This section of a four-part research project investigating the syntax of Brazilian Portuguese presents data concerning tense usage in verb distribution. The data are derived from the analysis of selected literary samples from representative and contemporary writers. The selection of authors and tabulation of data are also described. Materials selected for analysis are derived from writings of 18 authors representing 17 separate states and regions of Brazil. Forms and tables include: (1) author and selection lists; (2) author and tabulation totals; (3) sample of preliminary verb tabulation in work sheet by form, tense, and mood; (4) sample data sheet for reduction of tabulated forms to main categories; (5) samples of major and secondary verb form distribution forms for recording distribution by percentage; (6) sets of data sheets for each author, recording number of occurrences in main categories; (7) major and secondary verb form distribution tabulations for all authors; and (8) tense usage percentage summary. For companion documents see FL 002 231 and FL 002 232. (RL)