Tenses in Academic Papers
Janpha Thadphoothon
When writing a paper for publication, I often struggle with
using the right tense in different parts of the manuscript. For example, when
discussing the method used, which tense should I use? Or when writing about the
findings, which tenses are involved? This guide aims to help non-native English
speakers understand the appropriate use of tenses in academic writing.
The use of tenses in academic papers is crucial for clarity
and coherence. Each section of a research paper typically follows specific
tense conventions. Understanding these conventions can enhance the readability
and professionalism of your work. Let's explore the tenses commonly used in
various sections of academic papers.
Abstract
The abstract provides a concise summary of the entire study,
including its purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. The present tense is
often used when describing the purpose and current relevance of the study. For
methods and results, the past tense is typically used.
Examples:
- This study examines the impact of social media on
academic performance. (present tense)
- The survey was conducted in three universities across
the country. (past tense)
- The findings indicate a significant correlation
between social media use and lower academic performance. (present tense)
Introduction
In the introduction, the present tense is usually employed
to discuss general truths, established facts, and the current state of
research. When referring to specific studies or historical events, the past
tense is used.
Examples:
- Social media plays a significant role in the lives of
students today. (present tense)
- Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding
its impact on academic performance. (present perfect tense)
Literature Review
The literature review summarizes past research on the topic.
The past tense is primarily used when summarizing the findings of previous
studies. The present perfect tense can be used to emphasize the relevance of
past research to the current study.
Examples:
- Smith (2010) found that social media use negatively
affects study habits. (past tense)
- Several studies have explored the relationship between
social media and academic performance. (present perfect tense)
Expansion:
### Common Verbs and Tenses Used in the Literature Review Section
The literature review section of a research paper synthesizes previous research on the topic, highlighting key findings, trends, and gaps. The choice of verbs and tenses in this section is crucial for accurately conveying past research, ongoing debates, and current understanding. Here's a guide to commonly used verbs and their appropriate tenses:
### Common Verbs in the Literature Review Section
#### Reporting Verbs
These verbs are used to report on what previous studies have found or suggested.
- **Found** (Past tense)
- **Showed** (Past tense)
- **Reported** (Past tense)
- **Indicated** (Past tense)
- **Suggested** (Past tense)
- **Observed** (Past tense)
- **Concluded** (Past tense)
- **Noted** (Past tense)
- **Identified** (Past tense)
- **Demonstrated** (Past tense)
- **Highlighted** (Past tense)
#### Ongoing Research/Current Understanding Verbs
These verbs are used to discuss ongoing research or current consensus in the field.
- **Suggests** (Present tense)
- **Indicates** (Present tense)
- **Shows** (Present tense)
- **Proposes** (Present tense)
- **Argues** (Present tense)
- **Maintains** (Present tense)
- **Emphasizes** (Present tense)
- **Highlights** (Present tense)
Verbs for Gaps and Future Research
These verbs are used to identify gaps in the existing literature and suggest areas for future research.
- **Identifies** (Present tense)
- **Points out** (Present tense)
- **Reveals** (Present tense)
- **Calls for** (Present tense)
- **Needs** (Present tense)
- **Suggests** (Present tense)
### Examples and Tense Usage
#### Discussing Past Research
Use the past tense when discussing specific studies and their findings because these are completed actions.
**Examples:**
- "Smith (2010) **found** that social media use negatively affects study habits."
- "Jones and Brown (2015) **reported** an increase in engagement among students who used digital learning tools."
- "Several studies **showed** a significant correlation between exercise and mental health (Doe et al., 2018; Roe et al., 2019)."
Discussing Ongoing Research and Current Understanding
Use the present tense when discussing ongoing debates, current understanding, or general facts that are still relevant.
Examples:
- "Current research **suggests** that early intervention is crucial for language development (Green, 2020)."
- "The literature **indicates** a growing consensus on the benefits of mindfulness in education."
- "Recent studies **highlight** the importance of integrating technology in classroom settings."
### Discussing Ongoing Research and Current Understanding
When discussing ongoing research and current understanding in the literature review section, you emphasize the current state of knowledge and active areas of investigation within your field. The present tense is commonly used for this purpose because it conveys that these findings and interpretations are still relevant and accepted in the current context.
### Key Points
1. **Current State of Knowledge**: Highlight what is generally accepted and understood about the topic based on recent studies.
2. **Active Debates**: Mention areas where there is still ongoing debate or lack of consensus.
3. **Recent Findings**: Discuss the latest research findings that contribute to the current understanding.
### Examples of Common Verbs and Phrases
- **Suggests**
- **Indicates**
- **Shows**
- **Proposes**
- **Argues**
- **Maintains**
- **Emphasizes**
- **Highlights**
### Example Sentences
1. **Current State of Knowledge**:
- "Current research **suggests** that early childhood education **plays** a critical role in cognitive development."
- "The literature **indicates** that a balanced diet **is** essential for maintaining good health."
2. **Active Debates**:
- "There **is** ongoing debate about the most effective methods for teaching reading skills in early education."
- "Researchers **continue** to argue about the best approaches to climate change mitigation."
3. **Recent Findings**:
- "Recent studies **show** that mindfulness practices in schools **can improve** students' concentration and emotional regulation."
- "New research **highlights** the importance of genetic factors in the development of certain diseases."
### Example Paragraph
**Current Understanding and Ongoing Research in Climate Science**
"Climate science **emphasizes** the critical impact of human activities on global warming. Recent studies **indicate** that greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities **are** the primary driver of climate change (Smith et al., 2023). The literature **shows** a clear correlation between carbon dioxide levels and global temperature rise. However, there **is** ongoing debate about the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies. Some researchers **argue** that renewable energy sources **should be** prioritized, while others **maintain** that carbon capture and storage **is** essential for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels (Jones & Brown, 2022). Recent findings also **highlight** the role of policy interventions in accelerating the adoption of green technologies (Green, 2024). Despite the progress, further research **is needed** to refine these strategies and develop more efficient solutions."
### Explanation
In the paragraph above, the present tense is used to discuss the current understanding and ongoing research in climate science. Key points include:
- **Current Knowledge**: "Climate science **emphasizes** the critical impact of human activities on global warming."
- **Recent Findings**: "Recent studies **indicate** that greenhouse gas emissions from industrial activities **are** the primary driver of climate change."
- **Active Debates**: "There **is** ongoing debate about the effectiveness of various mitigation strategies."
- Proposed Solutions**: "Some researchers **argue** that renewable energy sources **should be** prioritized, while others **maintain** that carbon capture and storage **is** essential."
By using the present tense, the text effectively conveys that these findings and debates are current and ongoing, reflecting the latest understanding and active areas of research in the field.
#### Identifying Gaps and Future Research
Use the present tense to point out gaps in the literature and propose future research directions.
**Examples:**
- "This review **identifies** a lack of longitudinal studies on the long-term effects of screen time on children."
- "The findings **call for** further research into the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon."
- "The current literature **needs** more comprehensive studies on the impact of climate change on biodiversity."
Sample Literature Review Paragraph
Example:
"Several studies have explored the impact of social media on academic performance. Smith (2010) **found** that excessive use of social media **negatively affects** students' study habits. Similarly, Jones and Brown (2015) **reported** an increase in engagement among students who **used** digital learning tools. However, current research **suggests** that the relationship between social media use and academic performance is complex and influenced by various factors (Green, 2020). Despite these insights, the literature **identifies** a gap in understanding the long-term effects of social media on academic outcomes. Future research **needs** to address this gap by conducting longitudinal studies."
///
Methodology
The methodology section describes the procedures and
materials used in the study. The past tense is generally used to detail the
methods since they were completed before the writing of the paper.
Examples:
- Participants were recruited from three different
universities. (past tense)
- Data were collected using online surveys. (past tense)
Writing about tools, surveys, and questionnaires in a research paper requires clear and detailed descriptions to ensure that readers understand how the research was conducted and can replicate the study if needed. This section typically appears in the methodology part of your paper. Here's a structured guide on how to write about these elements effectively:
Notes on the Methodology Section
1. Introduction to Methodology
Begin by providing a brief overview of the methodology, explaining the overall approach and rationale for choosing the specific tools, surveys, and questionnaires.
Example:
"In this study, a mixed-methods approach was employed to examine the impact of social media usage on academic performance. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey, while qualitative insights were gathered using semi-structured interviews."
2. Description of Tools
If you used specific tools or instruments (e.g., software, hardware, or measurement devices), describe them in detail.
Example:
"A digital pedometer (Fitbit Charge 3) was used to track the physical activity levels of participants. This device was chosen for its accuracy and reliability, as evidenced by previous validation studies (Smith et al., 2018)."
3. Survey Design
Explain the design of your survey, including the structure, type of questions, and scales used.
Example:
"The survey consisted of 25 closed-ended questions and 5 open-ended questions. Closed-ended questions were designed using a Likert scale ranging from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) to quantify participants' attitudes towards social media use. Open-ended questions allowed participants to provide more detailed responses about their personal experiences."
4. Questionnaire Development
Detail the development process of the questionnaire, including how questions were formulated, validated, and pre-tested.
Example:
"The questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review and consultations with subject matter experts. To ensure content validity, the initial draft was reviewed by a panel of five experts in educational psychology. A pilot study with 30 participants was conducted to test the clarity and reliability of the questions, resulting in minor revisions for clarity."
5. Sampling and Participants
Describe the sampling method and the characteristics of the participants.
Example:
"A stratified random sampling method was used to select participants from three different universities, ensuring a diverse representation of undergraduate students. A total of 300 students participated, with 150 males and 150 females, aged between 18 and 25 years."
6. Data Collection Procedures
Explain how data were collected using the tools, surveys, and questionnaires.
Example:
"Data collection was carried out over a period of four weeks. Participants were invited to complete the online survey through an email link. For the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. All responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim for analysis."
7. Ethical Considerations
Address any ethical issues and how they were managed, including consent and confidentiality.
Example:
"Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the university's Institutional Review Board. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study, and written consent was obtained prior to participation. All responses were anonymized to ensure confidentiality."
////
Describing tables and figures
Describing tables and figures in your research paper is crucial for helping readers understand your data and findings. Here’s a guide on how to effectively describe tables and figures, along with examples:
General Guidelines
1. Referencing: Always reference the table or figure in the text before it appears. Use proper numbering (e.g., Table 1, Figure 1) and make sure the reference is clear.
2. Placement: Position tables and figures close to the relevant text where they are discussed, usually right after the first mention.
3. Titles and Captions: Provide a clear and concise title for tables and a caption for figures that accurately describes the content.
4. Description: Summarize the key information in the table or figure, highlighting the most important data and trends.
Examples
Example 1: Describing a Table
Text Reference:
"The demographic characteristics of the participants are summarized in Table 1."
Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Participants
| Characteristic | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
|----------------------|---------------|----------------|
| Gender | | |
| Male | 150 | 50 |
| Female | 150 | 50 |
| Age Group (years) | | |
| 18-21 | 120 | 40 |
| 22-25 | 180 | 60 |
Description:
"Table 1 presents the demographic characteristics of the participants. The sample consisted of an equal number of male and female participants (50% each). The majority of participants were aged between 22 and 25 years (60%), while the remaining 40% were aged between 18 and 21 years. This distribution ensures a balanced representation across genders and age groups."
Example 2: Describing a Figure
Text Reference:
"The relationship between social media usage and academic performance is illustrated in Figure 1."
Figure 1: Correlation between Social Media Usage and Academic Performance
Description:
"Figure 1 depicts the correlation between social media usage and academic performance among the participants. The scatter plot reveals a negative correlation, indicating that increased hours spent on social media are associated with lower GPA scores. This trend highlights the potential impact of excessive social media use on students' academic achievements."
Example 3: Describing a Complex Table
Text Reference:
"The effectiveness of the intervention across different groups is detailed in Table 2."
Table 2: Effectiveness of Intervention by Group
| Group | Pre-Test Mean Score | Post-Test Mean Score | Mean Difference | p-value |
|----------------|---------------------|----------------------|-----------------|---------|
| Control | 65.2 | 66.1 | +0.9 | 0.34 |
| Intervention A | 64.8 | 72.5 | +7.7 | 0.01 |
| Intervention B | 63.7 | 75.3 | +11.6 | 0.001 |
Description:
"Table 2 shows the pre-test and post-test mean scores for the control group and the two intervention groups. Both Intervention A and Intervention B groups exhibited significant improvements in their post-test scores compared to their pre-test scores, with mean differences of +7.7 (p=0.01) and +11.6 (p=0.001), respectively. The control group, however, showed a minimal increase of +0.9, which was not statistically significant (p=0.34). These results suggest that both interventions were effective, with Intervention B showing the greatest improvement."
By following these guidelines and examples, you can effectively describe tables and figures in your research paper, making your data more accessible and understandable to your readers.
Results
The results section reports the findings of the study. The
past tense is used to describe what was discovered.
Examples:
- The analysis revealed a significant correlation
between social media use and academic performance. (past tense)
- Students who spent more than three hours on social media
daily performed worse academically. (past tense)
Discussion and Conclusion
In the discussion and conclusion sections, both past and
present tenses are used. The past tense is used to summarize findings, while
the present tense is used to discuss the implications and current relevance of
the results.
Examples:
- This study found that excessive social media use
negatively impacts academic performance. (past tense)
- These results suggest that students should limit their
social media use to improve their academic outcomes. (present tense)
- Future research should focus on identifying strategies
to mitigate these effects. (present tense)
Recommendations and Future Studies
Recommendations and Future Studies
In the recommendations and further research sections of academic papers, the present tense is predominantly used. This choice of tense serves specific purposes and enhances the clarity and immediacy of your suggestions.
The recommendations section offers actionable advice based on the findings of your study. Using the present tense in this section emphasizes the current relevance and urgency of your suggestions. It communicates that these recommendations are valid and applicable at the present moment.
Examples:
- “This research suggests implementing new teaching strategies to enhance student engagement.”
- “The findings recommend regular physical activity to improve mental health.”
- “Our results support the development of sustainable energy policies.”
Example 1:
- “This research suggests that further studies should explore the impact of diet on cognitive function.”
Using the present tense in this context indicates that the suggestion is based on the present understanding and is a current recommendation for future exploration.
Example 2:
- “The findings recommend implementing new teaching strategies to improve student engagement.”
Here, the present tense emphasizes that the recommendation is an ongoing consideration derived from the current findings and is relevant for immediate application.
Example 3:
- “Our analysis indicates that additional research is needed to determine the long-term effects of this treatment.”
The present tense shows that the need for further research is a current understanding based on the latest analysis.
Example 4:
- “The study highlights the necessity for policy changes to address environmental sustainability.”
Using the present tense emphasizes that the study's recommendation for policy changes is an active and immediate consideration.
Example 5:
- “This paper proposes that future research should focus on the relationship between technology use and mental health.”
The present tense indicates that the proposal is a current suggestion based on the paper’s conclusions and is relevant for guiding future research directions.
Example 6:
- “Our results support the development of new frameworks for assessing economic growth in developing countries.”
In this example, the present tense suggests that the support for developing new frameworks is a current and actionable recommendation based on the study’s results.
Example 7:
- “The evidence calls for increased funding for public health initiatives to combat infectious diseases.”
Using the present tense here highlights that the call for increased funding is an immediate and ongoing recommendation based on the current evidence.
Example 8:
- “This study demonstrates the need for further investigation into the social determinants of health.”
The present tense in this sentence indicates that the need for further investigation is a present and relevant conclusion drawn from the study.
Example 9:
“This research suggests that further studies should explore the impact of diet on cognitive function.”
Using the present tense in this context indicates that the suggestion is based on the present understanding and is a current recommendation for future exploration.
Choosing the correct tense in academic writing enhances the
clarity and effectiveness of your communication. By following these guidelines,
you can ensure that your research paper is well-organized and adheres to
academic conventions. Remember, consistency is key, and understanding the
purpose of each section will help you select the appropriate tense.
