Tense tendencies in academic texts
Different sections of academic papers (theses, dissertations and essays) tend to use different tenses. The following is a breakdown of these tendencies by section. Please note that while it is useful to keep these tendencies in mind, there may be exceptions. The breakdown below should help guide your writing, but keep in mind that you may have to shift tenses in any given section, depending on your topic matter.
Abstract or Summary
Present simple: for facts and general truisms; to say what the paper does
This thesis examines the ways that ecological poetry relates to political activism.
Our research suggests better economic policies.
Present perfect: for past events or research still relevant to the present
Thinkers have examined how ecological poetry relates to political activism.
Other economists have suggested different economic policies.
Introduction
Present simple: to say what the paper does and why it is important
This research is relevant to how we understand the role of poetry.
Effective economic policies help societies to prosper.
Past simple: to provide historical background
In his time, Thoreau concerned himself with living in harmony with nature.
Ronald Reagan’s policies changed America’s political landscape.
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Theoretical Framework
Present simple: to describe theories and provide definitions
In lyric poetry, the speaker presents his perspective on a given situation.
“Reaganomics” refers to the economic policies of Reagan administration.
Literature Review
Present perfect: for past research still relevant to the paper’s current research
Past simple: to describe specific steps or actions of past researchers
Methods and Results
Past simple: for events that began and ended in the past, such as an experiment
We conducted semi-structured interviews with the participants.
We found that participants had much to say about their workplaces.
A multivariate linear regression was used.
Present simple: to describe a tool’s function (which does not change over time)
Multivariate linear regressions are relevant to use for sets of correlated random variables.
Conclusions or Discussion
Present simple: for interpretations of data
The results indicate a steady increase in net gain for x and y companies.
We cannot conclude that this growth will continue on the basis of this study.
Limitations
Past simple: for details about how the study happened
The sample size was adequate for a qualitative analysis, but it was not big enough to provide good grounds for predictions.
Recommendations and Implications
Modal auxiliary to indicate lack of a certain outcome or simple future with hedging word: for thoughts on what future studies might focus on, and for careful predictions
Modal auxiliary: Responses to the survey suggest that many more people in this profession may be unsatisfied with their vacation time.
Modal auxiliary: Future research should conduct more sustained investigations of this phenomenon.
Simple future with hedging word: The results of the study indicate that the glaciers will likely continue to melt.
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.
This Scribbr articleBryson, S. (January 28, 2022). Tense tendencies in academic texts. Scribbr. Retrieved October 17, 2022, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/tense-tendencies/
