う・よう + とするTry to, Attempt to, To be about to

The first structure, 〜ようとしない, is used to express reluctance or a lack of willingness to do something. It indicates that someone is intentionally not making an effort to perform a certain action. On the other hand, Verb[volitional]とする is used to express an intention or attempt to do something. It suggests that someone is about to start doing something or is making an effort to do so. Hence, the former is used in negative situations, and the latter in positive or neutral situations.

The verb[volitional]とする is used when the speaker is expressing their intention or attempt to do something. On the other hand, Verb[よう] is more casual and is used when suggesting or proposing an action to be taken, usually by the speaker and the listener together. So, while they both talk about future actions, the verb[volitional]とする is more about personal actions or decisions, whereas verb[よう] is about shared actions or plans.

The grammar point "Verb[volitional]とする" is used when the speaker is deciding to do something, like making a plan or setting a goal. It's about decision-making and volition. On the other hand, "まだ～ていません" is used to express that an action has not yet occurred, or a state has not yet been reached. It emphasizes the continuing present state due to the absence of a certain action.

The phrase "るところだ" suggests that something is on the verge of happening or is about to happen imminently. On the other hand, the verb in its volitional form followed by "とする" implies that someone is attempting or planning to perform an action, or is just about to start doing something. The key distinction between these two structures lies in the level of certainty: "るところだ" involves a higher level of certainty or inevitability, whereas "volitional verb + とする" involves an element of intention or attempt, suggesting a lower level of certainty.

The phrase "ようにする" suggests a habit, routine, or an ongoing effort where the doer is actively trying to complete an action, while "とする" after a volitional verb implies a one-off endeavor or attempt or an action one is about to take. For example, "毎日運動するようにしています" would mean "I make it a habit to exercise every day", whereas "運動しようと思います" would mean "I'm thinking about exercising" or "I'm about to exercise". Thus, "ようにする" demonstrates a more self-disciplined, habitual action, while "とする" is indicative of one-time attempts or future plans.

Verb[volitional]とする is used when you're making a conscious decision to try or attempt to reach a specific goal or make something happen that you have control over. On the other hand, the てみる form implies trying something out to see what will happen or to gain experience or knowledge from the action, regardless of success or direction. It is often used with new or unfamiliar things that you really don't know what the outcome will be.

Both these grammar points involve the volitional form of the verb, indicating an intention or will to perform the action. However, Verb[volitional] + としたが implies a failed attempt or something that was about to be done but could not be completed due to some reason or obstacle. On the other hand, Verb[volitional]とする doesn't carry the implication of success or failure—it simply means to attempt or try to do something. Additionally, it can also indicate a decision or resolution to perform an action.