Past Vs. Present Tense: Which To Use In News Articles?

Crafting compelling news articles involves many choices, and one of the most crucial is deciding whether to use the present or past tense. This decision impacts the immediacy, tone, and overall impact of your story. Let's dive into the nuances of each tense and explore when and how to use them effectively.

Understanding the Basics of Tense in News

Before we get into the specifics, let’s cover the basics. The past tense is used to describe actions that have already happened. For example, "The mayor announced a new initiative yesterday." In contrast, the present tense describes actions happening now or actions that occur regularly. For instance, "The President addresses the nation tonight" or "The sun rises every morning."

The Role of Past Tense in News Reporting

Past tense is the workhorse of news reporting. Traditionally, news articles have heavily relied on past tense because they are, after all, reporting on events that have already occurred. This creates a sense of historical record and provides readers with a clear understanding that the events are concluded. When you are writing about something that happened yesterday, last week, or even an hour ago, past tense is generally the way to go.

For example, imagine you’re covering a local election. You would write, "Voters cast their ballots yesterday in what many are calling a historic election." The use of "cast" clearly indicates that the voting has already taken place. Similarly, if you’re reporting on a fire, you might say, "The fire destroyed three buildings before firefighters contained it." Again, "destroyed" and "contained" firmly place the events in the past.

Moreover, past tense provides a sense of closure and allows for a more detailed and reflective account. You can delve into causes, effects, and reactions with the benefit of hindsight. This is particularly useful in investigative journalism or feature pieces where a deeper understanding of past events is crucial. Think about reports that analyze the aftermath of a natural disaster or the long-term impact of a political decision; past tense is invaluable here.

The Allure of Present Tense: Immediacy and Impact

While past tense is the standard, present tense offers a unique sense of immediacy and can significantly heighten the impact of your news reporting. Using present tense makes readers feel as though they are witnessing the events as they unfold. This can create a more engaging and dynamic reading experience, drawing the audience deeper into the story.

Present tense is particularly effective in live reporting, breaking news, and situations where the outcome is still uncertain. For example, consider a live blog covering a sports event. You might write, "The quarterback throws the ball downfield!" This instantly captures the excitement and ongoing nature of the game. Similarly, in a breaking news situation, you could say, "Police are responding to reports of a shooting downtown." This conveys the urgency and immediacy of the situation, letting readers know that the event is actively developing.

Moreover, present tense can be used to describe ongoing situations or continuous actions. If you’re reporting on a long-term environmental issue, you might write, "Deforestation threatens the Amazon rainforest." This emphasizes the continuous and persistent nature of the threat. Another effective use is in profiles or features where you want to bring a subject to life. For instance, "She dedicates her life to helping the homeless" paints a vivid picture of the person’s ongoing commitment.

However, it’s important to use present tense judiciously. Overusing it can create a sense of perpetual motion and may confuse readers if the timeline of events becomes unclear. The key is to use it strategically to enhance the immediacy and impact of specific moments within your story.

Mixing Tenses: A Balanced Approach

In many cases, the most effective news articles skillfully blend past and present tenses. This approach allows you to maintain a clear timeline while also injecting moments of immediacy and engagement. The goal is to create a balanced narrative that informs and captivates your audience.

For instance, you might start with a past tense account of an event and then switch to present tense to describe its ongoing impact. Consider this example: "The new law passed last week, and now, citizens are protesting in the streets." The past tense establishes when the law was enacted, while the present tense highlights the current reaction. This combination provides a comprehensive view of the situation.

Another common technique is to use past tense for background information and present tense for direct quotes or vivid descriptions. For example, "The witness said, ‘I see the car speeding away.’" The past tense sets the context, while the present tense brings the witness’s account to life. This approach adds authenticity and immediacy to the story.

When mixing tenses, clarity is paramount. Ensure that your readers can easily follow the timeline of events and understand the relationship between different actions. Use transitional phrases and time markers to guide them through the narrative. For example, phrases like "Earlier today," "Meanwhile," and "In the aftermath" can help clarify the sequence of events.

Practical Examples of Tense Usage in News

To further illustrate the effective use of tense in news articles, let’s look at some practical examples. These examples demonstrate how to choose the appropriate tense based on the context and desired impact.

Example 1: Reporting on a Completed Event

"The city council approved the new budget yesterday. The vote was unanimous, with all members supporting the proposal. The budget includes funding for new schools, infrastructure improvements, and public safety initiatives. Mayor Johnson stated that the budget reflects the city’s commitment to investing in its future."

In this example, past tense is used consistently because the event (the city council’s vote) is completed. The focus is on providing a clear and factual account of what happened.

Example 2: Live Reporting of an Ongoing Event

"The storm is intensifying as it approaches the coast. Residents are evacuating low-lying areas, and emergency services are on high alert. The National Weather Service warns that the storm could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Updates are coming in every minute as the situation unfolds."

Here, present tense is used to convey the immediacy and ongoing nature of the storm. The language creates a sense of urgency and keeps readers informed about the developing situation.

Example 3: Mixing Tenses for Context and Impact

"The company announced record profits last quarter, but now, it faces allegations of fraud. Investors are worried about the potential impact on the stock price, and regulators are investigating the claims. The CEO declined to comment on the allegations, citing ongoing legal proceedings."

This example combines past and present tenses to provide both context and immediacy. The past tense establishes the initial announcement, while the present tense highlights the current challenges and reactions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using tenses correctly can be tricky, and there are several common mistakes that journalists should avoid. These mistakes can confuse readers and undermine the credibility of your reporting.

Tense Shifts

One of the most common errors is inconsistent tense usage within the same paragraph or sentence. This can create confusion and disrupt the flow of the narrative. For example, avoid sentences like, "The team won the game yesterday, but they are celebrating tomorrow." The shift from past to future tense is jarring and illogical.

Overuse of Present Tense

While present tense can add immediacy, overuse can make your writing sound disjointed or perpetually in motion. Use it sparingly and strategically to highlight specific moments or ongoing situations.

Incorrect Tense Agreement

Ensure that your verbs agree with your subjects in terms of tense. For example, don’t write, "The team were winning yesterday." The correct form is, "The team was winning yesterday."

Lack of Clarity

Always prioritize clarity when choosing your tense. If there’s any chance that your readers might be confused, opt for the tense that provides the most straightforward and unambiguous account of events.

Tips for Mastering Tense in News Writing

To become proficient in using tense effectively, consider these tips:

• Read Widely: Pay attention to how professional journalists use tense in their articles. Analyze their choices and consider the impact of their decisions.
• Practice Regularly: Write news stories on a variety of topics and experiment with different tense combinations. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become.
• Seek Feedback: Ask colleagues or mentors to review your writing and provide feedback on your tense usage. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement.
• Use Style Guides: Consult style guides like the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for guidance on grammar and tense usage.
• Edit Carefully: Always proofread your work thoroughly before submitting it. Pay close attention to tense consistency and clarity.

Conclusion: Tense as a Tool for Effective Storytelling

The choice between past and present tense in news articles is more than just a grammatical decision; it’s a tool for effective storytelling. By understanding the nuances of each tense and using them strategically, you can create news reports that are informative, engaging, and impactful. Whether you’re recounting past events, capturing live action, or blending tenses for a balanced narrative, mastering tense is essential for any journalist looking to excel in their craft. So, keep practicing, stay observant, and let your understanding of tense enhance your ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with your audience.