Trying Hard To Do: ～ようとする

Read ～ようとする as an attempt, an effort in progress, or an action that is just about to happen.

Identify how volitional + とする expresses an attempt or imminent action.Distinguish ～ようとする from ～てみる and ～ようにする.Use nearby context to decide whether the action succeeded, failed, or was interrupted.

Guided study

Core meaning

When a volitional form is followed by とする, the sentence often means someone tries to do something or is just about to do it. In reading, it commonly appears with interruption, failure, or visible effort.

ドアを開けようとしたが、鍵がかかっていた。

I tried to open the door, but it was locked.

The attempt failed.

子どもが立とうとしている。

The child is trying to stand up.

Visible effort in progress.

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