can materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something becoming real or coming into existence. Example: "With enough effort and dedication, your dreams can materialize into reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

According to T.N., what must happen before peace can materialize in Israel?

The New York Times

It rattled with the mysterious beads that can materialize over time from a stream of clear water.

The New Yorker

Flying at 40 or 50 miles an hour, often through dark skies, ducks can materialize out of nowhere in seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

"Social media, where swarms of jeering critics can materialize in an instant, paradoxically creates this feeling of isolation," he wrote.

The Guardian

Bad weather can materialize quickly; out of respect for lightning, abandon the ridge when a storm arrives.

The New York Times - Travel

My own 2 cents: If an alarm sounds when someone stirs, is any hospital or nursing home so well-staffed that someone can materialize within seconds?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

The following program developed by Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ can help materialize such groups.

Yale University

And where is the imagination that can help materialize Nina Ricci's wispy femininity for a new world?

The New York Times

How can painting materialize your response to what you encounter visually, intellectually, poetically, psychologically, politically, and culturally?

Columbia University

They can even materialize as issues of intellectual property, an ever-emerging gray market that confuses supply lines and product-and-parts counterfeiters.

Forbes

However, improvements of this nature can only materialize if HIT systems are customized to the needs of local practitioners and take the challenging environment of resource-poor countries into consideration.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can materialize" to suggest that something has the potential to become real or visible, often unexpectedly or suddenly. It's suitable when describing possibilities or outcomes that are not yet certain but could happen.

Common error

While "can materialize" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or specific language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "can be realized" or "can occur" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can materialize" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating possibility or potential. It combines the modal verb "can" with the verb "materialize" to express that something has the ability to become real or visible. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it's often used to describe potential outcomes or developments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can materialize" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility of something becoming real or visible. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it finds frequent use across diverse contexts, especially in news, science, and business communications. While generally neutral in register, writers should consider using more formal alternatives in highly technical contexts. Keep in mind that while "can materialize" indicates a possibility, it does not guarantee an outcome, offering a nuanced way to discuss potential developments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can come into being

Emphasizes the act of starting to exist or occur.

can become a reality

Highlights the transformation from a concept to something tangible.

can take shape

Focuses on the formation and development of something.

can be realized

Emphasizes the fulfillment of a plan or hope.

can be made manifest

A more formal way of saying something can be revealed or apparent.

can be brought to fruition

Suggests a process of development leading to a successful outcome.

can be translated into reality

Highlights the conversion of an idea or concept into a real-world form.

can be given substance

Focuses on adding physical or tangible qualities to something.

has the potential to appear

Emphasizes the latent possibility of something emerging.

can be developed

Highlights the aspect of growth and progression towards a tangible outcome.

FAQs

How to use "can materialize" in a sentence?

Use "can materialize" to indicate the possibility of something becoming real or visible. For example, "With hard work, dreams "can materialize"."

What can I say instead of "can materialize"?

You can use alternatives like "can come into being", "can become a reality", or "can take shape" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "can materialize" or "will materialize"?

"Can materialize" suggests a possibility, while "will materialize" implies a certainty. Use "can materialize" when the outcome is uncertain but possible.

What's the difference between "can materialize" and "can be realized"?

"Can materialize" often implies something becoming visible or tangible, while "can be realized" suggests the fulfillment of a plan or hope. The best fit depends on the intended meaning.