TRANSCRIPT Module 1, Topic 2: Verb Tenses in Scientific Writing

Duration 07:13

Time Audio
00:00 Welcome to Module 1, Topic 2: Verb Tenses in Scientific Writing.
00:07 In this video, we will talk about the most common verb tenses used in scientific
writing, uses and examples of common tenses, and tips for analyzing verb
tense use in scientific writing in your field.
00:24 Lets begin with the meaning of verb tense. Verb tense indicates the time an
action occurs and gives information about the relationship of one event to
another. Did something happen before something else, after something else,
or at the same time?
00:44 How many verb tenses are there in English? There are thirteen verb tenses.
However, only three tenses make up ninety-eight percent of tense use in
scientific writing. Question: Which three tenses do you think are most
commonly used in scientific writing in English?
01:06 The three tenses used most often are first, present simple, which is used in
seventy percent of sentences in scientific writing; second, past simple, which is
used in twenty-three percent of the sentences; and third, present perfect,
which is used in five percent of the sentences in scientific writing.
01:30 Lets look at the functions of present simple. Present simple is used to frame a
paper; to make general statements, conclusions, or interpretations about
previous research or general knowledge; and to introduce evidence or support
with a form of there plus be, as in there is or there are.
01:53 Here are some examples of present simple use. Helping people in need
continues to prove challenging. Here, the present simple frames the paper in
an introduction. The sun rises in the east. The present simple is used to make
a statement about general knowledge. And, there are many factors that remain
poorly understood. This example of the present simple introduces evidence or
support.
02:25 What are the functions of past simple? Its common uses are to introduce a
study, usually by a named researcher; to describe the methods and data of a
completed experiment; and to mark a specific time with phrases such as in two
thousand fourteen, after the study, at that time, previously.
02:52 Examples of past simple use include Smith found that his experiment was
inconclusive. This use of the past simple introduces a study by a named
researcher. For our data collection, we contracted a major consulting firm.
Here, past simple is used to describe methods of data collection. And, from
November two thousand twelve to May two thousand thirteen, we investigated
the daily habits of monkeys. This past simple sentence includes a past simple
time marker, from November two thousand twelve to May two thousand
thirteen.
03:35 Finally, lets look at functions of present perfect. It can be used to introduce a
new topic; to summarize previous research, describe previous findings, or tell
the history of an idea. And, to mark a specific time with phrases such as since
two thousand nine, never, to date, until now.
TRANSCRIPT Module 1, Topic 2: Verb Tenses in Scientific Writing 1
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04:01 Here are some examples of present perfect use. Donor agencies have saved
millions of lives. The present perfect introduces a new topic. Studies have
found that grammar correction can be discouraging to students. Here, the
present perfect summarizes previous research. And, a local organization has
provided five hundred free vaccines since two thousand fifteen. This present
perfect sentence uses a present perfect time marker, since two thousand
fifteen.
04:39 Now, we will switch to active versus passive use. All English verb tenses have
both active and passive form. About twenty-five percent of verbs in scientific
writing are in the passive voice.
04:55 Here are two examples of active versus passive in present simple. The journal
publishes four volumes per year. This sentence is written in active voice. Four
volumes of the journal are published per year. This sentence is written in
passive voice.
05:17 And now past simple. The researcher conducted the study. Active. The study
was conducted by the researcher. Passive.
05:28 And finally present perfect. The researcher has discovered bacteria in the lake.
Active. Bacteria have been discovered in the lake by the researcher. Passive.
05:42 Before we close, here are some tips for working with verb tense. First, focus
primarily on the top three tenses: present simple, past simple, and present
perfect. Remember that these make up ninety-eight percent of tense use.
Second, notice occurrences of these tenses in articles from your field. Is it the
same ratio or is it different? Next, look for similarities and differences between
tense use in your language and English. Make a note of these differences, and
then make a point to use the correct tense in English. Also, note use of other
tenses. How and when are they used? What is their function? Do they use
common time markers? And, finally, pay attention to whether verbs occur in
active or passive voice. Are there differences in the number of active versus
passive verb constructions in your field and/or language?
06:48 In summary, in this video we talked about the most common verb tenses used
in scientific writing, uses and examples of common tenses, and tips for
analyzing verb tense use in scientific writing in your field.
07:04 Good luck as you continue with Module 1, Topic 2.
07:10 (no audio)

TRANSCRIPT Module 1, Topic 2: Verb Tenses in Scientific Writing 2

2017 University of Oregon, All Rights Reserved