Lesson 5.2: Verb Tense and Voice in Academic Writing

Introduction

In academic writing, the use of correct verb tense and voice is crucial for clarity and effectiveness. This lesson will cover the conventional use of verb tenses—the present tense for established knowledge and the past tense for specific studies. We will also focus on maintaining tense consistency within a piece of writing, understanding the passive voice, and discussing appropriate reporting structures for introducing sources and ideas. By mastering these concepts, you will enhance your ability to communicate your ideas effectively and accurately.

Learning Objectives

• Understand conventional tense use: present for established knowledge, past for specific studies.
• Learn how to maintain tense consistency across a piece of writing.
• Explore the passive voice and determine when it is useful in academic writing.
• Practice reporting structures for introducing sources and ideas.
• Select appropriate verb tenses for established knowledge and specific studies.

Section 1: Conventional Tense Use

Present Tense for Established Knowledge

The present tense is often used in academic writing when discussing established facts or general truths. For instance, when you describe concepts, theories, or findings that are currently accepted in the field, you should use the present tense. This helps convey that the information is still valid and relevant.

Example 1

Consider the following statement:

• "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."

This sentence uses the present tense to state a fact that remains true regardless of time. Present tense signals to the reader that the information is foundational and generally accepted.

In academic articles, you might find sentences like:

• "Smith (2020) argues that climate change affects global weather patterns."

Here, the present tense is used to indicate that the findings are currently recognized in the academic community.

Past Tense for Specific Studies

Conversely, the past tense is used when referring to specific studies, experiments, or events that have already occurred. This tense indicates that the research was conducted in the past, making it essential for historical context.

Example 2

Consider a research paper discussing an experiment:

• "In 2019, researchers conducted a study on the effects of sleep deprivation."

In this sentence, the past tense highlights that the study has already taken place. It situates the findings within a specific timeframe, allowing readers to understand the context of the research.

Maintaining Tense Consistency

Consistency in verb tense throughout your writing is key to maintaining clarity. When you start a piece in the present tense, it is generally expected that you will continue using the present tense unless there is a clear reason to shift to the past tense. Keeping your tenses consistent helps to avoid confusion.

Example 3

Inconsistent:

• "The experiment shows significant results, and the researchers were surprised by the outcome."

Consistent:

• "The experiment shows significant results, and the researchers are surprised by the outcome."

The first example switches tenses, while the second maintains present tense throughout, providing a clearer and more cohesive reading experience.

Section 2: The Passive Voice in Academic Writing

Understanding Passive Voice

The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence is acted upon rather than performing the action. This structure can be useful in academic writing to emphasize the action or the recipient of the action rather than the doer.

Example 4

• Active voice: "The researchers conducted the experiment."
• Passive voice: "The experiment was conducted by the researchers."

In the passive construction, the focus shifts to the experiment, which might be more relevant in some contexts, particularly when discussing results or procedures where the doer's identity is less important.

When to Use Passive Voice

In academic writing, you might prefer the passive voice in several scenarios:

1. When the actor is unknown or irrelevant: "The drug was administered."
2. To emphasize the action or results: "A significant decrease in errors was noted."
3. To maintain an objective tone: "The hypothesis was tested rigorously."

Section 3: Reporting Structures

Introducing Sources and Ideas

When introducing sources or ideas in your writing, using the correct reporting structure is vital. The reporting verbs can determine the tone and level of engagement with the ideas presented.

Common Reporting Verbs

• Argue: Often used when stating someone’s position on a topic.
• State: Neutral reporting verb for presenting facts.
• Claim: Implies some doubt about the assertion being made.
• Suggest: Indicates a recommendation or proposal.

Example 5

In a literature review, you might write:

• "Johnson (2021) argues that the economy will recover post-pandemic."
• "Chen (2019) states that renewable energy sources are crucial for sustainable development."

These structures help attribute ideas to their original authors while also incorporating your voice as a writer, allowing you to present these ideas in relation to your own argument.

Section 4: Selecting Appropriate Verb Tenses

Guidelines for Choosing Verb Tenses

Choosing the right verb tense can be instrumental in academic writing. Follow these guidelines:

• Use present tense for statements of fact or ongoing research.
• Use past tense for specific studies or completed actions.
• Maintain consistent tenses throughout your writing to avoid confusion.

Exercise Example

Transform the following inconsistent sentences into consistent tense:

• "The researchers found significant results, and they are conducting further studies."

Corrected:

• "The researchers found significant results, and they conducted further studies."

In this correction, both verbs are now in the past tense, maintaining consistency and clarity.

Conclusion

Understanding and applying the proper verb tenses and voice is essential in academic writing. By using the present tense for established knowledge and the past tense for specific studies, you can create clear and effective pieces of writing. Maintaining tense consistency ensures that your arguments are coherent throughout, while the appropriate use of passive voice and reporting structures can enhance the credibility and clarity of your writing. Remember to practice these concepts consistently to improve your academic writing skills.

Study Notes

• Present tense for established facts; past tense for specific studies.
• Consistency in verb tense enhances clarity.
• The passive voice emphasizes action over the doer.
• Use appropriate reporting verbs to introduce sources and ideas.
• Practice selecting verb tenses to fit the context of your writing.