Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Making an effort to do something
Use dictionary form + and -form + to express ongoing effort.
Start with the example
。
I try to read the news every day.
〜 describes a current habit the speaker tries to keep.
Notice the variation
。
I try not to look at my phone before bed.
Negative pattern for an avoided habit.
More detail: how to apply this
means to take steps or make an effort to bring about an action or outcome.
With and , it commonly describes a maintained habit.
In a specific situation it can also mean make sure to, as in (I will make sure not to be late tomorrow).
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the stated routine as deliberate effort, and keep it separate from a guaranteed result.
describes maintained effort or a personal practice. It is not proof that no mistake ever happens.
、。
To reduce mistakes, I make a point of checking twice.
Read the stated routine as deliberate effort, and keep it separate from a guaranteed result.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I try to read the news every day.
〜 describes a current habit the speaker tries to keep.
Vocabulary notes
- しています
- am doing
Compare in context
。
I try not to look at my phone before bed.
Negative pattern for an avoided habit.
Vocabulary notes
- しています
- am doing
Section 2 of 4
Positive and negative habits
Positive and negative habits
Start with the example
。
I make a point of reviewing forgotten words right away.
A personal rule repeated over time.
Notice the variation
。
I try not to run in the station.
A self-imposed rule in everyday behavior.
More detail: how to apply this
Use dictionary form + for habits you try to do and -form + for habits you try to avoid.
In real life, speakers often use the 〜 form to describe their current routine.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I make a point of reviewing forgotten words right away.
A personal rule repeated over time.
。
I make a point of reviewing forgotten words right away.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I make a point of reviewing forgotten words right away.
Showing Positive and negative habits: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I make a point of reviewing forgotten words right away.
A personal rule repeated over time.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that; in order to
Preview
。
I try not to run in the station.
A self-imposed rule in everyday behavior.
Vocabulary notes
- ように
- so that; in order to
Section 3 of 4
Reading personal rules and routines
Read the stated routine as deliberate effort, and keep it separate from a guaranteed result.
Reading personal rules and routines
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Reducing mistakes is the purpose behind the routine.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
This pattern appears often in interviews, diary entries, health articles, and self-improvement writing.
It tells you what kind of rule the speaker tries to follow and what they value.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
For my health, I try to eat a lot of vegetables.
Health writing often uses this pattern for ongoing habits.
、。
For my health, I try to eat a lot of vegetables.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: For my health, I try to eat a lot of vegetables.
Showing Reading personal rules and routines: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
For my health, I try to eat a lot of vegetables.
Health writing often uses this pattern for ongoing habits.
Vocabulary notes
- しています
- am doing
Preview
、。
To reduce mistakes, I make a point of checking twice.
The main grammar is in , the habit itself.
Vocabulary notes
- 確認する
- to check; confirm
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
describes deliberate effort;
describes a change in occurrence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
describes deliberate effort; describes a change in occurrence.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Make an effort not to forget / have stopped forgetting
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.