ようにするMake an effort to; make sure to
ようにする expresses a deliberate effort or arrangement to do something or avoid doing it. It focuses on what a person consciously tries to control, rather than guaranteeing the result.
The focus is deliberate effort
Use this pattern when the person can intentionally act, prepare, check, remember, or avoid an action. The sentence says that the person will take steps toward the goal; it does not claim that success is automatic.
Choosing a new course of action
The main verb can be affirmative or negative. These examples present a newly adopted effort, not a long-established routine.
これからは、会議の前に資料を確認するようにします。
From now on, I'll make a point of checking the materials before meetings.
Analyze今夜から、寝る前にスマートフォンを見ないようにします。
Starting tonight, I'll try not to look at my phone before bed.
Analyze医者に注意されたので、夕食の量を少し減らすようにした。
After being warned by my doctor, I decided to make an effort to reduce how much I eat at dinner.
Analyzeようにした presents the effort as a decision adopted in the past.
Advice and requests
疲れているときは、無理をしないようにしてください。
When you are tired, please make sure not to overdo it.
Analyzeようにしてください asks for care or sustained effort, so it is often more process-oriented than a direct command.
Effort versus resulting change
ようにする highlights deliberate action taken to reach a goal. By contrast, ようになる reports that a new ability, state, or pattern has come about. Ask whether the sentence is about someone's effort or about the change that resulted.
More examples
今日から、エレベーターではなく階段を使うようにします。
Starting today, I'll make an effort to use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Analyze買い物に行く前に、必要な物をメモするようにします。
I'll make a point of writing down what I need before going shopping.
Analyze仕事中は、個人のメッセージを見ないようにします。
I'll try not to check personal messages while working.
Analyze次からは、名前をもう一度確認するようにしてください。
Next time, please make sure to check the name once more.
Analyze今後は、相手の説明を最後まで聞くようにします。
From now on, I'll make an effort to listen to the other person's full explanation.
Analyze事故を防ぐため、作業前に機械を点検するようにしてください。
To prevent accidents, please make sure to inspect the machinery before starting work.
Analyze