When you’re writing a thesis, you’re not just presenting ideas—you’re guiding your reader through a complex academic journey. One of the most important (and often overlooked) tools you have to create clarity and structure is verb tense. The right tense helps orient the reader, clearly indicating what’s background information, what’s established knowledge, what you did, and what your findings mean. However, of the most common issues our thesis proofreaders encounter is incorrect tense.
Clearly, choosing the correct tense can be surprisingly tricky. Should you use the present or the past when discussing other research? Is the conclusion written in the same tense as the methodology? And what about the abstract? So what tense should you write your thesis in?
The answer: different sections of your thesis require different tenses, depending on the purpose and content of that section. This article will walk you through each part of a typical academic thesis and explain which tense is most appropriate—and why.
Whether you’re writing a thesis in the sciences, humanities, or social sciences, this guide will help you make informed, consistent choices that enhance clarity and meet academic expectations.
Related: Structuring a Thesis
Tense in the Abstract
The abstract is a concise summary of your entire thesis, so it typically combines multiple tenses, depending on the type of information presented. A good rule of thumb is to match the tense to the function of the sentence:
- Present tense is used to describe the purpose of the research and general conclusions.
- Past tense is used to summarise what you did (methods) and what you found (results).
- Present perfect may occasionally be used to show the relevance of past research to your study.
Example use of tense in an abstract:
“This thesis examines the impact of online learning on student engagement. Data were collected through surveys and interviews conducted at four universities. The results indicate that synchronous sessions significantly increase participation.”
Notice the blend:
- “Examines” (present) = what this thesis does.
- “Were collected” (past) = what was done.
- “Indicate” / “increase” (present) = what the findings show and their ongoing relevance.
When writing your abstract, keep the tense consistent within each sentence or clause and consider your abstract as a condensed version of the whole thesis: a snapshot that reflects the structure and timeline of your work.
Related: How to Write a Great Abstract
Tense in the Introduction
Your introduction sets the stage for your entire thesis. It provides context, identifies a gap in the research, outlines your objectives, and often introduces your thesis statement. Because it covers a mix of current knowledge and past studies, careful tense use is essential for clarity and academic tone.
Use the present tense when:
- Describing general truths, current problems, or accepted knowledge
- Stating your thesis objectives or what the thesis does
Example:
“Climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities.”
“This thesis explores the relationship between sea-level rise and urban planning.”
Use the past tense when:
-
Referring to specific studies or actions already completed
Example:
“Smith (2020) conducted a longitudinal study on flood resilience.”
You may also use the present perfect to show ongoing relevance of previous research:
Example:
“Researchers have examined various adaptation strategies, but few studies focus on local government responses.”
Maintaining clear tense distinctions in your introduction helps readers understand what is already known, what has been done, and what your thesis sets out to achieve.
Tense in the Literature Review
The literature review synthesises previous research to establish a foundation for your own study. It’s where you show what has already been said, what gaps exist, and where your research fits in. Because this section references both completed studies and ongoing conversations in your field, your tense choices should reflect that context.
In general:
- Use the past tense to describe specific studies or research findings.
- Use the present perfect to summarise ongoing lines of inquiry.
- Use the present tense to discuss widely accepted theories or when the results remain relevant.
Here’s how this might look:
✅ “Nguyen (2019) found that language immersion improves long-term retention.”
✅ “Researchers have explored various approaches to vocabulary acquisition.”
✅ “Vygotsky’s theory of social development remains central to modern pedagogy.”
However, the preferred tense can vary slightly depending on your discipline and the style guide you are following. Below is a comparison:
Tense Preferences by Style Guide (Literature Review)
| Style Guide | Specific Studies (e.g., Smith, 2020) | Ongoing Research Trends | Theories or Established Knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|
| APA (7th ed.) | Past tense “Jones (2018) found…” |
Present perfect “Researchers have studied…” |
Present “The theory remains…” |
| MLA (9th ed.) | Present tense “Jones finds…” |
Present tense “Many argue…” |
Present “The theory remains…” |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Depends on field: Past tense for sciences, Present for humanities |
Present perfect or past | Present (esp. in humanities) |
🎓 Tip: If you’re unsure which to use, follow the conventions in published work from your department or target journal. And be consistent within your literature review.
For most thesis writers, especially in the sciences and social sciences, APA-style conventions (past for studies, present perfect for trends) are a safe and widely accepted default.
Related: Academic Style Tips
Tense in the Methodology Chapter
The methodology chapter details what you did, how you did it, and why you chose certain methods. Because this section describes actions that have already been completed by the time you’re writing your thesis, the appropriate tense is almost always the past tense.
Use the past tense to describe:
- The design of the study
- The tools and procedures used
- How participants were selected
- Data collection and analysis methods
Examples:
“This study employed a mixed-methods approach.”
“Participants were recruited through online advertisements.”
“Data were analysed using SPSS.”
Using the past tense signals to the reader that these steps are specific, completed actions. Avoid switching to present or future tenses, which can confuse the timeline of your work.
Some exceptions may apply:
-
If you’re justifying your choices using theoretical reasoning, you may use the present tense for general truths.
“This method is appropriate because it allows for detailed exploration of participant experience.”
But in general, past tense should dominate the methodology section for clarity and academic precision.
Tense in the Results Chapter
The results chapter presents the findings of your research. Since you’re reporting on what you discovered through your completed study, the correct and most commonly used tense is the past tense.
Use the past tense to describe:
- Data collected
- Observed patterns
- Statistical outcomes
- Survey or experimental results
Examples:
“Participants reported high levels of satisfaction.”
“The analysis revealed a significant correlation between variables.”
“Sales increased by 12% over the study period.”
Even if the findings are still relevant, they are the result of a study that has already occurred, and should be framed accordingly.
Be cautious not to shift into the present tense when reporting results, as this can imply that the data are still being collected or that results are universally applicable without interpretation.
However, you may occasionally use the present tense when:
-
Referring to figures, tables, or graphs directly presented in the chapter
“Table 2 shows the distribution of responses.”
This is acceptable because the table or figure exists within the document and is being viewed in the present.
Tense in the Discussion Chapter
The discussion chapter is where you interpret your results, relate them to existing research, and explore their implications. Because this section combines commentary on past findings with present analysis and theoretical framing, it typically uses a mix of tenses—but always with clear intent and consistency.
Use the past tense when:
-
Referring to your results
“The survey results showed a clear preference for hybrid learning.”
Use the present tense when:
-
Interpreting what the results mean
-
Making general statements about your findings or broader significance
“These findings suggest that time management plays a critical role in student performance.”
Use the present perfect when:
-
Discussing how your findings align with or contribute to ongoing research
“Previous studies have shown similar outcomes in large urban school districts.”
Mixing tenses here is not only acceptable—it’s often necessary to convey the relationship between your work and the broader academic context. The key is to signal shifts clearly and avoid switching tenses within the same sentence or idea group without cause.
Example paragraph:
“The interviews revealed several recurring themes. These themes highlight the role of peer support in shaping student motivation. This supports findings from Smith (2021), who found that group learning environments increase academic confidence.”
Tense in the Conclusion Chapter
The conclusion is your final opportunity to summarise the significance of your research, revisit your main findings, and suggest future directions. Like the discussion, this section typically requires a balanced use of tenses, depending on what you are discussing.
Use the present tense to:
-
Reaffirm your central argument
-
Emphasise the continuing relevance of your research
-
Make general conclusions based on your findings
Examples:
“This thesis demonstrates that effective time management is essential for academic success.”
“The results highlight a gap in current support structures for first-year students.”
Use the past tense to:
-
Refer to specific procedures or findings from your research
“This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate the issue.”
“Participants reported a range of coping strategies.”
Use the future tense to:
-
Recommend future research
-
Predict possible developments or applications
“Future research should examine the role of digital platforms in supporting peer learning.”
“These findings may lead to improved onboarding practices in universities.”
Clarity and tone are particularly important here. The conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, coherent understanding of what your study has achieved and why it matters.
Tense Usage by Thesis Section
| Thesis Section | Recommended Tense(s) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Abstract | Present (for aims, conclusions) Past (for methods, results) |
“This thesis explores…” “Data were collected…” |
| Introduction | Present (current context) Past (specific studies) Present perfect (trends) |
“This study focuses…” “Smith (2021) found…” “Researchers have examined…” |
| Literature Review | Past (individual studies) Present perfect (research trends) Present (accepted theories) |
“Jones (2018) found…” “Studies have shown…” “Maslow’s theory remains relevant.” |
| Methodology | Past | “Participants were selected…” |
| Results | Past Present (when referring to tables/figures) |
“The survey revealed…” “Figure 2 shows the distribution…” |
| Discussion | Past (for results) Present (interpretation) Present perfect (research trends) |
“The results indicated…” “This finding suggests…” “Previous studies have identified…” |
| Conclusion | Present (summary) Past (procedures) Future (recommendations) |
“This thesis demonstrates…” “The study used…” “Future research should explore…” |
Final Tips for Maintaining Tense Consistency
Using the correct tense in each section of your thesis isn’t just about following grammar rules—it’s about helping your reader understand the timeline of your work. Each tense has a specific role to play, and being intentional about when and how you use it can significantly improve clarity, flow, and professionalism.
Here are a few tips to keep your tenses under control:
- ✅ Plan ahead: Before you start writing, outline which tenses you’ll use in each section. Refer back to the tense usage summary table as you go.
- ✅ Be consistent: Avoid unnecessary shifts in tense within the same sentence or paragraph. Consistency signals control and improves readability.
- ✅ Match the tense to purpose: Ask yourself: Am I describing something I did? (past), A theory that still applies? (present), or A trend over time? (present perfect).
- ✅ Read published theses in your field to see how experienced academic writers use tense in context.
- ✅ Proofread with tense in mind. During your final revisions, make at least one read-through focused solely on tense.
Related: How to Proofread a Thesis Like a Pro
Choosing the right tense for each part of your thesis helps your reader follow your argument, understand what happened when, and distinguish between your ideas and those of others. Although there’s no single “right” tense for an entire thesis, academic writing relies on clear and consistent use of verb tenses that match the section’s purpose.
By understanding the logic behind each tense and how it aligns with different thesis sections, you can write with greater confidence—and make your thesis more professional, readable, and persuasive.
Need help fine-tuning your writing? Our team at Vappingo offers professional Thesis Proofreading Services to make sure your grammar, structure, and style meet academic expectations—no matter what tense you’re working in.