There is a small group of verbs in English with which you never use the present continuous tense. It is very easy to make a mistake and let yourself down if you do not remember this simple rule with these few verbs. The best thing to do is learn this list by heart and remember that you only use the present simple tense. These verbs are all verbs where physical actions are not involved. These are all verbs where you do not actually do anything and that is why you do not use the present continuous. They are verbs of emotion not action. They say what you are feeling or thinking. So learn this list and remember that the present continuous tense is banned.
To believe To hate To know To like To love To mean To prefer To remember To understand To want There are three verbs which half fit in to this list. You can use the present continuous tense with these three, but only if you want to emphasise what you are saying on one particular occasion. You will not need to do this very often.
To depend To need To forget Look at the differences in these sentences and you will see when you can use the present continuous tense.
I depend a lot on my parents.
I am depending on you.
I need to go to the bank.
I am needing a new pair of trainers.