Present: typical errors

We always use the -s form for third person singular present simple:

Good health depends on having a good diet.

Not: Good health depend on having a good diet.

The building has three rooms.

Not: The building have three rooms.

We don’t use the present simple for actions that are going on at the present time. We use the present continuous:

Look, she’swinning!

Not: Look, she wins!

We use the present simple, not will, for future reference after words like when, before, as soon as, if and whether:

We’ll come and pick you up as soon as you call.

Not: We’ll come and pick you up as soon as you’ll call.

We don’t use the present continuous for facts and permanent situations. We use the present simple:

Six plus four makes ten. (6 + 4 = 10)

Not: Six plus four is making ten.

We don’t use the present continuous with some verbs, e.g. verbs expressing feelings, describing senses, mental process verbs:

Horrible weather, isn’t it? But I hear it’s going to get better at the weekend.

Not: I’m hearing it’s going to get better.

Some children hate playing any sport.

Not: Some children are hating …

We don’t use the present simple or the present continuous before since when we talk about a specific time up to now. We use the present perfect:

I’vebeen here since 4 o’clock.

Not: I’m here since 4 o’clock.