JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
Search pages and navigate
· Elementary
I make it a rule to...
Category: Intentions & Decisions
The grammar pattern "V（辞書形／ない形）＋ことにしている" is used to express a personal habit or a rule that the speaker has decided for themselves and is currently practicing. It highlights personal willpower or routine. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of determination or commitment to a particular behavior. For example, "健康のために、毎日野菜をたくさん食べることにしている" means "I make it a rule to eat a lot of vegetables every day for my health."
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V（辞書形）＋ことにしている | 健康のために、毎日野菜をたくさん食べることにしている |
| Negative form | V（ない形）＋ことにしている | 寝る前には、スマホを離れることにしている |
| Potential form | V（可能形）＋ことにしている | 毎週日曜日は、家でゆっくり休むことにしている |
健康のために、毎日野菜をたくさん食べることにしている。
Kenkō no tame ni, mainichi yasai o takusan taberu koto ni shite imasu.
I make it a rule to eat a lot of vegetables every day for my health.
健康のために (for my health), 毎日 (every day), 野菜をたくさん食べる (eat a lot of vegetables), に (to), ことにしている (make it a rule)
寝る前には、スマホを離れることにしている。
Neru mae ni wa, sumaho o hanasu koto ni shite imasu.
I make it a rule to turn off my phone before sleeping.
寝る前には (before sleeping), スマホを離れる (turn off my phone), に (to), ことにしている (make it a rule)
毎週日曜日は、家でゆっくり休むことにしている。
Mainichi nichiyōbi wa, ie de yukkuri yasumu koto ni shite imasu.
I make it a rule to take it easy at home on Sundays.
毎週日曜日は (on Sundays), 家で (at home), ゆっくり休む (take it easy), に (to), ことにしている (make it a rule)
This pattern is used to express a personal habit or a rule that the speaker has decided for themselves and is currently practicing. It is often used in informal situations and can be used to convey a sense of determination or commitment to a particular behavior. The dictionary form and negative form are commonly used in this pattern.
Koto ni natte iru is used to express external rules or laws, whereas koto ni shite imasu is used to express personal rules or habits.
Koto ni suru is used to express a one-time decision, whereas koto ni shite imasu is used to express a personal rule or habit.
The past tense is used to express a completed action, whereas the present tense is used to express a continuing habit.
Pay attention to the context and the speaker's intention when using this pattern. Make sure to use the correct form and tense to express the intended meaning.
健康のために、毎日野菜をたくさん______ことにしています。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.