Science research writing - Tense

# Science research writing - Tense **Parent**:: [[♯ Science research writing]] ## Choice ### Choosing between Past Simple and Present Simple [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=85) By contrast, choosing the Present Simple reflects a belief that the findings are strong and reliable enough to constitute a permanent truth. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=85&annotation=7K8Z5HJY) check which verb tense is currently being used for that particular finding or fact. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=85&annotation=AR5KRM3S) > #reverse-engineering ### Choosing between Past Simple and Present Perfect [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=85) The event in ( d) is in the Present Perfect tense because it is more relevant to the situation now than the event in ( c). [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=86) In this sentence, the writer changes from the Past Simple ( was demonstrated) to the Present Perfect ( has been paid) in order to communicate that the latter refers to a current gap in the research. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=87) ### How do I decide whether or not to include a citation reference for the background facts? [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=37) Deciding whether to include a citation reference also depends on when the study was published, and the extent to which the findings of that study are accepted as facts by the research community. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=37&annotation=PTQ67777) * initially reported in the Present Perfect tense [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=37) * or the Past Simple tense [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=38) * once that research finding becomes well established, such statements start to appear in the Present Simple tense, with the citation attached [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=38) * eventually the citation simply drops off and the information becomes part of the accepted factual background to the topic [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=38) ## Present Perfect Tense ### Introduction Phrases that refer to recent time like in recent years or in the past five years are normally followed by the Present Perfect tense (Much study in recent years has focused on.../The status and function of the port has evolved rapidly over the past three years.). [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=34) > Recent studies. Alternative: Past Simple tense probably initially reported in the Present Perfect tense [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=37) > New research finding ## Present Simple Tense ### Introduction If you are focusing on the current situation, it is common to use the Present Simple tense [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=34) > Recent studies but focusing on the current situation. Alternative: Present Perfect Tense Sentence 2 is in the Present Simple tense, which is the verb tense used for accepted/established facts. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=35) Writers normally use the Present Simple tense to describe the work itself [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=43) ### Methods whereas the Present Simple tense is used to describe standard procedures or equipment. [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=149) > Alternative: Past Simple Tense ## Past Simple Tense ### Introduction or the Past Simple tense [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=38) > New research findings. and the Past Simple tense to talk about the aim of the work [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=43) > Alternative: Present Simple Tense (When aim is only partially achieved) ### Methods The Past Simple tense is usually used to report what you did [📄](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/KS7N47TZ?page=149) > Alternative: Present Simple Tense