How To Write An Essay In Present Tense. Tense indicates time and also tells us if an action or a state of being is to be regarded as complete. In general, present tense should be used when writing most essays, with past tense used when referring to past events or an author’s ideas.

It refers to the aspect of a language that enables us to tell the time of any action or condition. The excerpt below is 34 words. She ran her usual route to the store, but as she rounded the corner she came upon a disturbing sight.