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’s winning!
Not: Look, she wins!
 We use the present simple, not will, for future reference after words like when, before, as
soon as, ifand 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’ve been here since 4 o’clock.
Not: I’m here since 4 o’clock.