Session 2

Tenses Usage

In academic English, the appropriate use of tenses is essential for conveying information
accurately and maintaining clarity in written and spoken communication. Tenses refer to the
grammatical forms that indicate the time of an action or event. This chapter explores the
various tenses commonly used in academic writing and speaking, focusing on their functions,
nuances, and practical applications.

2.1.1 Present Tenses

Present tenses in academic English are used to describe actions, events, or situations that
are happening now, ongoing, or generally true. There are four primary present tenses in
English: Present Simple, Present Continuous, Present Perfect, and Present Perfect
Continuous. Each of these tenses serves a specific purpose, and understanding when to use
them is essential in academic writing.

Present Simple
The Present Simple is used to talk about facts, habits, routines, general truths, and events
that occur regularly or repeatedly. It is also used in academic writing to present the findings
and results of research.

Structure:
Subject + base verb (s/es for third-person singular)

Examples:
• The Earth revolves around the Sun. (Fact)
• Researchers often use surveys to collect data. (Habit)
• This diagram illustrates the process of photosynthesis. (General truth)
• The data show a significant correlation between variables X and Y. (Academic findings)

Present Continuous (Present Progressive)

The Present Continuous is used to describe actions or events that are happening at the
moment of speaking or around the current time. In academic writing, it can be used to discuss
ongoing trends or research activities.

Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
• The researcher is currently conducting experiments. (Ongoing action)
• The team is analyzing the data to draw conclusions. (Ongoing process)
• Recently, there is an increasing interest in renewable energy sources. (Ongoing trend)
Present Perfect
The Present Perfect is used to describe actions or events that started in the past and have a
connection to the present. It is often used to present past research results or achievements
that are still relevant.

Structure:
Subject + have/has + past participle

Examples:
• Several studies have shown a positive correlation between exercise and mental health. (Past
research results with present relevance)
• Scientists have made significant progress in understanding climate change. (Achievements
with current implications)
• The committee has reviewed the proposal and will announce their decision soon. (Action
started in the past with relevance to the present)

Present Perfect Continuous (Present Perfect Progressive)

The Present Perfect Continuous is used to describe actions or events that started in the past
and have continued up to the present. In academic writing, it can be used to discuss ongoing
research activities or processes.

Structure:
Subject + have/has been + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
• The research team has been working on this project for several months. (Ongoing action)
• In recent years, the Earth's temperature has been steadily increasing. (Ongoing process)
• Scientists have been studying the effects of this drug on patients since 2015. (Ongoing
research)

In academic writing, it is crucial to use present tenses accurately and consistently to convey
information clearly and objectively. The choice of tense will depend on the context and the
point in time to which the statement refers. Remember to follow the conventions of your
specific academic discipline and consult style guides if necessary.

2.1.2 Past Tenses

Past tenses in academic English are used to describe actions, events, or situations that
occurred in the past. There are three primary past tenses in English: Past Simple, Past
Continuous, and Past Perfect. Each of these tenses serves a specific purpose, and
understanding when to use them is essential in academic writing.

Past Simple
The Past Simple is used to talk about completed actions or events in the past. It is commonly
used to report past research findings, describe historical events, and discuss previous
studies.

Structure:
Subject + past tense of the verb

Examples:
• The experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis. (Completed action in the past)
• Researchers analyzed the data and found significant correlations. (Past action in a research
study)
• Darwin proposed the theory of evolution in the 19th century. (Historical event)
• The survey respondents provided their feedback on the product. (Completed action in a
survey)

Past Continuous (Past Progressive)

The Past Continuous is used to describe actions or events that were ongoing or in progress
at a specific point in the past. In academic writing, it can be used to set the scene, provide
background information, or describe interrupted actions.

Structure:
Subject + was/were + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
• The participants were completing the questionnaire when the power outage occurred.
(Ongoing action interrupted by another event)
• At that time, researchers were investigating the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
(Ongoing research in the past)
• The team was conducting experiments throughout the year to collect data. (Ongoing action
in the past)

Past Perfect
The Past Perfect is used to describe an action that happened before another action in the
past. It is helpful in academic writing when discussing the sequence of events or comparing
different periods.

Structure:
Subject + had + past participle

Examples:
• By the time they published the results, other researchers had already confirmed the
findings. (Past action completed before another past action)
• The company had conducted extensive market research before launching the new product.
(Action completed before a specific time in the past)
• The study had shown promising results, so further investigation was warranted. (Action
completed before subsequent actions)
In academic writing, using past tenses accurately is essential to convey a clear and coherent
narrative. Be consistent with your choice of tense and ensure that it aligns with the temporal
context of the information you are presenting. Additionally, follow the conventions of your
specific academic discipline and consult style guides for further guidance if needed.

Past Perfect Continuous

the past perfect continuous tense is used in academic English, especially in academic writing
and research papers. The past perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions or events
that were ongoing in the past and were completed before another point in the past.

Structure:
Subject + had been + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
- To describe ongoing research or work:
• By the time the data was collected, the team had been conducting experiments for
several months.
• The study had been investigating the effects of climate change on local ecosystems for
over a decade.

- To provide background information in a research context:

The research had been building upon previous studies in the field, which had focused
on different aspects of the topic.

- To discuss cause-and-effect relationships in the past:

The decline in species diversity was attributed to the environmental changes that had
been affecting the region for many years.

- To set the stage for a specific past event:

Before the breakthrough discovery, scientists had been grappling with the problem for
decades.

Remember that academic writing often requires precision and clarity, so the usage of tenses
should be consistent and appropriate for the context. The past perfect continuous tense is
just one tool in a writer's toolbox for conveying information accurately and effectively.

2.1.3 Future Tenses

Future tenses in academic English are used to describe actions, events, or situations that are
expected to happen after the present moment. There are four primary future tenses in
English: Simple Future, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, and Future Perfect Continuous.
Each of these tenses serves a specific purpose, and understanding when to use them is crucial
in academic writing.

Simple Future
The Simple Future is used to talk about actions or events that will happen in the future. It is
commonly used in academic writing to describe future research plans, predictions, and
expectations.
 Structure:
Subject + will + base verb

Examples:
• The research team will conduct experiments to test the new hypothesis. (Future research
plan)
• In the next decade, renewable energy sources will play a more significant role in meeting
energy demands. (Future prediction)
• The conference will take place in July. (Scheduled event in the future)
• The study will provide valuable insights into the topic. (Expectation of future outcomes)

Future Continuous (Future Progressive)

The Future Continuous is used to describe actions or events that will be ongoing or in
progress at a specific point in the future. It is helpful in academic writing when discussing
future plans or anticipated actions.

Structure:
Subject + will + be + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
• By this time next year, the research team will be analyzing the data. (Ongoing action in the
future)
• The company will be launching a new product in the coming months. (Planned action in the
future)
• At that point, researchers will be investigating the effects of the new drug on patients. (Future
research plan)

Future Perfect
The Future Perfect is used to describe an action that will be completed before a specific time
or another future action. It is commonly used in academic writing when discussing the
anticipated completion of research or an event.

Structure:
Subject + will + have + past participle

Examples:
• By the end of the year, the team will have finished data collection. (Action completed before
a specific time in the future)
• Before the conference, the researchers will have presented their findings. (Action completed
before another future action)
• By the time the funding is secured, the study will have already begun. (Action completed
before another future event)

Future Perfect Continuous (Future Perfect Progressive)

The Future Perfect Continuous is used to describe an ongoing action that will continue up to
a specific point in the future. It is less common in academic writing, but it can be used to
discuss the duration of a future activity or research.
Structure:
Subject + will + have been + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:
• By next month, the researchers will have been working on this project for six months.
(Ongoing action up to a specific time in the future)
• By the time the data is analyzed, the participants will have been enrolled in the study for
over a year. (Ongoing action up to another future event)

In academic writing, using future tenses accurately helps convey your plans, predictions, and
expectations in a clear and organized manner. Be mindful of the temporal context of your
statements and ensure that your choice of tense aligns with the timeline you are describing.
Additionally, follow the conventions of your specific academic discipline and consult style
guides for further guidance if needed.

2.1.4 Sequence of Tenses

Sequence of tenses, also known as "concord of tenses," refers to the grammatical relationship
between different tenses within a sentence or a passage of writing. In academic English,
maintaining the correct sequence of tenses is essential to ensure clarity and coherence in
conveying information. The primary rule for sequence of tenses is as follows:

Present Tense in the Main Clause

When the main clause is in the present tense, the verb tense in subordinate clauses or
dependent clauses should also be in the present tense. This rule applies to both reported
speech and general statements.

Example:
The study shows that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health.
In this sentence, the main clause "The study shows" is in the present tense, and the
subordinate clause "that regular exercise improves cardiovascular health" also uses the
present tense.

Past Tense in the Main Clause

When the main clause is in the past tense, the verb tense in subordinate clauses or dependent
clauses should reflect the appropriate past time relationship. This rule applies to reported
speech, indirect statements, and past general statements.

Example:
The researcher concluded that the hypothesis was correct.
Here, the main clause "The researcher concluded" is in the past tense, and the subordinate
clause "that the hypothesis was correct" uses the past tense to maintain the sequence.

Future Tense in the Main Clause:

When the main clause is in the future tense, the verb tense in subordinate clauses or
dependent clauses should also be in the future tense. This rule applies to future plans,
predictions, and expectations.
Example:
The team expects that the results will demonstrate a significant effect.
In this sentence, the main clause "The team expects" is in the future tense, and the
subordinate clause "that the results will demonstrate a significant effect" also uses the future
tense.

Exceptions - Historical Present

In academic writing, there is an exception called the "historical present." It is the use of the
present tense to describe past events as if they are happening now, often to create a vivid and
immediate narrative. This technique is used in historical recounts or when presenting specific
findings from research studies.

Example:
In the 18th century, scientists conduct experiments to understand electricity.
Here, "scientists conduct" is the historical present, used to make the description more
engaging and immediate.

It is essential to maintain a consistent sequence of tenses throughout a piece of academic

writing. Shifting between tenses without a clear reason can lead to confusion and weaken the
overall coherence of your work. Remember to consider the timeline of the events you are
discussing and choose the appropriate verb tenses to convey your information accurately.
Additionally, consult style guides and academic conventions specific to your discipline for
further guidance on tense usage.

2.1.5 Tense Shifting

Tense shifting, also known as "tense change" or "tense back-shifting," occurs when there is a
change in the verb tense within a sentence or a passage of writing. In academic English, tense
shifting is often used when reporting or referring to past events or statements. The primary
rules for tense shifting are as follows:

Reporting Past Statements

When reporting past statements or indirect speech in academic writing, there is a general
tendency to shift the verb tense back one step from the original tense. This means that if the
original statement was in the present tense, it is shifted to the past tense when reported, and
if the original statement was in the past tense, it is shifted further into the past tense.

Example:
Original statement: "I am conducting research on climate change."
Reported speech: She said that she was conducting research on climate change.

In this example, the original statement in the present tense ("am conducting") is shifted back
one step to the past tense ("was conducting") in the reported speech.

Reporting Past Events

When describing past events, especially in academic papers or historical narratives, tense
shifting is used to maintain consistency with the timeline of the events being discussed.
Generally, past events are described in the past tense.
Example:
Original: "The study found significant results."
Tense Shifted: In 2019, the study found significant results.

In this example, the original statement is in the simple past tense ("found"), and when shifting
to describe the historical context, it is placed in the past tense as well ("In 2019").

Avoiding Tense Shifting

While tense shifting is common and acceptable in academic writing, it is essential to maintain
consistency and avoid unnecessary shifting within the same context. If the timeline remains
the same, there is no need to change the tense.

Example:
Original: "The research team conducted experiments and analyzed the data."
Avoid Tense Shifting: The research team conducted experiments and analyzed the data.

In this example, both actions (conducting experiments and analyzing data) occurred in the
past, so there is no need to shift the tense within the sentence.

Presenting Established Facts

When discussing established facts or general truths, it is common to use the present tense,
even if the research was conducted in the past.

Example:
Original research conducted in the past: "Darwin proposed the theory of evolution."
Presenting as a general truth: Darwin proposes the theory of evolution.

In this example, even though the original research was conducted in the past ("Darwin
proposed"), the statement is presented as a general truth using the present tense ("Darwin
proposes").

Tense shifting is an essential tool in academic writing, especially when reporting past
research, describing historical events, or presenting indirect speech. It helps maintain
chronological order and clarity in presenting information. However, as with any writing,
consistency and context are critical, and unnecessary tense shifts should be avoided to ensure
coherence in your academic work.
Mastering the usage of tenses in academic English is vital for clear and precise
communication. As learners grasp the nuances of each tense and its applications, they will
develop the language proficiency necessary for producing coherent and well-structured
academic writing, engaging in academic discussions, and presenting research findings
effectively in a scholarly setting.