In the introduction, you may find it appropriate to mention previous works in the same field. You should certainly mention works that underlie your study, i.e., works without which yours would not be possible. If there are not many relevant works, include your references to them in the main body of your introduction. However, if there are numerous works to highlight, create a literature review section for this purpose alone.

When explaining relevant details of past works, use the past tense.


If you need to use the present tense – perhaps because other authors in your field do – then do so throughout your text. In all other cases, just use the past tense.

For general recommendations on citations and references, see Referencing styles.