how to use tenses correctly in academic articlesPPT
Proper tense usage is crucial in academic articles as it helps maintain a for...
Proper tense usage is crucial in academic articles as it helps maintain a formal, objective tone and ensures clarity of message. Incorrect tense usage can confuse readers and may even cast doubt on the author's credibility. To ensure accurate tense usage, consider the following guidelines: Present TenseThe present tense should be used to discuss general truths, observations, and accepted facts. It is also commonly used when referring to theories, models, and concepts that are widely accepted in the field.Example"The theory of relativity states that energy and mass are equivalent." Past TenseThe past tense should be used to discuss events or observations that occurred in the past. It is especially important to use the past tense when referring to data, experiments, or research that has already been conducted.Example"In a recent study, it was found that..." Future TenseThe future tense should be used to discuss events or observations that will occur in the future. It is commonly used when referring to predictions, expected results, or upcoming research.Example"Future studies are expected to provide more insights into..." Conditional TensesConditional tenses (e.g., "would," "could," "should") are often used to express hypothetical scenarios or potential outcomes. They are commonly used in academic writing to discuss alternative outcomes or speculate on possible future events.Example"If the proposed hypothesis is true, then it might explain the observed phenomenon." Subjunctive MoodThe subjunctive mood (e.g., "were," "had," "should") is used to express conditions that are contrary to fact or in a hypothetical situation. It is commonly used in academic writing to discuss counterfactual scenarios or express speculative ideas.Example"If it had been true that X caused Y, then we would have observed a correlation between X and Y in the dataset." Irregular Verbs and ParticiplesIrregular verbs and participles can often pose challenges for correct tense usage. It is important to remember the correct forms of these verbs and avoid using them incorrectly. Check your grammar references for help with irregular verbs and participles.Example"Having completed the experiment, we can now analyze the data." (Correct usage of participle "having completed")SummaryProper tense usage is essential in academic articles to maintain clarity, credibility, and consistency throughout the text. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure accurate tense usage in your writing and convey your message effectively to readers. Remember to check your grammar references for more detailed information on specific verbs and tenses.