SHE NEVER WALKS UNDER LADDERS TO AVOID BAD LUCK
"She never walks under ladders to avoid bad luck" is a sentence in the present simple tense. It describes a regular habit or action that someone does not do, based on a superstition. Many people believe that walking under a ladder brings bad luck, so some avoid it.
This sentence includes:
An adverb of frequency (never)
A negative action in the present simple (never walks)
An infinitive with purpose (to avoid bad luck)
Examples:
He never opens an umbrella inside the house.
She always knocks on wood for good luck.
They often avoid black cats.
This topic helps students understand adverbs of frequency, negative sentences in the present simple, and cultural superstitions.
🔹 GRAMMAR
1. Present Simple with Adverbs of Frequency
She never walks under ladders.
I always carry a lucky charm.
2. Infinitive of Purpose
She avoids it to stay lucky.
I study hard to pass the exam.
3. Negative Sentences (Present Simple)
He doesn’t believe in superstitions.
We don’t talk about bad luck.
4. Prepositions of Place
Under the ladder
Behind the door
Next to the tree
5. Modal Verbs (should/shouldn’t)
You shouldn’t break a mirror.
You should stay positive.
🔹 VOCABULARY
Ladder – a structure for climbing up or down
Avoid – to stay away from something
Luck – good or bad things that happen by chance
Superstition – a belief not based on science
Never – not at any time
Charm – an object thought to bring good luck
Belief – something people think is true
Scared – afraid or frightened
Sign – a symbol or object that gives information
Under – in a lower position or covered by something
🔹 USEFUL EXPRESSIONS
I never do that!
That brings bad luck.
Better safe than sorry.
It’s just a superstition.
I don’t believe in that.
She always follows the rules.
To avoid problems, I follow traditions.
They say it’s unlucky.
Don’t walk under that!
Do you believe in luck?
🔹 SENTENCES
Positive:
She always carries her lucky coin.
They often celebrate special days with a ritual.
I sometimes wear red for good luck.
Negative:
She never walks under ladders.
He doesn’t believe in black cats bringing bad luck.
We don’t open umbrellas indoors.
Questions:
Do you believe in superstitions?
Does she walk under ladders?
Why do people avoid black cats?
Answers:
Yes, I do. I think some are true.
No, she never does.
Because they believe it brings bad luck.
🔹 CONVERSATION
Emily: Hey, don’t walk there! That ladder is open.
Sarah: Oh right! I never walk under ladders. It’s bad luck.
Emily: Really? Do you believe in those things?
Sarah: Not always, but why take a risk?
Emily: I guess. My grandma used to say the same. She also kept a lucky coin.
Sarah: I have a lucky bracelet. I wear it when I have tests.
Emily: That’s cool. I just try to stay calm and hope for the best.
Sarah: That works too!
🔹 READING
Avoiding Bad Luck: Superstitions Around the World
Many people follow superstitions to stay lucky. In some cultures, walking under a ladder is considered bad luck. Others think breaking a mirror can bring seven years of bad luck. Some people never open an umbrella indoors, and others always knock on wood to keep good luck.
Maria, a student from Brazil, says, “I never walk under ladders. My mother told me it brings bad luck. I don’t know if it’s true, but I still avoid it.”
In Japan, people avoid sleeping with their head facing north. In Turkey, people never hand scissors directly to someone. These beliefs are part of their culture.
Questions:
Why do people follow superstitions?
What do people believe about mirrors?
What does Maria avoid doing?
What is a Japanese superstition?
Why do people in Turkey avoid handing scissors directly?
Answers:
To stay lucky.
That breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
Walking under ladders.
Sleeping with the head facing north.
It’s a cultural belief or superstition.
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