ようにする
Meanings
- to try to do something
- to make sure to do something
- to endeavor to ensure that something happens
About this pattern
Explanation
ようにする expresses the speaker’s intentional effort or arrangement to achieve a certain result. It is used when you want to convey that you are making an effort to do something, or that you are ensuring that something happens. It often reflects personal habit, precautions, or proactive steps. The nuance is proactive control: you are setting a goal or taking steps to meet it, rather than simply stating a fact. The form can cover both positive intentions (“try to do” something) and precautions (“make sure not to forget”). Common contrasts include using ようにする for intentional effort, while simply using dictionary form or ために indicates a more general purpose or consequence.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I try to wake up early every day.
I make sure to take notes so I don’t forget.
I will do what it takes to be on time for the deadline.
I’m taking steps to avoid getting a cold.
Keep studying
More N4 patterns
Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)
View detailseasy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by
View detailsDifficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something
View detailsGradually; Little by little; Step by step
View detailsmore and more; rapidly; increasing quickly; progressively
View detailsWe/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives
View details