Which Tenses to Use in Scientific Writing Or Writing for a Journal/Thesis

Which Tenses to Use in Scientific Writing Or Writing for a Journal/Thesis:

Abstract:

Present tense used for:

• Highlighting the gaps  in your research area
• The  aim and objective of the article and the application

Past tense used for:

• Highlighting the important methodology and expressing the executive summary of  your  results
• Achievement  can  also be expressed in the past  perfect tense

Introduction:

Present tense used for:

• Known facts and truths and usually followed by the appropriate research reference

Past tense used for:

• Describing work or experiments that have been conducted and the results of these work

The active voice (for example using "we" or "I") is useful:

• When you discuss previous research and then introduce your own

The passive voice is:

• Not preferable for an introduction but in some  sentences, can be perfectly acceptable

 Methodology:

Present passive used to:

• Describe what is normally done or to describe a standard procedure

Past passive used to:

• Describe  what  you  did yourself

Results And Discussion:

Present  tense used  to: 

• Present  the  diagram, figures, tables, and images
• Also used to explain the significance of the results

Past tense used to:

• Detail the results obtained
• You may use past tense to summarize your findings in combination with present tense to interpret or explain the results

Conclusion:

Past tense used to:

• Summarize the main findings, the major implications of the study and the limitations of your work

The future tense used to:

• Offer suggestions for future research

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                                                             By: Dr. Hafiz M. Kashif Saleem, M.D.