Scientific writing utilizes particular grammar conventions when presenting research in the IMRaD format. The use of tense is one such convention, and understanding which tense(s) to use in which sections of your paper can be somewhat confusing. Tense demonstrates to a reader when something happened in time, and appropriately using tense will make communicating your research clearer and more understandable for both you and the reader.

Since the NMBU Writing Centre does not provide grammar, proofreading or editing services, you must learn the correct use of tense yourself. Luckily for you, other University Writing Centres have created overviews to help you understand which tense to use in particular section of your scientific writing. These links provide practical examples of grammatical tenses, offer advice on which tense(s) work best and explain why you should use one or more tense in a particular section.

Using tenses in scientific writing - International Science Editing

Using tenses in scientific writing - University of Melbourne