Every-so-often Grammar/Phrase/Word

よう に (you ni)²
Basic meaning: so [that]
Comments: Do something in such a way that ~
Key sentences:

1. 読めるように字をきれいに書いて下さい。
   yomeru you ni ji o kirei ni kaite kudasai.
   Please write neatly so I can read it.
   See footnote 1.
2. 風邪を引かないように気をつけて下さい。
   kaze o hikanai you ni ki o tukete kudasai.
   Please take care [of yourself] so you don't catch a cold.
   See footnote 2.

Formation: (plain imperfect verb) よう に

• 読めるように
  yomeru you ni
• 引かないように
  hikanai you ni

Additional examples:

1. 僕が分かるように山田さんはゆっくり日本語を話してくれた。
   boku ga wakaru you ni yamadasan wa yukkuri nihongo o hanasite kureta.
   Mr. Tanaka spoke Japanese slowly so I could understand.
   See footnote 3.
2. 遅れないようにタクシーで行た。
   okurenai you ni takusi de itta.
   I went by taxi so I wouldn't be late.

Usage notes:

While this form can be used with almost any plain imperfect verb, it is most commonly used with verbs in the negative and potential forms.

Footnotes:

1. More natural is the following sentence:
   読みやすい字を書いて下さい。
   yomiyasui ji o kaite kudasai.
   Please write so I can read it. (Lit. Please write easy-to-read characters.)
2. This is somewhat commonly said, especially during cold winter months.
3. More natural is the following sentence:
   山田さんはゆっくり日本語を話してくれたので、分かりやすかった。
   yamadasan wa yukkuri nihongo o hanasite kureta node, wakariyasukatta.
   Mr. Yamada spoke Japanese slowly so I could understand. (lit. Because Mr. Yamada spoke Japanese slowly for me, it was easy to understand.)