Verb Tenses to Use in a Research Paper

Understanding when and where to use different verb tenses is essential for writing a clear, coherent, impactful research paper. To help you know, we will look at verb tense usage across various sections of a research paper, providing practical insights to help college students enhance the quality and effectiveness of their writing.

The research paper has different sections, each requiring thoughtful consideration of verb tense usage. From the introductory paragraphs, where you introduce your topic and outline your research objectives, to the conclusion, where you summarize your findings and suggest avenues for future exploration, the choice of verb tense can significantly shape the clarity and persuasiveness of your arguments. You can easily communicate your ideas and findings by clearly understanding verb tenses in each section.

General Principles of Verb Tense in Academic Writing

1. Use the past tense for completed actions and findings.

   • Use the past tense when discussing experiments, results, or prior studies.
   • “Allan (2020) found that increased exercise improved cognitive function.”

2. Use the present tense for established knowledge, general truths, and ongoing relevance.

   • The present tense is appropriate if a fact is universally accepted or a theory is still valid.
   • “Newton’s laws of motion describe the relationship between an object’s motion and the forces acting upon it.”

3. Use the present perfect tense to describe ongoing research trends or relevant findings.

   • “Researchers have examined the effects of pollution on marine ecosystems for decades.”

4. Use the future tense for potential research, predictions, or proposed work.

   • “Future studies will need to explore the long-term effects of artificial intelligence on employment.”

Verb Tenses by Research Paper Section

Each section of a research paper serves a specific purpose, requiring the appropriate verb tense to convey meaning accurately.

1. Abstract

The abstract summarizes the study, including the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions. The abstract generally employs a mix of tenses:

• Past tense: To summarize the research methods and findings.

  • “This study investigated the impact of social media on adolescent mental health.”
  • “A survey was conducted among 500 participants.”

• Present tense: Discuss facts, general truths, or the study’s implications.

  • “The findings suggest that excessive social media use is linked to increased anxiety.”
  • “This research contributes to the growing literature on digital well-being.”

• Future tense (if applicable): When indicating future research needs.

  • “Further studies will be needed to confirm these findings across different age groups.”

2. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the research by providing background information, defining the research problem, and outlining objectives.

• Present tense: Used when stating general facts, explaining theories, or introducing established knowledge.

  • “Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders.”
  • “Urbanization leads to significant environmental changes.”

• Past tense: When referencing specific studies and their findings.

  • “Allan and Jones (2019) found that students who studied in groups performed better on exams.”

• Present perfect tense: When summarizing previous research to emphasize continuity or ongoing relevance.

  • “Several studies have examined the relationship between sleep and memory retention.”

• Future tense (if applicable): When stating research aims or objectives that will be addressed later in the paper.

  • “This study will explore the impact of meditation on academic performance.”

3. Literature Review

The literature review synthesizes prior research related to the study. The choice of verb tense depends on how the information is presented:

• Past tense: When summarizing specific past studies.

  • “Brown et al. (2020) found that high sugar intake was correlated with obesity.”

• Present perfect tense: When discussing ongoing research areas or emphasizing a trend.

  • “Researchers have investigated the relationship between exercise and mental health for decades.”

• Present tense: When discussing theories, established knowledge, or valid conclusions.

“Maslow’s hierarchy of needs explains human motivation based on a five-tier model.”

4. Methods

The methods section details how the study was conducted. Since the study has already been completed, the past tense is used:

“Participants were recruited from local universities.”

“Data were collected through online surveys.”

“Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.”

This section should remain in the past tense because it describes procedures that have already occurred.

5. Results

The results section presents the findings of the study. Since these findings were obtained in the past, the past tense is used:

“The experiment demonstrated a significant increase in response time.”

“Participants who exercised regularly showed improved cognitive performance.”

However, when referring to figures, tables, or diagrams that are still part of the paper, the present tense is used:

“Table 1 shows the demographic breakdown of the participants.”

“Figure 2 illustrates the change in temperature over time.”

6. Discussion & Conclusion

This section interprets the findings, relates them to previous research, and discusses implications. Different tenses may be used:

• Present tense: When explaining the significance of the findings or making general conclusions.

“These results suggest that diet plays a crucial role in mental health.”

“The findings support the hypothesis that stress negatively impacts memory retention.”

• Past tense: When referring to the specific findings of the study.

“Our results indicated that caffeine consumption was associated with increased alertness.”

• Present perfect tense: When linking past research to the current study.

“Previous studies have shown similar effects of stress on cognitive performance.”

• Future tense: When suggesting future research directions.

“Further research will be necessary to determine the long-term effects of intermittent fasting on metabolism.”

Special Cases and Exceptions

1. Describing Figures, Graphs, and Tables

• Use present tense when discussing what is shown in figures and tables within the paper.

“Figure 1 illustrates the increase in heart rate after exercise.”

“Table 3 provides an overview of the survey responses.”

2. Hypothetical or Speculative Statements

• Use conditional structures for hypothetical or speculative discussions.

“If more participants were included, the results might have been different.”

“A larger sample size would provide more reliable conclusions.”

3. Comparing Past and Present Research

• Use past tense for completed research and present tense for general knowledge.

“Earlier studies found conflicting results, but current research suggests a consensus on the topic.”

Read on Abstract of a Research Paper

Conclusion

To write an excellent research paper, you must understand where every verb tense must be used in each section. Getting these skills will serve you throughout your college life and beyond.

Whether you’re conducting a literature review, describing your research methodology, or interpreting your findings, the judicious use of verb tenses will enable you to write a good research paper that engages the professor and contributes meaningfully to your field of study. So, embrace the challenge, refine your skills, let your research paper shine, and get good grades.