〜ように expresses purpose or goal, meaning "so that" or "in order to." It differs from 〜ために in important ways.
Formation: Dictionary form / Potential / Negative + ように
I spoke loudly so that everyone could hear.
When to use ように:
With potential verbs - できるように (so that I can)
With negative verbs - 忘れないように (so as not to forget)
With intransitive/states - 分かるように (so that it is understood)
ように vs ために:
| | ように | ために |
|---|--------|--------|
| Control | Less direct | Direct |
| Verbs | Potential, negative, intransitive | Volitional action |
| Focus | Achieving a state | Taking action |
Example contrast:
• 日本語を話せるように練習する (practice so I CAN speak)
• 日本語を話すために練習する (practice IN ORDER TO speak)
ように = goal/purpose vs ために = direct purpose
- 聞こえるように話す (speak so they can hear)
- 聞くために近づく (approach in order to hear)
For non-volitional verbs, use ように
- 分かるように説明する
ようにする = make effort to
I will take notes so that I do not forget.
I spoke loudly so that I could be heard.
I left early so as not to be late.
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