Grammar Info

N4 Lesson 9: 7/16

(よう)にする

To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to

Specifies end goals

Structure

Verb[る](1) + ように + する

(1) Verb[ない]

Details

  • Register

    Standard

  • 使用域

    一般

About ようにする

(A) ようにする is an expression in Japanese which combines the auxiliary verb ようだ, with する (indicating that you will 'try' to do something). As ようだ is being linked to the verb する, it will take on its adverbial form, ように. This structure emphasizes that the (A) action (always a verb) is something that the speaker is going out of their way to do, and implies effort.
  • 最近(さいきん)(ふと)てきので毎日(まいにち)(はし)ようにしています
    Recently, I have been gaining weight, so I try to run everyday.
  • (つぎ)試合(しあい)()てるようにする
    I will try to be able to win the next tournament.
Naturally, this structure may also be used with a negative verb, to imply that (A) being done is something that is actively being avoided. This translates as 'to make sure not to do (A)'.
  • 空気(くうき)(よご)ので()(もの)()ないようにする(おとうと)()ました
    My brother said 'I try not to ride vehicles, because it pollutes the air'.
  • 成績(せいせき)(わる)から学校(がっこう)(やす)ないようにする
    Because my grades are bad, I will try not to miss school.
Fun Fact
Because ようだ comes from the kanji (よう) 'manner', it carries the nuance that the 'way' that someone is doing (A) is specifically in a way that has success as the goal. Literally it translates quite closely to 'to do (A) in the manner of getting it done', and therefore just strengthens the (A) action, by using 'to do' twice.

Examples

  • 毎日(まいにち)野菜(やさい)()べるようにしないといけない。

    You have to try to eat vegetables every day.

  • 予約(よやく)()()ようにしましょう

    Let's try to be on time for the reservation.

  • そのコップ()とさないようにしください。

    Please try not to drop that cup.

  • あまり(おと)()ないようにしください。

    Please try not to make much noise.

  • 綺麗(きれい)(つつ)ようにします

    I will try to wrap it beautifully.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

ようにする – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (7 in total)

  • othesius

    othesius

    毎日()野菜()()べるようにしないといけない。

    I’m probably forgetting something really basic, but what’s with といけない at the end rather than しなくては?

  • IcyIceBear

    IcyIceBear

  • othesius

    othesius

    Ah yeah. Thanks so much!

Got questions about ようにする? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

Join the Discussion