Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26

(A) ようにする is an expression in Japanese which combines the auxiliary verb ようだ, with する (indicating that you will 'try' to do something). As ようだ is being linked to the verb する, it will take on its adverbial form, ように. This structure emphasizes that the (A) action (always a verb) is something that the speaker is going out of their way to do, and implies effort.

• 最近(さいきん)太(ふと)ってきたので、毎日(まいにち)走(はし)るようにしています。
  Recently, I have been gaining weight, so I try to run everyday.
• 次(つぎ)の試合(しあい)で勝(か)てるようにする。
  I will try to be able to win the next tournament.

Naturally, this structure may also be used with a negative verb, to imply that (A) being done is something that is actively being avoided. This translates as 'to make sure not to do (A)'.

• 「空気(くうき)が汚(よご)れるので乗(の)り物(もの)に乗(の)らないようにする」と弟(おとうと)が言(い)いました。
  My brother said 'I try not to ride vehicles, because it pollutes the air'.
• 成績(せいせき)が悪(わる)いから学校(がっこう)を休(やす)まないようにする。
  Because my grades are bad, I will try not to miss school.