When it comes to academic writing, the use of tenses plays a crucial role in conveying the intended message effectively. While most students are familiar with the past tense and use it predominantly, the present tense has gained significant importance in recent years. This is especially true in literary analysis and response essays, where the present tense brings out the tension and dramatic actions within the works being discussed. Although it may seem a little unusual to write about historical events or literature in the present tense, here’s why it’s not only appropriate but also necessary to do so.
First and foremost, using the present tense in your writing creates a sense of immediacy and makes the reader feel as if they’re right there, experiencing everything alongside the author/artist. Whether you’re talking about a historical event, a novel, a movie or any other form of art, using the present tense allows you to bring the past or the actions within the work to life. It enables you to immerse the reader in the discussion and give them a deeper understanding of the author/artist’s intentions.
Furthermore, the use of the present tense in academic writing has been praised for its ability to give a fresh perspective on old habits. By using the present tense, you can challenge the conventional way of thinking and offer new insights into the past or the works being analyzed. It forces both the writer and the reader to reevaluate the actions and the implications of those actions by looking at them through a different lens.
It’s important to note that the use of the present tense doesn’t mean that the past tense is completely ignored. Although the present tense is used to describe the events within the work, the past tense is still used when referring to the author/artist and their actions. For example, in an analysis of “The Great Gatsby,” one could write, “Fitzgerald writes in the present tense while analyzing the past actions of his characters.” This distinction allows for a clear understanding of the timeline and the perspective of the writer.
Finally, the use of the present tense in academic writing reflects the current trend in the arts and literature. Many contemporary works, including novels, articles, and essays, are written in the present tense. This shift in writing style is seen as a way to bring a sense of immediacy and relevance to the work. By using the present tense in your academic writing, you not only stay true to the conventions of the arts but also engage with the current literary landscape.
Role of Present Tense in Academic Writing
When analyzing literature, for example, using the present tense allows you to immerse readers in the world of the novel or the actions of the characters. Instead of referring to events that have already occurred in the past, you can discuss the plot, the characters, and the author/artist’s intentions as if they are unfolding in real time. This creates a more dynamic and engaging experience for the reader.
Similarly, when discussing historical events or concepts, the present tense can be used to highlight their continued relevance and impact. By using the present tense, you convey that these events or concepts still hold importance in the present day, and that they continue to shape our understanding of the world. For example, you could write, “Homer writes in The Iliad that…” or “The author/artist of the painting portrays…”.
Using present tense verbs in academic writing also helps to provide clarity and avoid confusion. By using the present tense, you are able to clearly differentiate between events that have already happened and those that are currently happening. This is particularly important when discussing research findings, current debates or ongoing discussions in your field of study.
Importance of Using Present Tense
Using the present tense brings a sense of immediacy and relevance to your work. By using present tense, you can create a connection between the reader and the subject matter, making it more engaging and impactful.
When analyzing a piece of literature or responding to a text, the use of present tense allows you to discuss the actions, thoughts, and feelings of the characters as if they are happening right now. For example, instead of saying “In the novel, the author blames the protagonist,” you would say “In the novel, the author blames the protagonist.” This not only gives a sense of dramatic tension but also enables the reader to immerse themselves in the world of the novel.
Furthermore, when writing an academic essay, it is crucial to maintain consistency in your tenses. By using present tense throughout your analysis, you ensure that your ideas and arguments are always relevant and up to date.
Present tense is also useful when citing quotes or referring to other articles or works. Instead of having to use multiple tenses for different sources, you can incorporate all the information within the present tense.
Another reason why the present tense is preferred in academic writing is that it eliminates the need for constant tense shifting. While other tenses like past and future have their place, using too many different tenses can create confusion and disrupt the flow of your writing.
Although it is important to note that the present tense should not be used in every context. There may be situations where other tenses are needed, such as when discussing historical events or describing past actions. However, even within these situations, incorporating present tense to discuss the significance or relevance of these past events can be effective.
Advantages of Present Tense
1. Adds immediacy
Using the present tense can create a sense of immediacy and engage the reader in the action. By describing events as if they are happening right now, you can effectively draw the reader into the world of your analysis or discussion.
2. Highlights ongoing relevance
Present tense can convey that the topic you are discussing is still significant and relevant in the present. It emphasizes that the ideas and concepts being discussed are not limited to a specific time period, but are applicable and important in the current context.
3. Creates tension
The present tense can be particularly effective in creating tension and suspense in a narrative. By using present tense, the reader experiences the events alongside the characters and feels a greater sense of anticipation and immediacy.
4. Focuses on habits and general truths
Present tense is commonly used when talking about facts, habits, or general truths. Whether you’re discussing literary works or analyzing historical events, using present tense allows for a more objective and factual tone.
For example, when discussing the works of a writer, it’s appropriate to say “Homer writes in the present tense” rather than “Homer wrote in the present tense.” This acknowledges that the author/artist is still relevant and their work continues to have an impact.
5. Suitable for literary analysis
Present tense is often used in literary analysis essays as it allows for a close examination of the text. By using present tense, you can focus on the specific details and language choices the author/artist made in their work, providing a more in-depth and nuanced analysis.
Remember, when using the present tense in academic writing, it’s important to maintain consistency. Ensure that all verb tenses are accurate and consistent within your writing. By understanding when and how to use the present tense effectively, you can improve the overall clarity and impact of your academic writing.
Proper Usage of Present Tense in Academic Writing
In literary analysis, it’s common to use the present tense when referring to the actions and events happening in a work. For example, when analyzing a play, the writer can write, “In ‘Hamlet,’ Shakespeare incorporates the use of dramatic irony to enhance the tension between the characters.” Here, the present tense is used to demonstrate that the events and actions are ongoing within the literary work itself.
It’s important to note that not all academic writing can use the present tense. When discussing historical events or past actions, the appropriate tense to use is the past tense. For example, when writing about Homer’s “The Iliad,” it would be incorrect to write, “Achilles feels anger towards Agamemnon.” Instead, it should be written in the past tense: “Achilles felt anger towards Agamemnon.”
So when should you use the present tense in academic writing? Here are a few guidelines:
1. When discussing literature or arts
When analyzing a book, play, movie, or any other art form, the present tense is often used to capture the ongoing actions and events within the work.
2. When incorporating quotes or response to literature
When including quotes or providing a personal response to literature, using the present tense can add immediacy and convey your current thoughts and feelings about the text.
While it’s important to use the appropriate tense, always ask yourself what the author/artist intended and how the work has been received over time. If the actions or events are still significant or having an impact, then the present tense is appropriate. Otherwise, the past tense is the right choice.
So next time you’re writing an academic paper, be mindful of your tenses. Incorporating the present tense can bring a sense of immediacy and relevance to your work. Just remember to use the present tense for ongoing actions and events in a literary work, and the past tense for historical events and past actions. With a proper understanding of tense usage, your academic writing will be both accurate and engaging.
Guidelines for Using Present Tense
1. Use present tense for discussing current research
If you’re writing about a study or research that is ongoing or has recent findings, it’s appropriate to use present tense. For example, “In the most recent study, researchers find that…”
2. Use present tense for describing timeless facts or theories
When discussing facts, theories, or concepts that are not limited by time, present tense is the most appropriate. For example, “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”
3. Use present tense to create a sense of immediacy
Present tense can be used to make your writing feel more immediate and engaging. For example, instead of saying “Homer wrote the Iliad,” you can say “Homer writes the Iliad,” which creates a stronger sense of connection between the reader and the story.
4. Use present tense in literary analysis
When analyzing a literary work, it’s common to use present tense to describe the actions and events in the story. For example, “The protagonist feels torn between loyalty and duty.”
5. Use present tense for generalizations
Present tense can be used to talk about general truths or facts. For example, “Artists often use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in their works.”
Overall, using the present tense in academic writing can be a powerful tool to engage your reader and convey a sense of immediacy. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate present tense into your writing and create a more dynamic and engaging piece of work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using past tense for actions in novels or other works of literature.
When analyzing a work of literature, it is important to remember that the events of the novel or play exist within the world of the book. Even though the events may have happened in the past, when talking about the events, use the present tense. For example, instead of saying “In Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, Odysseus robbed the Cyclops,” say “In Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, Odysseus robs the Cyclops.”
2. Incorporating present tense in analysis of historical events.
While it may seem unnecessary to use the present tense when discussing history, this tense can create tension and give a more dramatic effect to the writing. For example, instead of saying “In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed to America,” say “In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus sails to America.”
3. Forgetting to use present tense in discussions of the author/artist.
When discussing the work of an author or artist, it is crucial to use the present tense to accurately represent their ongoing presence in the literary or artistic world. For example, instead of saying “F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote ‘The Great Gatsby’,” say “F. Scott Fitzgerald writes ‘The Great Gatsby’.”
4. Referring to actions in the past when discussing a character’s habits or thoughts.
When writing a literary analysis or response, it is important to consider that the character’s actions may have occurred in the past, but their thoughts and habits still exist in the present. For example, instead of saying “Jay Gatsby had a little notebook in which he wrote everything,” say “Jay Gatsby has a little notebook in which he writes everything.”
5. Using the present tense without clear context or purpose.
Although the present tense can add tension and drama to a piece of writing, it should be used consciously and purposefully. If the use of present tense doesn’t serve a clear purpose, it may confuse the reader. Make sure to provide context and a clear reason for using the present tense.
By avoiding these common mistakes, writers can incorporate the present tense effectively in their academic writing, creating a more dynamic and engaging argument or analysis.
Literary Present Tense in Academic Writing
One of the main reasons for using the present tense when referring to literature is to give a sense of immediacy and tension to the discussion. By using the present tense, we can make the reader feel as if they’re in the middle of the action, experiencing everything alongside the characters.
For example, when discussing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” it would be appropriate to say “Gatsby throws extravagant parties” instead of “Gatsby threw extravagant parties.” The use of the present tense makes the reader feel as if the events are happening in the present moment.
This use of the present tense is not limited to literature. It can also be used when talking about historical events or articles that are still relevant today. For example, if discussing a research study, it’s appropriate to say “Smith et al. (2020) argue that” instead of “Smith et al. (2020) argued that.” The present tense is used to convey that the authors’ ideas still hold true.
It’s important to note that although it’s common to use the present tense in academic writing when discussing literature, there are situations where past tense is more appropriate. For example, when talking about the historical context of a work or when analyzing the author’s habits and beliefs. In these cases, the past tense is used to accurately reflect the time period being discussed.
To summarize, incorporating the literary present tense into academic writing adds a sense of immediacy and tension to the discussion of works of art. When appropriate, it’s important to use the present tense to make the reader feel as if they’re experiencing the events alongside the characters. However, it’s also necessary to use the past tense when referring to historical context or discussing the habits and beliefs of the writer. By understanding the appropriate tenses to use in academic writing, writers can effectively analyze and discuss literature in a way that is clear and engaging.
FAQ
Why is it important to use the present tense in academic writing?
Using the present tense in academic writing helps to create a sense of immediacy and relevance. It allows the reader to feel as though the information is fresh and current, rather than being outdated or historical.
When is it appropriate to use the literary present tense in academic writing?
The literary present tense is typically used when discussing a work of literature or other artistic media. By using the present tense, it helps to create a sense of engagement and allows the reader to feel as though they are experiencing the work in the present moment.
Can the present tense be used to describe historical events in academic writing?
Yes, the present tense can be used to describe historical events in academic writing, especially if the events are still considered relevant or have an ongoing impact. However, it is important to use the present tense judiciously and provide context for the use of present tense in order to avoid confusion.
Are there any exceptions where the present tense should not be used in academic writing?
While the present tense is generally preferred in academic writing, there are some cases where it may not be appropriate. For example, when discussing past research studies or experiments, the past tense is typically used to describe what was done and what the results were. Additionally, in certain fields such as mathematics or statistics, the use of the present tense may be less common.
