Before starting the exercise for trying something or attempting to do something 「…てみる」「…とする」, please clarify any doubts you may have about the grammatical rules by referring to your grammar guidebook or dictionary. The Instantaneous Composition Method requires you to compose sentences with the target sentence pattern(s) over and over in order to use them almost effortlessly. You should already have the necessary knowledge.
- Reference
- Genki II – Lesson 13: ~てみる
- Tae Kim’s Guide – Trying or attempting something
Instantaneous Composition Exercise for Trying Something or Attempting to Do Something 「…てみる」「…とする」
This is not a translation exercise. This is the Instantaneous Composition Exercise. As if a reflexive action, try to create an equivalent Japanese sentence shortly after reading an English script. Try not to think for more than three seconds.
- Audio File
English and Hidden Japanese Scripts
1. | (I will) try to look for a new house. |
新しい家を探してみます。 |
2. | (I will) try to send a letter to (my) teacher. |
先生に手紙を送ってみます。 |
3. | I tried to ask my teacher (to do something). |
先生に頼んでみました。 |
4. | (I) tried to compare the two apples. |
二つのリンゴを比べてみました。 |
5. | (I) tried to clean (my) room. |
部屋の掃除をしてみました。 |
6. | Fujimoto-san often attempts to escape from the teacher. |
藤本さんはよく先生から逃げようとします。 |
7. | (My) son always tries to stay at (his) friend’s house. |
息子はいつも友だちの家に泊まろうとします。 |
8. | (I) attempted to open the heavy door. |
重いドアを開けようとしました。 |
9. | (I) attempted to go to bed early. |
早く寝ようとしました。 |
10. | (I) attempted to run fast, but couldn’t do (it). |
早く走ろうとしましたが、できませんでした。 |
Recommended Links
How to Proceed with the Instantaneous Composition Method

Japanese Grammar Exercise: Defining and Describing 「という」

Japanese Grammar: Expressing Giving and Receiving 「あげる」「くれる」「もらう」