Avoid These Common ESL Grammar Errors and Start Speaking More Naturally
Are you struggling with the Present Simple tense in English? You’re not alone. Even intermediate learners often make the same small but important mistakes. The good news? With just a few simple tips, you can correct these errors and sound much more fluent when you speak or write.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the 5 most common Present Simple grammar mistakes, explain why they happen, and show you exactly how to fix them.
✅ What Is the Present Simple Tense?
The Present Simple is used to describe:
- Regular habits and routines (I go to work at 8 a.m.)
- Facts and general truths (The sun rises in the east.)
- Schedules and timetables (The train leaves at 7.)
It’s simple — but tricky!
❌ Mistake #1: Forgetting the “-s” for He/She/It
Wrong: She go to school every day.
Right: She goes to school every day.
🔎 Why it happens: Learners forget that third-person singular (he, she, it) needs an -s at the end of the verb in the Present Simple.
🛠️ Fix it fast: Memorize this pattern:
He/She/It + verb + s
e.g., He likes, She plays, It works
❌ Mistake #2: Using the Present Continuous Instead of Present Simple
Wrong: I am going to the gym every day.
Right: I go to the gym every day.
🔎 Why it happens: Many learners confuse Present Continuous (for temporary actions) with Present Simple (for routines).
🛠️ Fix it fast: If it’s a regular habit, use Present Simple:
👉 I go, I eat, I work (not: I am going…)
❌ Mistake #3: Adding “do” in positive statements
Wrong: I do go to work at 9.
Right: I go to work at 9.
🔎 Why it happens: Learners sometimes add “do” for emphasis without realizing it changes the sentence structure.
🛠️ Fix it fast: Only use “do/does” in:
- Negative sentences: I don’t go
- Questions: Do you go?
❌ Mistake #4: Incorrect Verb Form After “Does”
Wrong: Does he goes to school?
Right: Does he go to school?
🔎 Why it happens: Learners think they need to add the -s, but “does” already includes it!
🛠️ Fix it fast: After does, always use the base form:
👉 Does she like it? ✔️
👉 Does he eats breakfast? ❌
❌ Mistake #5: Mixing Past and Present Tenses
Wrong: Yesterday, I go shopping.
Right: Yesterday, I went shopping.
🔎 Why it happens: Learners forget to switch to the past tense when talking about yesterday, last week, etc.
🛠️ Fix it fast: Use Present Simple for routines now
Use Past Simple for things in the past
🎯 Want to Master Present Simple for Real?
If you’re ready to speak English clearly and confidently, you need more than grammar tips — you need practice, guidance, and structure.
That’s exactly what you get in our course:
👉 English for Intermediate Learners (B1) – Step 1: Talk About Your Day
💡 In this course, you’ll:
- Master the Present Simple in real-life situations
- Learn to talk about your daily routines, habits, and lifestyle
- Get grammar explanations, listening tasks, speaking practice, and more
- Study at your own pace with support from expert ESL teachers
👩🏫 It’s time to go from making mistakes to making progress.
📝 Final Tips for Present Simple Success
- Review common verbs: go, do, have, like, eat, etc.
- Watch out for he/she/it — don’t forget the -s
- Practice with your own daily routine: “I wake up, I eat, I go to work…”
- Use flashcards or apps to drill irregular verbs
- Speak out loud — don’t just study, use it!
📣 Over to You!
What’s the most common Present Simple mistake you make?
Let us know in the comments below — and don’t forget to check out our course to take your grammar and confidence to the next level.