Verb Tense
Present, past, or future action should be described consistently within the same sentence. Incorrect: The geoscientist processes the data and stored the file on tape. Correct: The geoscientist processes the data and stores the file on tape. Simple past tense is correct for stating what was done, either by others or by you: The solutions were heated to boiling. Present tense is correct for statements of fact: Water freezes at 0°C. Present and simple past tenses may both be correct for results, discussion, and conclusions: The characteristics of the voltammetric wave indicate that electron transfer and breaking of the carbon-iodine bond are concerted. Use the present perfect tense while presenting a completed study or its results. The following data have been collected and processed [This implies that now the reader has the results in hands]
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