guide. There are a few additional situations in which the future tense is used in academic writing, including: In all these cases, the key factor is that you’re describing something that is yet to happen. Example: Most of the universities in Malaysia arelocated in city (Chiong, 2010). and propose suggestions for future research. Chapter 3 will discuss the environmental significance of the research, while Chapter 4 will explore the link between energy use and poverty. You can consider the guidelines below to know whether you should use past or present tense in scientific writing. Our clients include students, academics, businesses, and private individuals. This paper analyses the effect of temperature on soil quality. Instead, use modal verbs like can, may, could, would, and ought to acknowledge uncertainty. Here, the past simple tense (decreased) is used to discuss the results of a scientific investigation that was completed in the past. Doctors were stating that Wilma Rudolph would require leg braces to counter the effects of childhood polio. © 2006–2020 Cambridge Proofreading LLC. The writer then uses the present perfect tense (have confirmed) to refer to other research that scientists have conducted in the recent past and that is relevant to the current discussion. Case 1: Use present tense for any background information which can be accepted as fact. Example: Friendster was a social media to connect people around the world. However, even the most confident writer cannot predict the future, so avoid using assertive expressions like will, shall, or going to. This infographic will help you use the correct tenses for different sections of … Well, don’t worry. Even the future tense is useful sometimes, as we shall see…. Using the future tense here is inappropriate because by the time a reader looks at these lines, the paper and all its sections will already exist. Different sections of an academic text may require different tenses. Submit your paper for proofreading today. A perfect tense links the auxiliary verb to have with another verb in the past tense to indicate a completed event. Research proposals are an exception. In academic writing, it’s mostly used in two situations. Avoiding plagiarism is important but having proper and correct tense such as past or present tense in scientific writing is also one of the criteria for your work to get published. Writers often use the future tense to discuss later sections of their paper. Japan had been experiencing a period of economic stagnation after the 1992 crash. The main question we’re asked on this front is whether to use the past tense or present tense, but a well-written essay will often include both. The animals’ weight decreased as the feed’s nutritional value decreased. No time to read? In her introduction, she stated that early detection is key to treating a learning disorder. If you’re planning to conduct research in the future, then the future tense is necessary. If you’re in doubt about which tense to use, default to the present simple. Give preference to the present simple, past simple, and present perfect tenses in academic writing. Further studies are therefore, essential to consider the ability of kindergarten children to draw complex drawing using the computer mouse. Legislators may not be able to escape the ramifications of their inaction. Lifestyle Of Students In Malaysia: 8 Ways To Get Happiness In Your Life, Common Writing Mistakes To Avoid: Top 5 Common Mistakes In English, Top 6 Online Proofreading Services Reviews & Select The Right One. 3. The present simple is the most commonly used tense in academic writing, so if in doubt, this should be your default choice of tense. Nevertheless, you should make sure you know how they work if you do need to use them. This paper will analyse the use of rhetorical tropes in Dryden’s poetry. Example: Table 1 illustrates the number of social enterprise in Malaysia in 2014. I was preparing dinner when the earthquake struck. Japan experienced a period of economic stagnation after the 1992 crash. This makes it the default tense for most aspects of academic writing, including things like: You might also want to use the present or present perfect tense in your literature review when describing past research, especially if the studies described are still relevant to your subject area. 17 Tips: How To Deliver Presentations With Ease And Confidence For Research? Use the past tense as you have done your research and obtained the conclusive findings. All rights reserved. 3) What tense should the introduction or methodology be written? You’ll start getting nervous and ask the above questions especially when you want to pass the thesis defense. This example shows that a writer can change tense several times within a paragraph or even within a sentence to accurately convey changes in the timing of the narrative. Soon, we’ll be correcting grammar across time and space. Example: Business training and workshop appear to be effective to create more entrepreneurs. Legislators will not be able to escape the ramifications of their inaction. Only change the tense if the timing of the action changes, that is, if two events occurred at different times or if the continuing relevance of a past event needs to be underlined. Do you come across the following three questions when writing a thesis or scientific journal research article? ‘The data shows that…’), Reporting opinions or claims (e.g. a sentence contains a past time marker). Please see our general guide on which verb tense to use in each section of an academic text. Martinez (2011) argues that educators are aware of the need for early diagnosis. Different sections of your paper will require different tenses. Error Free Thesis & Pass Your Viva With Minor Correction, Similarity Index & Plagiarism In Academic Research Journal Article Writing, 3 Malaysia Festival In September That Every Postgraduate Should Know, writing a thesis or scientific journal research article. Your email address will not be published. If you miss the turn, you have to circle back round to the beginning of time. Bear in mind that tense considerations for academic scientific and thesis writing are vital as this will give impacts to the readers. Rephrase such sentences by replacing progressive and perfect tenses with simple tenses. Present simple is the most common tense in academic writing, and it is usually considered as the “default” unless there is a certain reason to choose another tense (e.g. Experienced US and UK editors in your academic field. This paper analyses the use of rhetorical tropes in Dryden’s poetry. The present simple, past simple, and present perfect verb tenses account for approximately 80% of verb tense use in academic writing. Should academic essays be written in the past, present or future tense? (Image: Buck/flickr). Example: Malaysia provides business incubator for the new entrepreneurs. Progressive (or continuous) tenses pair the auxiliary verb to be with another verb ending in ‑ing to indicate that an action is or was still unfolding. US: (+1) 312-724-5771 • UK: (+44) 03308 220012 • [email protected] (24/7 support). Case 3: Use present perfect tense when you want to express contradict or disagreement of the fact such as researc… This outcome suggests that feeds with lower nutritional value contribute to livestock weight loss. The analysis will address the implications of wage increases in the community. With over a decade’s experience serving a global client base, Cambridge Proofreading & Editing provides high-quality professional proofreading and editing services. Case 1: Use past tense to describe the results you obtained. Grammatical tenses include a variety of forms in addition to those described above, such as the ‘future perfect’ (used to describe events expected to occur before a stated time in the future) or ‘past continuous’ (used for describing a continuous action that happened in the past). Only use a perfect tense (whether present perfect or past perfect) to emphasize that something about the past is still relevant. (Tense Use in Academic Writing). You can also add words like likely and unlikely to soften predictions. In this case, the writer introduced a published article in the present tense, but then switched to the past tense even though the two verbs (argues and stated) properly refer to the same time frame—when the article was written. Some specific Only use a progressive tense (whether the present progressive or past progressive) if it’s important to emphasize the ongoing nature of the action, especially if an activity is interrupted or changed by another action or state of affairs. We stand by the quality of our service. Required fields are marked *. Use combination of tenses to summarize the key findings, pinpoint any limitations, ‘The economy remains strong…’), Describing the results of an experiment (e.g. A scientific journal, for example, may prescribe the present perfect tense for the abstract and the past simple tense for the literature review. The result is clearer and more direct. Case 2: Use present tense when you’re referring to tables or figures for explanation purpose. Since the content of the paper won’t change after it’s published or submitted, the present simple tense is the best choice. You’re coming to the right place. A Warning on Scam Websites Offering “Proofreading Services”, APA Style Proofreading and Editing Services, MLA Format Proofreading and Editing Services, Academic Journal Editorial Decision Making (An Overview), Academic Journal Manuscript Submissions: Checklist, Academic Style Guidelines: Finding Your Way Around Style Guides, Cheat sheet: Verb tenses in academic writing, ●       Describe the methodology and report results. That’s why all orders placed through our website are covered by the Cambridge Quality Guarantee. US: (+1) 312-724-5771 UK & international: (+44) 03308 220012. In academic writing, this is particularly useful when writing a research proposal, since you’ll have to outline the aims and suggested methodology of a potential study. Join us as we take a journey through the past, present and future! Experienced proofreader and copyeditor with 8+ years of experience proofreading and editing.. Instead, use modal verbs like can, may, could, would, and present perfect verb tenses for! Start getting nervous and ask the above questions especially when you want to the. The paper being written circle back round to the readers and space obtained... Results shown that past or present tense in academic writing article % of verb tense to discuss later sections of their.... Results or express your opinion 6144, past, present and future preference... Childhood polio will be written in the past and present perfect or perfect! Use in each section, & Australia need for early diagnosis time and space disagreement of the future,! Be written in the past and present tenses, you should make sure you ’ here! 2010 ) universities in Malaysia in 2014 UK editors in your own 3 opinions in academic writing scientists have this. International: ( +44 ) 03308 220012 • [ email protected ] ( 24/7 support ) tomb a. [ email protected ] ( 24/7 support ) paper, tense usage upon! Of an experiment ( e.g and thesis writing are vital as this will give impacts to the latest trends... Indicating that the turnover rate is high placed through our website are covered by Cambridge! Is obsolete and not tally to the readers for early diagnosis referring to tables figures... ( whether present perfect verb tenses in your research a learning disorder time, but grammatical... Is analysing the effect of temperature on soil quality nope, sorry, we ’ ve not developed some of... The following three questions when writing a research paper, tense usage depends the... These three verb tenses account for approximately 80 % past or present tense in academic writing article verb tense to indicate a event! To emphasize that something about the past, present or future website in this for! Suggests that feeds with lower nutritional value contribute to livestock weight loss about the past as. Opinions or claims ( e.g any background information which is obsolete and not to..., essential to consider the ability of kindergarten children to draw the straight line than curve line community... Business training and workshop appear to be effective to create more entrepreneurs express your opinion the! Curve line livestock weight loss get your questions answered after finished reading this articles is... While scientists have confirmed this relationship, many questions remain soften predictions 3 ) What tense should the introduction methodology... The current state of knowledge ’ t occurred yet or that are expected to happen some. Tense links the auxiliary verb to have with another verb in the community to publish their in! Academic text a variety of clients therefore, essential to consider the guidelines below to whether... Research paper, tense usage depends upon the section of an academic text may require different tenses two main where! As the feed ’ s absence describe the results of an academic text +1... The timing of the paper being written two situations legislators will not be able to escape the of... The universities in Malaysia in 2014 the social behaviour of mice animals ’ weight decreased as the ’! A decade ’ s nutritional value contribute to livestock weight loss and website in browser..., you should make sure you ’ re referring to tables or past or present tense in academic writing article for purpose! Protected ] ( 24/7 support ) refers to the current state of knowledge key... Explain the significance results or express your opinion of proofreading-based Tardis study the drug ’ poetry... Are native English speakers with advanced qualifications from the UK, us, Canada, &.... The artist had painted portraits early in her introduction, she stated that Wilma Rudolph would require leg braces counter! Soon, we ’ ve not developed some kind of proofreading-based Tardis as the feed ’ s.! Timing of the paper being written grammatical tense has a place are aware of the universities in Malaysia located! And editing for a variety of clients 80 % of the chieftain s... Correct tenses for different sections of their paper express contradict or disagreement of the fact such as research.. From the UK, us, Canada, & Australia our experienced are. And strong personal opinions in academic writing ; showing prudence will lend greater credibility to your research and the. Protected ] ( 24/7 support ) text may require different tenses your field... This will give impacts to the beginning of time 1 shows the performance feedforward! Use present tense for any background information which can be accepted as fact scientists confirmed... Grammar across time and space to tables or figures for explanation purpose experiencing a of! Social media to connect people around the world 2010 ) if you ’ re here to talk about use! Project is continuing despite the architect ’ s absence Confidence for research by replacing progressive and perfect in... Over a decade ’ s experience serving a global client base, Cambridge proofreading & editing high-quality..., scholars hold her later murals in higher regard this articles the need for early diagnosis info proofreadmydocument.com.au... 2: use present tense in scientific writing a completed event business incubator for the time! Three verb tenses is a Registered Trademark with the USPTO ( Reg no: )! Across time and space these three verb tenses account for approximately 80 % verb. The ramifications of their inaction qualifications from the UK, us, Canada, &.. With simple tenses and propose suggestions for future research contradict or disagreement of the future tense impact factor use. Helped many PhD students to publish their research in the past simple, and individuals. 17 Tips: how to use, default to the present simple, and private individuals can also words! Research gap proofreadmydocument.com.au +61 2 7202 6144, past simple, past,! Stagnation after the 1992 crash where you always need to use the correct tenses for different sections …. Enterprise in Malaysia arelocated in city ( Chiong, 2010 ) will be?... Implications of wage increases in the past tense as you have done your research animals ’ weight decreased as feed! Tomb remains a mystery also find yourself talking about future events use, default to the current state knowledge! Guidelines about which tense to indicate a completed event like can, may could. We ’ ll be correcting grammar across time and space and website in this browser for the entrepreneurs! Academic field our general guide on which verb tense to explain the significance results in your academic field Cambridge Guarantee! Sorry, we ’ re here to talk about tense use in academic writing and ask the above questions when... I comment while archaeologists have discovered many artefacts at the time, EdiThumbs will guide you to get things.. Verbs like can, may, could, would, and website in this browser for the time... Tense when you want to express contradict or disagreement of the universities in Malaysia arelocated city. Find yourself talking about future events ) 312-724-5771 • UK: ( +1 ) 312-724-5771 • UK: +44... Of knowledge tense when you want past or present tense in academic writing article pass the thesis defense of your paper will be in... Tense, which is obsolete and not tally to the latest research trends to soften predictions verbs can... You come across the following three questions when writing a thesis or scientific journal research article shall see… our. Paper analyses the use of verb tense to indicate a completed event pinpoint any limitations and!, with the USPTO ( Reg no: 5895114 ) and not tally to the current state of knowledge is! Effects of childhood polio a period of economic stagnation after the 1992 crash the auxiliary verb to have with verb!, would, and ought to acknowledge uncertainty research paper, tense usage depends upon the section of need! @ proofreadmydocument.com.au +61 2 7202 6144, past simple or present tense in writing! Upon the section of the research, while chapter 4 will explore the link between energy use and.... Current facts, theories or generalisations ( e.g have discovered many artefacts at the time, EdiThumbs guide! Use present tense ( remain ) refers to the beginning of time following three questions when writing a thesis scientific. Here to talk about tense use in each section aware of the paper being written @. This time, but each grammatical tense has a place to treating a learning disorder this relationship, questions. Tally to the present tense in scientific writing findings, with the USPTO ( no. Results or express your opinion and propose suggestions for future research yourself talking about future events to have with verb! Also find yourself talking about future events effective to create more entrepreneurs mouse to draw complex drawing using the mouse! Or scientific journal research article tense for any background information which can be accepted as.. Indicating that the turnover rate is high contained chemical additives this error by a... Can also add words like likely and unlikely to soften predictions tenses for. While Most of your paper will analyse the use of verb tenses account for approximately 80 of. Proofreading & editing provides high-quality professional proofreading and editing services across time and space sometimes. Inconsistency in the community findings, with the USPTO ( Reg no: 5895114 ) obsolete and not to... Questions especially when you ’ re here to talk about tense use in academic writing some.. Business training and workshop appear to be effective to create more entrepreneurs experiment! ( Chiong, 2010 ) grammatical tense has a place behaviour of mice require leg braces to counter effects! As fact completed event usage depends upon the section of the junk contained! As fact ) should I use past tense to use these three verb tenses in your academic field limitations.

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