Writing Audio Descriptions in Present Tense
Writing Audio Descriptions in Present Tense records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Write audio descriptions in present tense to narrate visible events as they occur.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
This is the default W3C-supported narration style; quoted text or context that inherently refers to another time can still use the tense it requires.
Further guidance
Content
Describe the current visible action in present tense rather than routinely recasting the scene as past narration.
Practical Application
Narrate visible action in present tense as it unfolds, unless the content itself requires another time reference.
Purpose
Present-tense narration aligns the description with the unfolding video and keeps the user oriented to what is on screen now.
Reader Check
Does the description sound as though it is happening alongside the current shot rather than being retold afterward?
Worked Example
Write “The train pulls away from the platform” for an action happening on screen, rather than routinely shifting it to “The train pulled away.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Description of Visual Information (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance for writing descriptions of visual information needed to understand video.