A Canadian writer's reference (5th ed. The way I think of this approach is that the quotation or paraphrase presents the author’s thinking at the time of writing the text, which happened in the past. Deciding the appropriate verb tense usually comes down to using the one that best reflects the time period of the action described in the text, but authors may find choosing the correct verb tense for signal phrases and specific sections of major projects, theses, dissertations or journal articles more complicated. Past tense: Lee (2015) argued that…. The choice of using present or past tense in signal phrases for paraphrases or quotations largely depends on the discipline in which authors are writing or the style guide they’re following. When writing a paper using APA style, signal phrase verbs should be written in past tense. APA in-text citations usually consist of three parts: author, year published, and page or paragraph number. MLA uses the present tense (e.g. However, a few select signal phrases contain no verbs (e.g., "According to [author],"). Keep things interesting for your readers by switching up the language and placement of your signal phrases. The APA Publication Manual provides suggestions on which verb tense is appropriate for various sections of a thesis, major project or journal article: As much as possible, try to be consistent with your chosen verb tense within a section as doing so "can help ensure smooth expression" (p. 65). When you are asked to write a paper that follows MLA guidelines, signal phrases should always be written in present (not past) tense. Depending on your sentence construction, these could appear separately or together. "Use past tense (e.g., "anxiety decreased significantly") to describe the results" (p. 66). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Signal word examples: admitted, asserted, demonstrated, compared, reasoned, argued, showed that, supported. “has noted”). Readers should be able to move from your own words to the words you quote without feeling an abrupt shift. APA requires using verbs in the past tense or present perfect tense (argued or has argued) Adapted from: Hacker, D. & Sommers, N. (2012). For MLA (as well as Chicago style), the same verbs can also be used in the present tense instead of the past tense, as the second section below shows. With this method, you draw in readers and engage them in considering the current implications of the research; for example: "The long-term effects are not yet understood, but....", During a literature review, the discussion concerns the previous work of others. Living in upstate New York, Susan Sherwood is a researcher who has been writing within educational settings for more than 10 years. The published text may not reflect the author’s current thinking, so putting the signal phrase in present tense makes a claim that can’t be investigated within the source material. Present tense: Lee (2015) argues that…. ). The type of tense used depends upon the context of the situation being addressed. The choice of using present or past tense in signal phrases for paraphrases or quotations largely depends on the discipline in which authors are writing or the style guide they’re following. Brenau University: Trustee Library: Ask A Librarian - We've Got Answers! Phrases to place the author’s work in the larger academic conversation: --- is credited with … --- promoted/conceived the idea that … A recent article/study by --- contrasted/compared … --- has written extensively about … Use longer phrases to signal your view of a quote/paraphrase: Therefore, APA style requires the use of past tense when relating research that occurred at a specific time in the past; for example: "Smith (2002) found that...." Along the same lines, when presenting your own procedures and results, use the past tense, such as "The participants completed the test....", If the discussion involves past actions that do not have a definitive date, then you should use the present perfect tense, such as: "Institutional review boards have included outsiders...." In addition, if an action began in the past but continues into the present, use the present perfect tense; for instance: "Researchers have been studying the phenomenon....". In the words of Peterson (2012), “…” See below for definitions and examples. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Education, Explore state by state cost analysis of US colleges in an interactive article. Theresa BellManager, Blended Learning Success, (Published in Crossroads February 27, 2019). Please contact the Writing Centre as we'd be pleased to assist you. If the introduction of the piece discusses any present-day issues, you may use present tense, such as "Students today are reading...." In addition, APA style also recommends the use of present tense in the conclusions section of a study. She has co-authored papers for Horizons Research, Inc. and the Capital Region Science Education Partnership. American Psychological Association. Model Phrases. American Psychological Association: APA Style. "Use the present tense (e.g., "the results of Experiment 2 indicate" to discuss implications of the results and to present the conclusions. Signal Phrases in APA Style When you choose to use quotations, make sure that they are integrated smoothly into the text of your paper. Past tense (e.g., "Smith showed") (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 65-66) or present perfect tense (e.g., "researchers have shown") for the literature review (p. 66) and "the description of the procedure if the discussion is of past events" (p. 66). Sherwood has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University at Albany. Typically, your writing will use either a signal phrase or a parenthetical citation to indicate your source. If you’re unsure of which tense to use in signal phrases, please check with your instructor, supervisor, or journal editor. Washington, DC: Author. (2010). APA uses the simple past tense (e.g., “compared”) or present perfect tense (e.g., “has … Do you have questions about this writing tip? “notes”) or present perfect tense (e.g. In the examples below, the author being cited is Jane Doe. The text discusses aspects of grammar, including verb tense. The examples in the first section are adapted to APA, which recommends past-tense verbs in signal phrases. The sixth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association presents guidelines for style and format when writing in the social or behavioral sciences. If the verb tenses suggested above don't make sense for the purposes of your document, please check with your instructor or academic supervisor to get their opinion on the best approach for your document. By reporting conclusions in the present tense, you allow all readers to join you in deliberating the matter at hand" (p. 66). Present or past tense in signal phrases. Therefore, APA style requires the use of past tense when relating research that occurred at a specific time in the past; for example: "Smith (2002) found that...." Along the same lines, when presenting your own procedures and results, use the past tense, such as "The participants completed the test…