〜ようにする

〜ようにする is a verb form expressing try to / make sure to. Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• Building a habit: 毎日野菜を食べるようにしている (I try to eat vegetables every day)
• Making a deliberate effort: 遅刻しないようにする (I'll make sure not to be late)
• Consciously changing behavior: もっと運動するようにしています (I'm trying to exercise more)

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "come to / become able to" — use 〜ようになる instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 早く寝るようにしています。 — I'm trying to go to bed early.
• 緑茶を飲むようにしています。 — I try to drink green tea.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜ようにする with 〜ようになる — While both are related, 〜ようにする expresses "try to / make sure to" whereas 〜ようになる expresses "come to / become able to." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Using 〜ようにする interchangeably with 〜ないようにする — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ないようにする (try not to) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
3. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ないようにする (try not to) — Similar
• 〜たい (want to ~) — Next step
• 〜ようになる (come to / become able to) — Compare