GRAMMAR DETAIL
ようにしている
Follows the dictionary or negative form of a verb to express a conscious effort that has continued as a current practice.
Examples
忙しくても朝食は必ず食べるようにしている。
Even when I am busy, I make a point of always eating breakfast.
Words used
健康のため、階段を使うようにしている。
For my health, I make a habit of taking the stairs.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: A verb's dictionary form or
ないform takesようにしている. - Basic usage:
健康のため、階段を使うようにしている。describes consciously making a practice of taking the stairs for one's health.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A habit and conscious practice
毎朝歩いているreports a repeated activity, while毎朝歩くようにしているalso presents attention to maintaining that activity.
- A habit of avoiding something
忘れないようにしているexpresses a practice of taking care not to forget. Negate the preceding action withない; the expression does not establish a record of never having forgotten.