Verb tenses inform readers when a specific event or action occurs. In formal writing, though, tense usage goes beyond the basic representation of chronology. Tense choice also shows the degree of generality intended and reveals an author’s attitude toward the idea/theory that is reported. To obtain insight into tense usage in formal writing, a standard academic paper can be divided into its most general framework, and grammar usage can be molded according to the standard framework used in the specific subject area. This article will mainly explore and expand on the common usage of tenses in quantitative and scientific studies.

2. How To Use Tenses In Academic Writing
Effectively
• Verb tenses inform readers when a specific event or action occurs.
• In formal writing, though, tense usage goes beyond the basic
representation of chronology.
• Tense choice also shows the degree of generality intended and reveals an
author’s attitude toward the idea/theory that is reported.
• To obtain insight into tense usage in formal writing, a standard academic
paper can be divided into its most general framework, and grammar usage
can be molded according to the standard framework used in the specific
subject area.

3. Introduction
• The Introduction section contains background information, which is usually
accepted as facts in a specific subject area.
• The study’s significance also needs to be stated; along with this, a brief
summary of the author’s opinion is also expressed.
• This section is normally written in the present tense considering its
contents—presentation of accepted facts and current opinion of the facts
and theories being reported.

4. Methods
• The Methods section describes the processes that were followed to arrive
at a particular outcome.
• Since these processes usually take place before arriving at a result, the
methods are generally written in the simple past tense.
• Moreover, the passive voice is frequently used in this section.

5. Discussion & Conclusion
• Authors may use a meticulously selected (and contextually relevant)
combination of the present and past tense in this section.
• For example, the conclusions and processes can be summarized in the
past tense, while the implications and future relevance can be expressed
in the present tense.
• The Conclusion section can also be created in a similar way considering
the contextual significance of the facts and implications (for instance, the
past tense can be used to refer to a theory or fact that has been sufficiently
debunked in a field).

6. Discussion & Conclusion
• The table given below can be used as a simple reference.

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