What tense is typically expected in process descriptions?

In process descriptions, the simple present tense is typically used. This tense is effective because it conveys actions as general truths or habitual actions, which aligns with the purpose of process descriptions—to provide clear, straightforward instructions or explanations. Using the simple present helps to establish a sense of immediacy and directness, making it easier for the reader to understand the steps involved in a process.

While past tense or historical present can sometimes be relevant in contexts where explaining completed processes or narratives about processes is necessary, the conventional choice for straightforward instructional writing is the simple present. This choice allows writers to present procedures in a way that feels current and actively engaging, giving readers a sense of what to expect when following the instructions.