USING TENSES IN SCIENTIFIC WRITING

1. Introduction
a. Include background informations, which is generally accepted as fact. It is usually
presented in the present tense. Example: Genomics provides crucial information for
rational drug design.
b. Present perfect tense to report research. Example: A great deal of research has been
conducted.
c. Generally using active voice, but can depens on the structure.
2. Method(s)
a. Past tense is a must to describe was done
b. Generally using passive, because objects-focused.
3. Result(s)
a. Past tense for the result obtained. In this section, the past tenses is required to give the
detail of the results that have been obtained during research.
b. Present tense is applied to refers figures and tables.
c. Can using active and passive voice, depends.
4. Discussion
a. Present tense to explain the significance of results.
b. Past tense to summarize findings, with present tense to interpret the results.  Mostly
the scientific journal writers have mistakes in this part.
5. Conclusion
a. A combination of tenses to highlight past research and future directions. Example:
Although the study found evidence of .... Further studies are thefefore necessary to
determin the effects of.... on....
b. Effective grammar and sentences stucture.
6. Citations
a. Usually using present tense. Example: Nutrient resorption is a common phenomena on
forest trees (Kramer, 1979). Example (2): The factors that causing nausea in the first
trimester pregnancy are remain unknown [1].
b. The citations type depends on your publisher.