Tense in academic English

TL;DR

Academic writing should predominantly use the present tense, with exceptions for past actions and future actions.

Transcript

the second main point about academic English especially of the kind you're going to right is the predominance of the present tips all right if in doubt about the tense go for the present it will probably work uh this can happen in your the various parts of your of your dissertation of your paper okay in the introduction there is public debate okay ... Read More

Key Insights

• ✍️ The present tense is the default tense for academic writing, providing simplicity and consistency.
• 💯 The present perfect tense is used in the conclusion to summarize findings.
• 🍝 When discussing or referencing texts, the present tense should be used, even if the text is from the past.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the present tense commonly used in academic writing?

The present tense is used to maintain consistency and simplify the language in academic writing. It allows for a more straightforward explanation of research and findings.

Q: Should the methodology section be written in the past tense?

No, the methodology section should be written in the present tense. It describes something that has already been done but will be read by the reader in the present.

Q: How should texts be referenced in academic writing?

When referencing texts, the present tense should be used, as the text is considered to be in the present when being read and commented upon.

Q: Is it acceptable to use "above" and "below" to refer to tables or figures?

No, it is not ideal to use "above" or "below" to refer to tables or figures, as their positioning may change when the work is published. Instead, refer to them by their respective numbers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Academic writing should generally use the present tense, even when discussing past events or referencing texts.

• The methodology section should stick to the present tense, describing something already done.

• In the conclusion, the present perfect tense should be used to summarize findings.