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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, 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*’ve*** been here since 4 o’clock.
  • Not: I’m here since 4 o’clock.
See also
  • Present