Tense is an important aspect of academic writing that can significantly impact the structure, flow, and meaning of an essay. The tense used should be appropriate for the content and purpose of the paper. While different academic disciplines have preferences, most instructors will expect students to use past or present perfect tense when discussing published work or completed research, and present tense for concepts and theories. Maintaining a consistent tense throughout is important for clarity and cohesion.
Past Tense
The most common tense used in academic writing is past tense. When discussing historical events, completed studies, or published work that is no longer occurring, past tense should be applied. Some key uses of past tense include:
Discussing the background, findings, and conclusions of completed research studies. For example, “Researchers studied the impacts of climate change in the Arctic.”
Describing events that occurred at a specific point in the past. For example, “The treaty was signed in 1992.”
Summarizing theories or models that were developed in the past but may still be relevant. For example, “Freud proposed his psychodynamic theory of personality in the early 20th century.”
Critically analyzing the work of others. For example, “Smith argued that technology was the key driver of social change.”
Maintaining proper verb tense when referring to past events is important for establishing the temporal sequence and drawing clear distinctions between what is currently understood versus what was the case at a prior time.
Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used when an action started in the past and is ongoing or still has relevance in the present. It is less common than past or present tense but still applicable in some academic contexts. For example:
Describing research that has been conducted over time but is still influencing the field. “Numerous studies have explored the link between sleep and academic performance.”
Referring to a theory or model that was proposed in the past and is still accepted. “It has been well-established that genetics play a role in disease susceptibility.”
Noting a span of time that includes the present. “Researchers have debated this issue for the last decade.”
The present perfect tense emphasizes that a past action has present consequences or significance. It helps connect past events or knowledge to the current topic of discussion.
Present Tense
Present tense is generally used when discussing concepts, theories, facts or ideas that are currently valid and applicable rather than confined to past timeframes. Some appropriate uses of present tense include:
Describing established definitions, ideas, models or theories accepted in the field. For example, “Social constructivism posits that knowledge is socially constructed.”
Stating facts that are universally true. For example, “Water freezes at zero degrees Celsius.”
Analyzing or summarizing a text, idea or theory as it currently stands. For example, “Smith’s framework emphasizes the role of community in learning.”
Referring to data, quotes or analysis from sources used in the paper. For example, “As Jones (2020) states, this issue remains poorly understood.”
Present tense helps establish ideas as the current academic understanding rather than limited to the past context in which they emerged. It lets the reader know these concepts remain valid premises for developing new arguments and analysis in the essay.
Transitions Between Tenses
Abrupt shifts between tenses can jolt the reader out of the narrative flow and logical progression of ideas. Transitional phrases are helpful for smoothly moving between tenses as needed. Some examples:
Bridging past to present: “While research initially focused narrowly, studies have since expanded to consider…”
Bridging present to past: “Based on current knowledge, it appears theories once proposed…”
Bridging present tense analysis to past sources: “Building on conclusions drawn thus far, it is informative to reflect on…”
Smooth, purposeful shifts in tense facilitated by transition words help the reader follow changing perspectives or timeline movements without confusion. Inconsistencies can undermine an argument, so utilizing the proper tense for content remains important.
Guidelines for Specific Subjects
While the general guidelines discussed typically apply across disciplines, some fields have preferred norms regarding tense usage:
Sciences: Generally prefer present tense for established facts and current theories, past tense for completed studies.
History: Relies heavily on past tense for recounting events and analyzing the work of historians.
Literature analysis: Often uses present tense for interpreting and discussing texts as current works of artistic merit.
Foreign language: Students sometimes switch to past tense when discussing grammar concepts already learned.
Theology/biblical studies: Generally discusses scripture using past historical tense while applying lessons to present.
Following discipline-specific conventions helps position the work appropriately within that domain of knowledge. Consulting the assignment, rubric or faculty for clarify is wise when unsure of preferences.
Mastering appropriate tense usage elevates an academic essay from an informal discussion to a formal work demonstrating meticulous organization and a nuanced understanding of content. Though subtle, tense reinforces logical sequencing and flow of ideas while signaling what is proven fact versus open questions awaiting future study. Consistency provides coherence crucial for effectively communicating arguments to scholarly audiences.
Use of past, present perfect, and present tense ground an essay properly within the temporal framework of research, concepts and sources. Smooth transitions between helps guide the reader through changing perspectives or timeline movements without confusion. Adhering to discipline-specific guidelines for preferred tense further strengthens academic rigor and positioning of ideas within the relevant domain of knowledge. Precise use of verb tense strengthens an essay’s scholarly merit and supports its core objectives.
Andrew Stroud