literature review verb tense

Training videos   |   Faqs

Mastering Verb Tenses in Literature Reviews

In this blog, we will see what tense you should use in the literature review section of your research paper. We will look at some examples of literature review excerpts from published research papers and understand the tenses used in them.

1. Which Tense to Use?

You may have to use multiple tenses in your literature review depending on what you are saying. The present tense is generally used in statements to introduce the literature review, and the past tense is typically used when you are talking about specific papers. The following table summarizes different types of statements you might typically include in your literature review and the corresponding tenses you should use.

2. Usage Example #1

In the first statement, we make a general statement about the topic by saying that this topic has been studied extensively in the literature, and therefore we have used the present tense. In the second sentence, we say that although there has been a lot of research on this topic, it is still relevant today and therefore we have used the present perfect tense.

✔ Example of simple present & present perfect tense use This is widely reported and extensively explored in the literature. This has been of interest for a considerable period, ranging from the early 90s. _   Broad summary (Simple Present) _   Ongoing situation (Present Perfect)

3. Usage Example #2

In the first statement, we begin the literature review by saying that there are many techniques available in the literature to combat weight gain. This statement is only a general summary of previous research on this topic. So we used the present perfect tense. Then, when we then talk about individual works from the literature, we present their results in the past tense.

✔ Example of present perfect & past tense use A number of solutions have been proposed to deal with the problem of weight gain and obesity. He simplest approach was proposed by Lee et al. (2003) which involves fasting. Wang et al. (2010) proposed an alternative solution of using an intragastric balloon. _   Broad summary (Present Perfect) _   Specific papers from past (Past Tense)

4. Usage Example #3

In the following example, in the first sentence we are talking about a collective finding that is generally accepted in the field, and therefore we have used the present perfect tense. In the second statement, we are talking about a finding from a specific work conducted in the past and have therefore used the past tense.

✔ Example of present perfect & past tense use It has been shown that there is a direct correlation between social media and children’s mental health[1-10]. Recently, Elan et al. [11] showed that these findings also applies to teenagers and older population. _   Accepted findings (Present Perfect) _   Specific paper from past (Past Tense)

5. Usage Example #4

In the example below, we talk about past research papers and that’s why we have used the past tense.

✔ Example of past tense use In the initial work presented by Kim et al. (2004), they showed that there is a direct link between Vitamin C and obesity. Smith et al. (2006) replicated this finding in a much larger study. Recently, it was pointed out by Young et al. (2010) that Vitamin C is also related to many other diseases. _   Specific papers from past (Past Tense)

If you have any questions, please drop a comment below, and we will answer as soon as possible. We also recommend you to refer to our other blogs on  academic writing tools ,   academic writing resources ,  academic writing phrases and research paper examples which are relevant to the topic discussed in this blog. 

Similar Posts

Figures and Tables in Research Papers – Tips and Examples

In this blog, we will look at best practices for presenting tables and figures in your research paper.

Paraphrasing – Techniques for Rephrasing, Rewording, and Rewriting.

In this blog, we explain good paraphrasing techniques. We also discuss how paraphrasing tools and plagiarism checkers can be used to avoid academic misconduct.

How to Make Your Study Limitations Sound Positive?

In this blog, we will look at some clever techniques to present the study limitations without reducing the impact of your work.

How to Create a Research Paper Outline?

In this blog we will see how to create a research paper outline and start writing your research paper.

Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions

In this blog, we will look at some examples of good and bad research questions and learn how to formulate a strong research question.

A New Academic Writing Technique and Tool for Foreign Non-native English Speaking PhD students

In this blog, we explain various writing difficulties faced by international students and introduce the concept of ‘imitative learning’.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 10 Share Facebook
• 0 Share Twitter
• 1 Share LinkedIn
• 0 Share Email

• Book Lists (Under Tuition and Fees)
• Student Gateway
• LIBRARY HOME

APA 7: Verb Tense and Reporting Verbs

• Formatting Basics
• Dissertations
• Audiovisual Materials
• Classroom Materials
• Reference Works
• Clinical Practice References
• Graphic Materials
• Legal Materials
• Reports and Gray Literature
• Primary Sources
• Paraphrasing
• Verb Tense and Reporting Verbs
• Direct Quotes
• Block Quotes
• In-Text Citation Videos
• Citing Multiple Works
• Reference Section
• Annotated Bibliographies
• Academic Integrity & Plagiarism
• Indigenous Peoples

The past tense or present perfect tense are appropriate when discussing a researcher’s work. Use the past or present perfect tenses in your in-text citations.

Berry (2022) and Gimmel et al. (2020) discovered that young people in foster care are at high risk for psychiatric disorders and poor long-term functional outcomes.

Wood (2018) and Winter (2008) used tribal critical race theory to explore the necessity and importance of letting Native people be the authority on their culture’s representation and allowing them to center their lived experiences and speak for themselves.

Present Perfect

Researchers have discovered that young people in foster care are at high risk for psychiatric disorders and poor long-term functional outcomes ( Berry, 2022; Gimmel et al., 2020) .

Other scholars have used tribal critical race theory to explore the necessity and importance of letting Native people be the authority on their culture’s representation and allowing them to center their lived experiences and speak for themselves (Wood, 2018; Writer, 2008).

Common Verbs (Reporting Verbs) Used in Academic Writing

Reporting verbs are used to convey what someone else has said or written. We use these in in-text citations to describe the ideas we are citing from authors’ works.

Tentative Reporting Verbs

Reporting verb handout.

• Verb Tense & Reporting Verbs

The information on this page formatted as a handout that can be printed for convenient reference as you write.

Neutral Reporting Verbs

Strong reporting verbs.

Adapted from American Psychological Association publication manual (7th ed.).

• << Previous: Paraphrasing
• Next: Direct Quotes >>
• Last Updated: Feb 14, 2024 1:18 PM
• URL: https://tcsedsystem.libguides.com/APA7

• [email protected]

Mastering Tense Usage in Research Papers: A Section-by-Section Guide

Using the right verb tense is key in good academic writing . It’s like the hero no one talks about, making sure your paper looks solid next to others. Research shows that simple present, simple past, and present perfect are the most used tenses in research. Knowing how to use these tenses well shows you’re good with grammar. It also makes your writing clear and easy to follow.

Quick-Tips- Mastering Tense Usage in Research Papers

There’s a way to make tense use easier and even fun. By breaking down each part of your paper, we’ll show you how to handle tense. Let’s get started on making tense use in research papers something you can understand and maybe even like.

Key Takeaways

• Correct verb tense usage enhances academic credibility and clarity of expression in research papers.
• The simple present, simple past, and present perfect are the most utilized tenses in academic writing .
• Each section of a research paper has its preferred tense to maintain consistency and coherence.
• A well-structured methods section with accurate tense usage is crucial for research validity and reliability.
• Mastering verb tenses can transform the readability and impact of your research paper.

Introduction to Verb Tenses in Academic Writing

Mastery of verb tenses is key in academic writing. It helps make things clear and impactful. A study on using verb tenses in research papers got a lot of attention, showing their significance. Using tenses right makes research papers easier to read. It helps readers understand when things happened and their importance.

Why Verb Tenses Matter

Correct verb tenses set the right order and make research clear. The right tense at the start prevents confusion. This makes sure people understand the research well. Using tenses the same way keeps a clear timeline. This stops misunderstandings and keeps the research’s trustworthiness.

Overview of Common Verb Tenses

There are six main tenses in academic writing:

• Simple Present tense: Used for current actions or habits.
• Present Continuous tense: Shows ongoing actions now.
• Simple Past tense: Talks about finished actions in the past.
• Past Continuous tense: Focuses on actions happening over time in the past.
• Simple Future tense: Tells about actions that will happen.
• Future Continuous tense: Points to actions that will be happening over time.

For general statements in academic writing, the simple present tense is common. The present continuous tense is used for actions happening now. This is used less but still has its place. When talking about events that are finished, the simple past tense is fitting. For ongoing actions in the past, the past continuous tense is used. Future tenses are for predicting events to come.

The use of these tenses is very important in academic writing. Getting them right in a research paper makes it clear, builds trust, and shares the research’s impact well.

Choosing the Appropriate Tense for Different Sections

It’s key to use tenses correctly in academic writing. Doing so keeps your work clear and professional. Choose the tense that fits each part of your study well. Make sure to use the same tense throughout your paper.

Establishing Consistency

Using tenses right helps tell your research’s story clearly. Use the present for what’s happening now, the past for what’s done, and the future for newer ideas. This makes your study easy to follow. Here’s an example: “The enzyme activity increases with temperature.” Then, “Scientists found this in a lab test.” Finally, “Many studies have shown this works well.”

• Present tense: Ideal for general facts and ongoing research. Example: “Insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose levels.”
• Simple past tense: Used for describing completed research activities. Example: “Scientists in Wales discovered a new enzyme in the liver.”
• Present perfect tense: Connects past studies with ongoing research. Example: “Many studies have focused on glucagon as an important regulating hormone.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many writers struggle to keep tenses consistent. They might mix tenses without a clear plan. For example, “The research examined the data and shows a significant pattern” confuses readers. To avoid this, stick to the rules for each part of your paper, like using past tense for methods and present for results.

“Tense consistency is key to maintaining the narrative flow and professionalism in your academic writing.” – Dr. Jane Smith, Linguistics Professor

Learning to use tenses well can make your academic writing better. By following these tips, you can make your work more clear and precise.

Verb Tenses in the Introduction Section

Understanding how to use tenses in the introduction of a research paper is key. It ensures the reader knows where the information stands. This makes the reader clear on when and why the information matters.

Present Tense for Established Knowledge

The present tense is important in the introduction. It’s great for stating known facts and common truths. This makes your paper sound up-to-date and follows academic writing norms.

“Photosynthesis is a process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy.”

This tense choice shows the basic info your study is built on. It helps readers place your work in the wider knowledge landscape.

Using Past Tenses for Historical Context

Past and present perfect tenses are used for historical background. The simple past tells about finished studies, while the present perfect links past research to the present.

• Simple Past : “Smith (2018) found that the new medication reduced symptoms by 35%.”
• Present Perfect : “Researchers have consistently shown an interest in the effects of sleep on cognitive function.”

Applying these tenses well stitches together past and current studies. This highlights the progress and continuing discovery in your field.

Using the right tenses in your introduction isn’t just about rules. It’s about guiding your readers and setting up a strong base for your research. Let’s apply these principles to improve how we write the introduction of our research papers.

Verb Tenses in the Literature Review Section

We mix verb tenses well in the literature review. This mix helps make past research and its importance now clear. It’s key in doing a good previous studies check and showing a smooth current knowledge summary.

Past Tense for Previous Studies

The literature review mainly uses past tense for looking back. This approach lets us talk about studies that have already happened. For example, we might say “Smith (2010) found that more study time boosted grades.” This makes the old study clear and gives it history.

Present Tense for Current Knowledge

However, we mostly use present tense for talking about lasting theories and ideas. This method is essential in the current knowledge blend. Phrases like “Now, studies show that social media changes how we learn” connect the old and new, showing a full view of research talks.

Getting the right literature review tense isn’t just about being correct. It’s also about telling a story that values both old and new research.

Methodology Section: Best Tense Practices

Getting the tense right in the methodology section is crucial. It’s usually best to use the simple past tense. This tense works well to talk about the research steps that are already complete. Using the right methodology tense helps to be clear. It also makes it easier for others to do the same study.

Imagine talking about how you collected data. You might say, “We conducted a survey… “. This isn’t just about telling what happened. It keeps the section clear and accurate. Using good tense practices helps to explain your research method better.

Now, what if you’re writing a research proposal? Here, it’s good to use the future tense. For example, you might write, “We will use a randomized control trial… “. This clearly shows your planned steps. It makes your proposal more persuasive and well-organized.

Using different tenses can confuse people. So, when you write about your methodology tense , keep it consistent. This helps your section sound professional and be easy to understand.

“Consistent tense usage in the methodology section propels readers effortlessly through your research steps, maintaining a seamless narrative,” says our go-to grammar guru.

Let’s break it down for more clarity:

To sum up, using the right methodology tense is very important. It can really help or hurt your research methodology explanation . By carefully using these tense tips, readers can easily understand our research methods.

Results Section: Maintaining Consistency

The results section is a special place in our research work. It’s where we share our hard-earned outcomes. We do this with very careful steps to keep everything clear and steady. Using the right tense, like talking in past time, helps us tell the story of our findings correctly and plainly.

A good results section shows our data clearly. According to Labani, Wadhwa, & Asthana (2017), the focus is on sharing the real outcomes of our work. It’s not just tossing numbers around. It’s about being so clear that anyone can understand what the numbers mean.

Things like tables and charts are key in this. They’re much more than just filling up space. They help us make our data easy to see and understand. Let’s check out some cool stats that can make our points strong:

These numbers show our findings are rock solid. Take the relapse risk, for example. We found it increases by 2.1 times with a tight confidence range. Such clear stats make our study’s strong points even stronger.

Being clear and to the point with our words is key in the results section. We should keep our sentences simple and straight. Each data point should add to our story. This helps paint a full picture of what we’ve found.

Finally, review and revision are super important. Double-checking our work keeps it free of mistakes and messy bits. This is crucial for keeping our work consistent and sharing our findings in the best possible way.

Tense Usage in Discussion Section

The discussion section in a research paper is key for using tense well. It helps make our points clearer and stronger. This part gets a lot of attention, with 211,445 views on the Wordvice article about it. When we mix tenses, we tie our results to what’s already known and point out what they mean now.

Connecting Findings with Past Studies

We use the simple past tense to link our findings with past research. For instance, we might say, “Previous research showed a positive link between X and Y.” Doing this places our new results in the context of what we already know. It shows we get the field and respect the work done before us.

Present Tense for Current Implications

When discussing what our results could mean now, we often use the present tense. Like, “These findings suggest a new treatment approach.” This shows our research fits into the latest science discussions. It also highlights the possible use of our work now. And, if we’re making future guesses or talking about new research plans, using the future tense helps make these ideas clear.

Conclusion Section: Summarizing Key Points with Proper Tense

The conclusion wraps up our research clearly. It makes sure our readers get the main points and sees the study’s importance today.

Past Tense for Completed Work

We use the past tense to talk about what we’ve finished. It helps us sum up our journey and the big discoveries. This tense closes our story by showing what we’ve achieved.

Present Tense for Ongoing Research

Conversely, the present tense is for what’s still happening from our work. It points out our findings’ ongoing impact and areas needing more study. This keeps our summary alive, not just in the past but now and maybe in the future too.

While short, the conclusion is vital for the study’s message. Using the right tense makes our work’s importance clear. It’s how we can be memorable and show the study matters in the academic world.

Why do verb tenses matter in academic writing?

Verb tenses are key in making research papers credible and clear. They show when the research happened. This helps others see its importance now.

What are the most commonly used verb tenses in research papers?

The simple present, simple past, and present perfect are top choices. They’re used for different parts of the paper and the facts presented.

How do we ensure consistency in verb tense usage?

Using tenses in a consistent way keeps the work professional. It’s all about matching timelines with the research process, like using past tense for completed studies.

What are some common mistakes to avoid?

Watch out for mixing tenses wrongly in paragraphs. Learning some basic rules about tenses can help avoid these mistakes.

What tense should be used in the introduction section?

In introductions, we often use the present tense for facts and knowledge. We might also use past and present perfect to show the study’s background and prior findings.

How should we approach verb tenses in the literature review section?

Literature reviews use past tense to talk about past studies. Use present tense for current ideas that are still true today.

What is the best tense practice for the methodology section?

For methods, use past tense for things already done, or future for upcoming plans. This makes your process clear and easy to follow.

Which tense should be used in the results section?

Report results using the past tense. This keeps your report consistent and easy to understand in relation to what is already known.

What is the proper tense usage for the discussion section?

In the discussion, mix tenses. Use past to link new findings with old studies. Use present and future for what it all means and could mean in the future.

How should tenses be used in the conclusion section?

In the conclusion, use past to review the work. Use present to talk about current impacts and future possibilities. This approach helps readers see the study’s full value and potential.

• ← Effective Use of Active and Passive Voice in Scientific Manuscripts
• Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Academic Sentences →

Privacy Overview

Skip to Content

Massey University

• Search OWLL
• Handouts (Printable)
• Pre-reading Service
• StudyUp Recordings
• StudyUp Postgraduate
• Academic writing
• Intro to academic writing
• What is academic writing?
• Writing objectively
• Writing concisely
• 1st vs. 3rd person
• Inclusive language
• Te Reo Māori
• Assignment planning
• Assignment planning calculator
• Interpreting the assignment question
• Command words
• Organising points
• Researching
• Identifying academic sources
• Evaluating source quality
• Editing & proofreading
• Apostrophes
• Other punctuation
• Active voice
• American vs. British spelling
• Conditionals
• Prepositions
• Pronoun Reference
• Sentence fragments
• Sentence Structure
• Subject-verb agreement
• Formatting and layout
• Word limits and assignment length
• Commonly confused words
• How assignments are marked
• Marking guides
• Getting an A
• Levels of assessment
• Using feedback
• Professional emails
• Forum posts
• Forum netiquette guidelines
• Sharing personal information
• Writing about personal experiences
• Assignment types
• What is an essay?
• Essay planning and structure
• Introduction
• Thesis statement
• Body paragraphs
• Essay revision
• Essay writing resources
• What is a report?
• Report structure
• Analysing issues for a report
• Business report
• What is a business report?
• Business report structure
• Inductive vs. deductive reports
• Other kinds of business communication
• Business report format and layout
• What is a lab report?
• Lab report structure
• Science lab report writing resources
• Psychology lab report writing resources
• Lab report body paragraphs
• Literature review
• What is a literature review?
• Writing a literature review
• Literature review structure
• Literature review writing resources
• Research proposal
• Writing a research proposal
• Research proposal structure
• Other types
• Article critique
• Book review
• Annotated bibliography
• Reflective writing
• Oral presentation
• Thesis / dissertation
• Article / conference paper
• Shorter responses
• PhD confirmation report
• Computer skills
• Microsoft Word
• Basic formatting
• Images, tables, & figures
• Long documents
• Microsoft Excel
• Basic spreadsheets
• Navigating & printing spreadsheets
• Charts / graphs & formulas
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Basic skills
• Advanced skills
• Distance study
• Getting started
• How to study
• Online study techniques
• Distance support
• Reading & writing
• Reading strategies
• Writing strategies
• Grammar resources
• Listening & speaking
• Listening strategies
• Speaking strategies
• Maths & statistics
• Trigonometry
• Finance formulas
• Postgraduate study
• Intro to postgrad study
• Planning postgrad study
• Postgrad resources
• Postgrad assignment types
• Referencing
• Intro to referencing
• What is referencing?
• Why reference?
• Common knowledge
• Referencing styles
• What type of source is this?
• Reference list vs. bibliography
• Referencing software
• Quoting & paraphrasing
• Paraphrasing & summarising
• Paraphrasing techniques
• APA Interactive
• In-text citation
• Reference list
• Online material
• Other material
• Headings in APA
• Tables and Figures
• Referencing elements
• 5th vs. 6th edition
• 6th vs. 7th edition
• APA quick guides
• Chicago style
• Chicago Interactive
• About notes system
• Notes referencing elements
• Quoting and paraphrasing
• Author-date system
• MLA Interactive
• Abbreviations
• List of works cited
• Captions for images
• 8th vs 9th edition
• Oxford style
• Other styles
• Harvard style
• Vancouver style
• Legal citations
• Visual material
• Sample assignments
• Sample essay 1
• Sample essay 2
• Sample annotated bibliography
• Sample book review
• Study skills
• Time management
• Intro to time management
• Procrastination & perfectionism
• Goals & motivation
• Time management for internal students
• Time management for distance students
• Memory skills
• Principles of good memory
• Memory strategies
• Note-taking
• Note-taking methods
• Note-taking in lectures
• Note-taking while reading
• Digital note-taking
• Reading styles
• In-depth reading
• Reading comprehension
• Reading academic material
• Reading a journal article
• Reading an academic book
• Critical thinking
• What is critical thinking?
• Constructing an argument
• Critical reading
• Logical fallacies
• Tests & exams
• Exam & test study
• Planning exam study
• Gathering & sorting information
• Reviewing past exams
• Phases of revision
• Last-minute study strategies
• Question types
• Short answer
• Multi-choice
• Problem / computational
• Case-study / scenario
• Open book exam
• Open web exam or test
• Take home test
• In the exam
• Online exam
• Physical exam

Use of verb tenses in APA, Chicago and MLA styles

APA, Chicago and MLA are the three main referencing systems/writing styles used at Massey. Re commendations they make in relation to verb tenses are summarized below. Implementing these recommendations may be especially important if you are planning to publish work in a journal that requires certain style guidelines to be followed. However, for assignments or theses at Massey, it is important to be guided by any advice your lecturer or supervisor may provide in relation to use of tenses.  

Referring to the ideas of other researchers (e.g. in a literature review)

Simple past tense

• Brown (2019) argued that… However, Small (2020) suggested that…

Present perfect tense

• Doñoso (1992) has demonstrated that…

Note : A shift of tense may be used to indicate that the research findings are still relevant.

• Molland (2018) discovered that educational outcomes improve when….

Describing a method or procedure

• The participants were interviewed…
• Other researchers have followed a similar procedure.

Reporting results (your own or those of others)

• The results supported the hypothesis

Personal reactions

Simple present tense

• I believe …
• I sensed a need for…
• I have encountered challenges…

Commenting on the implications of results or findings

• The findings indicate that…

Presenting limitations

• The limitations of this case study are …

Conclusions

• We can conclude that…

Suggesting future directions

• This is an area for future research

Chicago and MLA

Both Chicago and MLA recommend the use of the simple present tense (e.g. ‘argues’) or present perfect tense (e.g. ‘has argued’) in the following situations:

No matter how long ago the work was published, the present tense is used, and even a deceased author ‘argues’ or ‘claims’.

• Vasquez and Lopez argue that…
• Bailey has outlined …

Discussing the actions of characters in literature

• In Episode 4 of James Joyce’s Ulysses , Leopold Bloom walks to the butchers and buys a pork kidney

Narrating a fictional work’s plot

• The plot of Ulysses centres on the wanderings and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin, Ireland, over the course of a single day (16 June 1904)

Discussing a literary work, author or theme.

• James Joyce structures Ulysses around 18 episodes that loosely mirror episodes in Homer's Odyssey
• The themes of Ulysses include compassion and remorse

Note : If the context is clearly historical (rather than textual), use of the past tense is acceptable.

• Ulysses was published on 2 February 1922, James Joyce’s 40th birthday.

These pages are provided as a guide to proper referencing. Your course, department, school, or institute may prescribe specific conventions, and their recommendations supersede these instructions. If you have questions not covered here, check in the style guide listed above, ask your course coordinator, or ask at Academic Q+A .

Page authorised by Director - Centre for Learner Success Last updated on 17 November, 2020

• Academic Q+A

Have a study or assignment writing question? Ask an expert at Academic Q+A

Live online workshops

• StudyUp (undergraduate)
• Campus workshops
• Albany (undergraduate)
• Albany (postgraduate)
• Albany (distance)
• Manawatu (undergraduate)
• Manawatu (postgraduate)

Upcoming events

• All upcoming events
• Academic writing and learning support
• 0800 MASSEY | (+64 6 350 5701)
• [email protected]
• Online form

Welcome to the new OASIS website! We have academic skills, library skills, math and statistics support, and writing resources all together in one new home.

• Walden University
• Faculty Portal

Grammar: Verb Tenses

Most common verb tenses in academic writing.

According to corpus research, in academic writing, the three tenses used the most often are the simple present , the simple past , and the present perfect (Biber et al., 1999; Caplan, 2012). The next most common tense for capstone writers is the future ; the doctoral study/dissertation proposal at Walden is written in this tense for a study that will be conducted in the future.

Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S., & Finegan, E. (1999). Longman grammar of written and spoken English . Pearson. https://doi.org/10.1162/089120101300346831

Caplan, N. A. (2012). Grammar choices for graduate and professional writers . University of Michigan Press.

Simple present: Use the simple present to describe a general truth or a habitual action. This tense indicates that the statement is generally true in the past, present, and future.

• Example: The hospital admits patients whether or not they have proof of insurance.

Simple past : Use the simple past tense to describe a completed action that took place at a specific point in the past (e.g., last year, 1 hour ago, last Sunday). In the example below, the specific point of time in the past is 1998.

• Example: Zimbardo (1998) researched many aspects of social psychology.

Present perfect: Use the present perfect to indicate an action that occurred at a nonspecific time in the past. This action has relevance in the present. The present perfect is also sometimes used to introduce background information in a paragraph. After the first sentence, the tense shifts to the simple past.

• Example: Numerous researchers have used this method.
• Example: Many researchers have studied how small business owners can be successful beyond the initial few years in business. They found common themes among the small business owners.

Future: Use the future to describe an action that will take place at a particular point in the future (at Walden, this is used especially when writing a proposal for a doctoral capstone study).

• Example: I will conduct semistructured interviews.

Keep in mind that verb tenses should be adjusted after the proposal after the research has been completed. See this blog post about Revising the Proposal for the Final Capstone Document for more information.

APA Style Guidelines on Verb Tense

APA calls for consistency and accuracy in verb tense usage (see APA 7, Section 4.12 and Table 4.1). In other words, avoid unnecessary shifts in verb tense within a paragraph or in adjacent paragraphs to help ensure smooth expression.

• Use the past tense (e.g., researchers presented ) or the present perfect (e.g., researchers have presented ) for the literature review and the description of the procedure if discussing past events.
• Use the past tense to describe the results (e.g., test scores improved significantly).
• Use the present tense to discuss implications of the results and present conclusions (e.g., the results of the study show …).

When explaining what an author or researcher wrote or did, use the past tense.

• Patterson (2012) presented, found, stated, discovered…

However, there can be a shift to the present tense if the research findings still hold true:

• King (2010) found  that revising a document three times improves the final grade.
• Smith (2016) discovered that the treatment is effective.

Verb Tense Guidelines When Referring to the Document Itself

To preview what is coming in the document or to explain what is happening at that moment in the document, use the present or future tense:

• In this study, I will describe …
• In this study, I describe …
• In the next chapter, I will discuss …
• In the next chapter, I discuss …

To refer back to information already covered, such as summaries of discussions that have already taken place or conclusions to chapters/sections, use the past tense:

• Chapter 1 contained my original discussion of the research questions.
• In summary, in this section, I presented information on…

Simple Past Versus the Present Perfect

Rules for the use of the present perfect differ slightly in British and American English. Researchers have also found that among American English writers, sometimes individual preferences dictate whether the simple past or the present perfect is used. In other words, one American English writer may choose the simple past in a place where another American English writer may choose the present perfect.

Keep in mind, however, that the simple past is used for a completed action.  It often is used with signal words or phrases such as "yesterday," "last week," "1 year ago," or "in 2015" to indicate the specific time in the past when the action took place.

• I went to China in 2010 .
• He completed the employee performance reviews last month .

The present perfect focuses more on an action that occurred without focusing on the specific time it happened. Note that the specific time is not given, just that the action has occurred.

• I have travelled to China.

The present perfect focuses more on the result of the action.

• He has completed the employee performance reviews.

The present perfect is often used with signal words such as "since," "already," "just," "until now," "(not) yet," "so far," "ever," "lately," or "recently."

• I have already travelled to China.
• He has recently completed the employee performance reviews.
• Researchers have used this method since it was developed.

Summary of English Verb Tenses

The 12 main tenses:

• Simple present : She writes every day.
• Present progressive: She is writing right now.
• Simple past : She wrote last night.
• Past progressive: She was writing when he called.
• Simple future : She will write tomorrow.
• Future progressive: She will be writing when you arrive.
• Present perfect : She has written Chapter 1.
• Present perfect progressive: She has been writing for 2 hours.
• Past perfect: She had written Chapter 3 before she started Chapter 4.
• Past perfect progressive: She had been writing for 2 hours before her friends arrived.
• Future perfect: She will have written Chapter 4 before she writes Chapter 5.
• Future perfect progressive: She will have been writing for 2 hours by the time her friends come over.

Conditionals:

Zero conditional (general truths/general habits).

• Example: If I have time, I write every day.

First conditional (possible or likely things in the future).

• Example: If I have time, I will write every day.

Second conditional (impossible things in the present/unlikely in the future).

• Example : If I had time, I would write every day.

Third conditional (things that did not happen in the past and their imaginary results)

• Example : If I had had time, I would have written every day.

Subjunctive : This form is sometimes used in that -clauses that are the object of certain verbs or follow certain adjectives. The form of the subjective is the simple form of the verb. It is the same for all persons and number.

• Example : I recommend that he study every day.
• Example: It is important that everyone set a writing schedule.

Verbs Video Playlist

Note that these videos were created while APA 6 was the style guide edition in use. There may be some examples of writing that have not been updated to APA 7 guidelines.

• Grammar for Academic Writers: Common Verb Tenses in Academic Writing (video transcript)
• Grammar for Academic Writers: Verb Tense Consistency (video transcript)
• Grammar for Academic Writers: Advanced Subject–Verb Agreement (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Helping Verbs (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Past Tense (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Present Tense (video transcript)
• Mastering the Mechanics: Future Tense (video transcript)

Related Resources

Knowledge Check: Verb Tenses

Didn't find what you need? Email us at [email protected] .

• Previous Page: Comparisons
• Next Page: Verb Forms: "-ing," Infinitives, and Past Participles
• Office of Student Disability Services

Walden Resources

Departments.

• Academic Residencies
• Academic Skills
• Career Planning and Development
• Certification, Licensure and Compliance
• Customer Care Team
• Field Experience
• Military Services
• Student Success Advising
• Writing Skills

Centers and Offices

• Center for Social Change
• Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services
• Office of Degree Acceleration
• Office of Research and Doctoral Services
• Office of Student Affairs

Student Resources

• Doctoral Writing Assessment
• Form & Style Review
• Quick Answers
• ScholarWorks
• SKIL Courses and Workshops
• Walden Bookstore
• Walden Catalog & Student Handbook
• Student Safety/Title IX
• Legal & Consumer Information
• Website Terms and Conditions
• Cookie Policy
• Accessibility
• Accreditation
• State Authorization
• Net Price Calculator
• Cost of Attendance
• Contact Walden

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education, Inc. www.adtalem.com Walden University is certified to operate by SCHEV © 2024 Walden University LLC. All rights reserved.

Rabiu Aminu, Phd, FCNA, FMNES

Author social links.

Rabiu Aminu, PhD, FCNA, FMNES

• __Oil and Gas Accounting
• __Environmental Accounting
• __Electronic Accounting
• __Management Accounting
• __Research Methodology
• __Statistics
• __Economics
• __Management
• _Publications
• _Scholarship

Full width home advertisement

Post page advertisement [top].

Understanding the Use of Tenses in a Literature Review

  understanding the use of tenses in a literature review.

By Rabiu Aminu, PhD, FCNA, FMNES

Writing a literature review involves understanding the meanings of different verb tenses and using them accurately and appropriately. This guide looks at the use of tenses in literary reviews so that you can be sure to sound professional in your academic paper.

Identify the Types of Tenses Used in a Literature Review

In a literature review, the tenses used will depend on the type of information being presented. Generally, the following tenses are used in a literature review:

Past tense: The majority of the literature review will be written in the past tense, as you are discussing studies, theories, and research that have already been conducted. For example, "Shehu (2010) found that...," "Jibrin (2005) proposed that..."

Present tense: The present tense is used when discussing a general understanding that is still true or when discussing a theory that still holds. For example, "It is widely accepted that...," "The theory of X states that..."

Future tense: The future tense is used when discussing directions for future research or when making recommendations for future studies. For example, "Future research should focus on...," "It is recommended that future studies investigate..."

It is important to maintain consistency in the tense throughout the literature review. If you are discussing a specific study or theory, it should be written in the past tense, even if you are discussing the implications of the findings in the present or future tense.

Finanlly, it is important to cite the sources correctly and follow the citation style that is recommended by your institution or the journal you are submitting your work to.

Rabiu Aminu

No comments:, post a comment, bottom ad [post page], search this blog.

• Publications

Blog Archive

• ►  May (3)
• Management as a Field of Study and Its Applications
• Understanding the Use of Tenses in a Literature Re...
• ►  March (4)
• ►  January (1)
• ►  December (1)
• ►  July (1)
• ►  June (2)
• ►  March (1)
• ►  May (2)
• ►  April (2)
• ►  March (3)

Featured Post

The miracle of the midnight sun and ramadan fasting.

The Miracle of the Midnight Sun and Ramadan Fasting By Rabiu Aminu, PhD, FCNA, FMNES The Midnight Sun and Ramadan fasting are two phenomena ...

External Links

• Open Treasury

Scholarship Opportunities

Contact form.