Past Vs. Present Tense: News Writing Guide

by Alex Braham 43 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered whether news articles should be written in the present or past tense? It's a question that pops up a lot, and getting it right can seriously boost the clarity and impact of your writing. Let's dive into this topic, breaking down the nuances and providing you with a comprehensive guide. Understanding when to use which tense can significantly improve your ability to craft compelling and accurate news stories. The choice between past and present tense isn't arbitrary; it's a strategic decision that affects how readers perceive the information and how immediate the news feels.

Understanding the Basics of Tense in News

First off, let's establish a basic understanding of tense. Tense in writing refers to the form a verb takes to indicate time. The two primary tenses we're focusing on here are past and present.

  • Past Tense: Indicates actions that have already occurred. It's used to report events that are completed.
  • Present Tense: Indicates actions happening now or actions that occur regularly. In news, it can create a sense of immediacy.

Typically, news articles rely heavily on the past tense because they are usually reporting on events that have already happened. For example, "The president announced new policies yesterday." The past tense is straightforward and provides a clear timeline. However, the present tense also has its place, particularly in headlines and certain stylistic choices, which we'll explore further.

The strategic use of tense can dramatically impact how a story is received. For instance, using present tense in a headline makes the event feel more current and pressing. Conversely, the body of the article typically employs past tense to recount the details of what has already transpired. Recognizing these subtle yet powerful effects allows journalists to craft narratives that are both informative and engaging. Moreover, the choice of tense can influence the perceived reliability and objectivity of the news report. A consistent and logical application of tense ensures that the timeline of events is clear and that the reader can easily follow the story.

When to Use Past Tense

The past tense is your bread and butter in news writing. It's used to describe events that have already happened. The vast majority of a news article will be in the past tense because you're reporting on something that occurred before the article was published.

Examples:

  • "The fire destroyed three buildings."
  • "The CEO resigned from her position."
  • "The team won the championship game."

Why Past Tense is Preferred:

  1. Clarity: It provides a clear timeline. Readers know exactly when the event took place.
  2. Accuracy: News is about reporting facts, and the past tense helps present those facts without ambiguity.
  3. Objectivity: Using past tense keeps the reporter's perspective neutral, focusing on what happened rather than what is happening.

When writing in past tense, make sure to maintain consistency. Avoid switching between past and present tense unnecessarily, as this can confuse readers. A consistent tense usage ensures the narrative flows smoothly and the reader can easily follow the sequence of events. Furthermore, the past tense helps to establish a sense of closure, signaling that the reported event has concluded. This is particularly important in conveying a complete and coherent story. In complex narratives, the past tense also facilitates the incorporation of background information and historical context, enriching the reader's understanding of the current news event.

When to Use Present Tense

While past tense dominates news writing, present tense has specific, impactful uses. Present tense can create a sense of immediacy and urgency.

1. Headlines:

Headlines often use present tense to grab attention and make the news feel current.

  • "Stock Market Plummets After Announcement"
  • "City Faces Water Crisis"
  • "New Study Shows Benefits of Exercise"

2. Direct Quotes:

When quoting someone, use their exact words, even if they are in the present tense.

  • "I am confident we will succeed," said the CEO."

3. Feature Stories and Background Information:

Present tense can be used to describe ongoing situations or provide background context.

  • "The river runs through the heart of the city, providing water for millions."
  • "Poverty remains a significant issue in the region."

4. To Describe Recurring Events:

  • "The sun rises in the east and sets in the west."

Why Present Tense is Effective:

  • Immediacy: It makes the reader feel like the event is happening now.
  • Engagement: It can draw the reader in and create a sense of urgency.
  • Emphasis: It highlights the current relevance of the information.

However, using present tense requires careful consideration. Overusing it can make your writing sound strange or unprofessional. Reserve it for specific instances where you want to create a particular effect. Additionally, be mindful of the context. If you're describing a past event, stick to the past tense in the body of the article, even if the headline uses present tense. The judicious use of present tense can add depth and dynamism to your reporting, making it more engaging and impactful for the reader. This technique is particularly useful in feature articles, where the goal is to immerse the reader in the story and create a vivid sense of presence.

Mixing Tenses: A Word of Caution

Mixing tenses can confuse readers and weaken your writing. Consistency is key. However, there are situations where you might need to switch tenses, and it’s important to do it correctly.

1. Transitioning Between Past and Present:

When transitioning from describing a past event to providing current context, make sure the shift is clear.

  • "The storm caused widespread damage. Today, the city is beginning to recover."

2. Using Past Perfect Tense:

Use past perfect to describe an event that happened before another event in the past.

  • "The meeting had ended before the reporter arrived."

3. Indicating Future Events:

Use future tense (will + verb) to describe events that will happen after the time of writing.

  • "The company will announce its new product next week."

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Unnecessary Shifts: Don’t switch tenses without a clear reason.
  • Incorrect Sequence: Make sure the sequence of events is logical when using different tenses.
  • Ambiguity: Avoid constructions that could be interpreted in multiple tenses.

To maintain clarity, use transition words and phrases to signal changes in tense. For example, words like "previously," "now," and "in the future" can help guide the reader through the timeline of events. Always review your writing to ensure that tense shifts are intentional and that they enhance, rather than detract from, the overall coherence of the article. Mastering the art of mixing tenses effectively requires practice and a keen awareness of how each tense affects the reader's understanding of the narrative.

Examples in Real News Articles

To illustrate these principles, let's look at some examples from real news articles.

Example 1: Past Tense Dominance

Headline: "Local School Board Approves New Budget"

Body: "The school board approved the budget at its meeting last night. Members voted 5-2 in favor of the proposal, which includes funding for new textbooks and technology upgrades. The decision came after weeks of debate and public input."

In this example, the headline uses present tense to draw attention, but the body of the article sticks to past tense to report the details of what happened.

Example 2: Present Tense for Immediacy

Headline: "Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Tensions"

Body: "Oil prices are surging today as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Brent crude is trading at $90 a barrel, up $5 from yesterday. Analysts say the increase is driven by fears of supply disruptions."

Here, the present tense is used throughout the article to convey the immediate impact of the rising oil prices.

Example 3: Mixing Tenses Effectively

Headline: "New Law Aims to Reduce Traffic Fatalities"

Body: "A new law aims to reduce traffic fatalities in the state. Last year, 500 people died in traffic accidents, prompting lawmakers to take action. The law, which goes into effect next month, increases penalties for distracted driving and requires stricter enforcement of speed limits."

In this example, the headline uses present tense, the past tense describes the events that led to the law, and the present tense explains the law’s current and future impact. Examining these examples helps to clarify how professional journalists use tense to craft effective and engaging news stories. By studying real-world applications, you can develop a better understanding of the nuances of tense usage and how to apply these principles to your own writing.

Tips for Mastering Tense in News Writing

Alright, so how do you become a pro at using tense in news writing? Here are some actionable tips to help you master it:

  1. Plan Before You Write: Before you start writing, outline the timeline of events. This will help you decide which tense to use in each section.
  2. Be Consistent: Once you choose a tense, stick with it unless there’s a clear reason to switch.
  3. Read Widely: Pay attention to how professional journalists use tense in their articles. Analyze their choices and try to understand why they made them.
  4. Edit Carefully: Review your writing to catch any unnecessary tense shifts. Use grammar tools or ask a colleague to help you proofread.
  5. Practice Regularly: The more you write, the better you’ll become at using tense correctly. Make it a habit to write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
  6. Know Your Audience: Consider who you are writing for and how they will interpret your use of tense. Tailor your writing to their expectations.
  7. Use Style Guides: Refer to established style guides like the AP Stylebook for guidance on tense usage.
  8. Understand Context: Always consider the context of your story. Are you reporting on a breaking event or providing background information? This will influence your choice of tense.

By following these tips, you can improve your ability to use tense effectively and enhance the clarity and impact of your news writing. Remember, mastering tense is an ongoing process. Stay curious, keep learning, and never stop practicing. With dedication and attention to detail, you’ll become a skilled and confident news writer.

Conclusion

So, should news articles be written in the present or past tense? The answer, as we’ve seen, is a bit of both. Past tense is the foundation, providing clarity and accuracy, while present tense adds immediacy and engagement. By understanding when and how to use each tense, you can write news articles that are both informative and compelling. Mastering this skill will not only improve your writing but also enhance your ability to communicate effectively with your audience. Happy writing, and may your tenses always be on point!