Master N3 Grammar: Expressing Habits with ことにしている vs ようにしている

In Japanese, talking about your habits goes far beyond simply using the present tense. To sound natural and precise, you must express how you approach these habits.

Today, we will master two essential JLPT N3 grammar points: 〜ことにしている and 〜ようにしている. While both translate roughly to "I make a habit of..." in English, they carry distinct nuances of strict commitment versus conscious effort.

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1. 〜ことにしている (The Self-Imposed Rule)

Form

• Verb (Dictionary Form) + ことにしている
• Verb (ない-Form) + ことにしている

The Meaning & Nuance

Use 〜ことにしている when you have made a firm, conscious decision to make something a personal rule. It implies a strong, self-imposed policy that you adhere to strictly.

• English translation: "I make it a rule to..." / "I have decided to (as a habit)..."

Examples in Action

• 毎日（まいにち）、寝（ね）る前（まえ）に日記（にっき）を書（か）くことにしている。毎日寝前記書

  • Romaji: Mainichi, neru mae ni nikki o kaku koto ni shite iru.
  • English: I make it a rule to write in my diary every night before going to bed.
  • Nuance: This is a non-negotiable part of my nightly routine.
  毎日寝前記書

• 健康（けんこう）のために、夜（よる）遅（おそ）くには何（なに）も食（た）べないことにしている。健康夜遅何食

  • Romaji: Kenkō no tame ni, yoru osoku ni wa nani mo tabenai koto ni shite iru.
  • English: For my health, I make it a rule not to eat anything late at night.
  • Nuance: I have set a strict boundary for myself.
  健康夜遅何食

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2. 〜ようにしている (The Conscious Effort)

Form

• Verb (Dictionary Form) + ようにしている
• Verb (ない-Form) + ようにしている

The Meaning & Nuance

Use 〜ようにしている when you are making an effort to establish a habit. It focuses on the attempt and mindfulness behind the action. This grammar point is softer and acknowledges that while you try your best, you might occasionally fail.

• English translation: "I try to..." / "I make an effort to..."

Examples in Action

• 毎日（まいにち）、野菜（やさい）をたくさん食（た）べるようにしている。毎日野菜食

  • Romaji: Mainichi, yasai o takusan taberu yō ni shite iru.
  • English: I try to eat a lot of vegetables every day.
  • Nuance: I am actively making an effort to eat healthier, though I might miss a day.
  毎日野菜食

• エレベーターを使（つか）わずに、階段（かいだん）を使（つか）うようにしている。使階段

  • Romaji: Erebētā o tsukawazu ni, kaidan o tsukau yō ni shite iru.
  • English: I try to use the stairs instead of the elevator.
  • Nuance: I am keeping this goal in mind and acting on it whenever possible.
  使階段

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The Nuance Showdown: Side-by-Side Comparison

To truly understand the difference, look at how the meaning shifts with the same verb:

• Rule of Thumb: If it is a strict, black-and-white policy, use ことにしている. If it requires continuous effort, willpower, or has room for flexibility, use ようにしている.

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Quick Practice!

Choose the correct form based on the context:

1. I want to save money, so I am trying not to buy expensive coffee every day.

   • Hint: Focuses on effort.
   • Answer: 買わないようにしている (kawanai yō ni shite iru)買
   買

2. I have a strict personal policy: I never work on Sundays.

   • Hint: Focuses on a firm rule.
   • Answer: 働かないことにしている (hatarakanai koto ni shite iru)働
   働

By mastering these two expressions, you can now describe your daily routines and lifestyle choices with the nuance and sophistication of a native Japanese speaker. Keep practicing, and try writing down your own daily habits using both forms today!