ように | Grammar

Structure

[verb (dictionary form)] + ように [verb (potential)] + ように [verb ない-form] + ように

Description

ように means "so that": the first clause is the result you are aiming for, the second is what you do to bring it about. It follows the dictionary form or the ない-form, and the verb in front is one nobody does on purpose – a potential verb, an intransitive verb, a negative.

、。

I practice every day so that I can speak Japanese.

、。

I wrote a memo so that I wouldn't forget.

、。

I cut it into small pieces so that the child could eat it.

、。

I spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.

ように or ために

is "in order to" with a verb you do on purpose: the action before ために is one you decide to do. ように takes a result you can only hope for, such as being able to do something or something not happening.

、。

I go to the library to study Japanese.

、。

I study at the library so that I can speak Japanese.

× 日本語が話せるために → 日本語が話せるように
× 遅れないために → 遅れないように

The two clauses can also have different subjects with ように: the child eats, I cut.

Usage notes

These go beyond "so that".

ようにする and ようになる

With する, ように is making a point of doing something; with なる, it is a change that has come about. Both are separate grammar points.

。

I make a point of eating vegetables every day.

。

I've become able to read kanji.

ますように: a wish

ように after the polite ます, ending the sentence, is a wish or a prayer.

。

I hope I pass the exam.

Examples

、。

Please speak loudly so that people can hear you.

、。

I left the house early so that I wouldn't be late.

、。

I study every day so that my Japanese will improve.

、。

Stay warm so that you don't catch a cold.

。

I explained it in a way that even a child could understand.

、。

I practiced hard so that I could win the match.

。

I make sure to wake up early in the morning.

。

I'm trying not to eat sweets.

。

My daughter has become able to play the piano.

。

I've finally become able to ride a bicycle.

、。

I snuck out so that no one would see me.

。

I wrote it on the calendar so I wouldn't forget the appointment.

References

ようにBunpro