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_(In this question, I will use "Volitional" to mean "V-(よ)う".)_

As I understand it, `Volitional + と + する` is a phrase meaning "to try to do
something". I've also seen similar phrases, but with different verbs instead
of `する`. Here are some examples, some of which may be incorrect:

>   * 着{き}ようとする
>   * 着ようと思う
>   * 着ようと考える
>   * 着ようと決める （？）
>   * 着ようと出す （？？）
>

I'd like to analyze this as a general pattern, `Volitional + と + Verb`. Here
are my questions:

  1. Is it a mistake to try to analyze this as a general pattern? 
  2. What exactly is the grammar in this pattern?
  3. Specifically, what function does `と` have?
  4. Is there a fixed list of verbs that can be used after `と` ?

Please let me know if I'm thinking about this the wrong way.
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2012-12-05T01:32:03.513
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2012-12-06T23:19:19.640
2012-12-05T14:40:31.690
question
verbs particle-と volitional-form
Volitional + と + Verb
Here is how I would categorize these usages. There are probably other ways to
explain them, and I do not claim that mine is the best in any sense.

(1) ～ようと思う, ～ようと考える, and ～ようと決める are just the usual use of the particle と
which signifies quotation, and there is nothing special about the combination
of a volitional and と. For example, I think that particle と in the following
two sentences is used in the same way:

> 冬休みは海外旅行に行こうと思った。 I thought, “I will go abroad in the winter vacation.”  
>  この課題は簡単だと思った。 I thought, “This exercise is easy.”

(2a) ～ようとする is a fixed phrase which signifies “try to (do).”

> 電話に出ようとする try to answer the telephone  
>  星をつかもうとする try to grab a star

(2b) A combination ～ようと of a volitional and と can be also used adverbially to
signify “trying to (do)” or “in an attempt to (do).”

> 電話に出ようと立ち上がる stand up (trying) to answer the telephone  
>  星をつかもうと手を伸ばす extend one’s arm trying to grab a star

I am not sure what 着ようと出す in the question is supposed to mean, but it can be
usage (2b) if the rest of a sentence is arranged appropriately.
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2012-12-06T23:19:19.640
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answer