Final answer:
In academic literature writing, the use of tense depends on the field and context. The present or present perfect tense is generally used in humanities fields, while past or present perfect is common in social and natural sciences. MLA style often requires literary present tense for discussing texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Academic literature writing can vary in verb tense usage depending on the discipline and the context. In humanities fields such as history, art history, philosophy, religion, and related disciplines, present tense or present perfect tense are typically used in signal phrases.
Conversely, in the social sciences and natural sciences, as well as in technical fields like engineering, past tense or present perfect tense are more common. MLA style guidelines suggest using literary present tense when referring to textual materials.
Verb tense consistency is crucial in writing. The main tense should remain constant throughout the academic piece, although shifts in tense may be necessary to indicate changes in time.
When analyzing a literary work, the common practice is to use the literary present tense to discuss actions within the text and the author's relationship to it. However, past tense is used when referring to historical context or events outside the text.