Processing keyword: Verb ようにする (Verb ~you ni suru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ようにする (Verb ~you ni suru)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point 「Verb ようにする」. This structure is essential for expressing efforts to perform an action or to make something a habit. By mastering this grammar point, you'll be able to talk about your intentions and the actions you are trying to make routine.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

「Verb ようにする」 is used to indicate:

• Making an effort to do something.
• Trying to ensure that something happens.
• Forming a habit or routine. It emphasizes the conscious effort someone is making towards an action.

Structure

The formation of this grammar point is straightforward:

1. Verb in Dictionary Form + ようにする
   • To express making an effort to do something.
2. Verb in ない-form + ようにする
   • To express making an effort not to do something.

Formation Diagram

Verb Form	ようにする	Meaning
Verb (Dictionary Form)	ようにする	Make an effort to do ~
Verb (ない-form)	ようにする	Make an effort not to do ~

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

Verb ことにする vs. Verb ようにする

• Verb ことにする
  • Meaning: Deciding to do something.
  • Example: 毎朝ジョギングすることにしました。
    • "I have decided to jog every morning."
• Verb ようにする
  • Meaning: Making an effort to do something regularly.
  • Example: 毎朝ジョギングするようにしています。
    • "I am making an effort to jog every morning." Difference:
• ことにする emphasizes the decision.
• ようにする emphasizes the ongoing effort or habit formation.

Verb ようになる vs. Verb ようにする

• Verb ようになる
  • Meaning: To reach a state where something becomes possible or a change has occurred.
  • Example: 日本語が話せるようになりました。
    • "I have become able to speak Japanese."
• Verb ようにする
  • Meaning: To make an effort to do something.
  • Example: 日本語を話すようにしています。
    • "I am making an effort to speak Japanese." Difference:
• ようになる indicates a change or transition.
• ようにする indicates a deliberate effort on the part of the subject.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 健康のために、毎日水をたくさん飲むようにしています。
   • Kenkō no tame ni, mainichi mizu o takusan nomu you ni shite imasu.
   • "For my health, I make an effort to drink plenty of water every day."
2. 環境を守るために、車を使わないようにしています。
   • Kankyō o mamoru tame ni, kuruma o tsukawanai you ni shite imasu.
   • "To protect the environment, I try not to use my car."

Informal Context

1. もっと野菜を食べるようにするよ。
   • Motto yasai o taberu you ni suru yo.
   • "I'll try to eat more vegetables."
2. 夜更かししないようにする。
   • Yofukashi shinai you ni suru.
   • "I'm going to try not to stay up late."

Spoken Language

1. 忘れ物しないようにしなきゃ。
   • Wasuremono shinai you ni shinakya.
   • "I have to make sure I don't forget things."
2. 遅刻しないように気をつけてね。
   • Chikoku shinai you ni ki o tsukete ne.
   • "Be careful not to be late."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, showing diligence and continuous effort is highly valued. Using 「ようにする」 conveys humility and responsibility, as it emphasizes one's ongoing efforts rather than boasting about results.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Polite Form:
  • ようにしています
    • Used in formal situations, indicating ongoing effort.
• Casual Form:
  • ようにする / ようにしてる
    • Used among friends or in informal settings.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 時間を守るようにする
  • Jikan o mamoru you ni suru
  • "To try to be punctual."
• 無駄遣いをしないようにする
  • Mudazukai o shinai you ni suru
  • "To try not to waste money."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the wrong verb form
   • Incorrect: 早く寝ますようにしています。
   • Correct: 早く寝るようにしています。
   • Tip: Use the dictionary form or ない-form of the verb before ようにする.
2. Confusion with ようになる
   • Mistake: Mixing up effort (ようにする) with change of state (ようになる).
   • Example:
     • Incorrect: 野菜を食べるようになりました。 (Intending to say you're trying to eat vegetables)
     • Correct: 野菜を食べるようにしました。 (I made an effort to eat vegetables)
     • Note: 野菜を食べるようになりました。 actually means "I have come to eat vegetables" (a change has occurred).

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of 「ようにする」 as "ensuring to do" something.
  • You need to ensure.
• Practice:
  • Create sentences about your daily habits or efforts.
  • Example: 毎日、日本語を勉強するようにしています。

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 「Verb ようにする」 is used to express making an effort or habit to perform an action.
• Formed by adding ようにする to the dictionary form or ない-form of a verb.
• Emphasizes ongoing effort rather than a one-time decision.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: To say "I am trying not to eat late at night," you would say:
   夜遅くに食べ____ようにしています。 Answer: ない
2. Choose the correct usage: Which sentence correctly uses ようにする? a) 毎日、走ることにする。
   b) 毎日、走るようにする。 Answer: b)
3. True or False: 「ようにする」 is used to express a change that has naturally occurred. Answer: False (That's ようになる)

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By incorporating 「Verb ようにする」 into your speech, you can effectively communicate your efforts and habits in Japanese. Keep practicing by expressing what you are trying to do or avoid in your daily life!

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