ことにしているMake it a regular practice
ことにしている describes a routine or standing rule that someone deliberately chose and continues to follow.
A decision that has become a routine
This form does more than report what someone often does. It shows that the person or group chose the practice and still treats it as a rule. Time expressions such as “every morning,” “on weekdays,” or “each week” often make the continuing routine especially clear.
Positive and negative rules
The chosen rule can require an action or prohibit one.
Why the continuing form matters
The ending shows that the decision remains in effect now. English often expresses this naturally as “I make it a rule to,” “I have a policy of,” or simply “I always,” depending on context. The Japanese still carries the important idea that the routine was deliberately adopted.
Firm rule or ongoing effort?
ことにしている presents the behavior as a standing decision. ようにしている instead highlights repeated effort or mindfulness, so it is useful when the person is trying to follow a practice but may not always succeed.
新しい言葉は、できるだけ例文と一緒に覚えるようにしています。
I try to learn new words together with example sentences whenever possible.
AnalyzeThis emphasizes an ongoing effort rather than a firm personal rule.
More examples
私は寝る前に、翌日の予定を手帳に書くことにしています。
I make it a rule to write the next day's plans in my planner before bed.
Analyze健康のため、私は昼休みに外を少し歩くことにしています。
For my health, I make it a habit to take a short walk outside during lunch break.
Analyze私は家では、食事中にスマートフォンを使わないことにしています。
At home, I make it a rule not to use my smartphone during meals.
Analyze私たちのチームでは、毎週金曜日に仕事の進み具合を確認することにしています。
Our team makes it a practice to check our progress every Friday.
Analyze私は旅行中も、毎晩家族に連絡することにしています。
Even while traveling, I make it a rule to contact my family every evening.
Analyze私は大事な返事をすぐには送らず、一度読み直すことにしています。
I make it a rule to reread important replies once instead of sending them immediately.
Analyze