could fail to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could fail to materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility that something may not happen or come to fruition as expected. Example: "Despite the initial excitement, the project could fail to materialize due to lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even the governor's sobering projections, Mr. Angelides said, were based on optimistic assumptions, like savings from large-scale energy conservation, that could fail to materialize.

The New York Times

That could happen this time around with Bernie, or it could fail to materialize.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's an expensive gamble, for if crowds fail to materialize the enterprise could be dismissed as a boondoggle.

The New Yorker

"Protracted weakness could evolve into stagnation with negative implications for the global economy," said Pier Carlo Padoan, the deputy secretary general of the O.E.C.D. "Reform fatigue is mounting as visible results in growth and jobs fail to materialize".

The New York Times

But if any of these links fail to materialize, so will the new jobs.

The New Yorker

If interesting features fail to materialize, aggressive merging provides particle economy.

Journal of Computational Physics

Meanwhile, customer care executives will be disappointed when the promised savings and efficiencies fail to materialize.

TechCrunch

A possible explanation is that migration intentions fail to materialize in low-migration environments due to cost or credit constraints.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

Of course, promises often fail to materialize.

Huffington Post

Then just sit back, relax and watch the predicted contest between intraparty rivals fail to materialize!

Huffington Post

In the absence of demand, investment and jobs will fail to materialize.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could fail to materialize" when you want to express uncertainty about the future occurrence of an event or the fulfillment of a plan. It's suitable when discussing potential risks or dependencies that might prevent something from happening.

Common error

Avoid using "could fail to materialize" in very informal settings or casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "might not happen" or "may not work out" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could fail to materialize" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding a future event. It suggests that an event or plan has the potential not to occur or become a reality. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts of projections, reforms, and intentions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could fail to materialize" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the possibility that something might not happen or become a reality. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or analytical pieces, to express caution or uncertainty about future events. While the phrase is readily understandable, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in informal settings. It's less common than other phrases with similar meanings and may be considered a more formal expression. The phrase has the function of highlighting a contingency that might lead to an expected outcome not to occur. This analysis is based on the example sentences and the assessment provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might not happen

Uses simpler language to convey the possibility of an event not occurring.

is not expected to materialize

Similar structure but emphasizes a lack of expectation.

may not come to pass

A more formal way of saying something might not happen or occur.

might not be realized

Focuses on the lack of realization or achievement of something.

could not be fulfilled

Highlights the failure of a promise or expectation to be met.

may fall through

Suggests a plan or agreement failing at the last moment.

is not guaranteed to occur

Emphasizes the uncertainty and lack of assurance that something will happen.

is subject to failure

Highlights the potential for something to fail or not succeed.

is unlikely to happen

Expresses a low probability of an event occurring.

is at risk of not happening

Highlights the risk and uncertainty surrounding the event.

FAQs

What does "could fail to materialize" mean?

The phrase "could fail to materialize" means that something might not happen or become a reality. It implies a degree of uncertainty and suggests that there are potential obstacles or conditions that could prevent the event from occurring.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "could fail to materialize"?

It's appropriate to use "could fail to materialize" in situations where you want to express the possibility that a plan, promise, or expectation might not be fulfilled. It is suitable for formal or semi-formal contexts, such as news reports, business discussions, or academic papers.

What are some alternatives to "could fail to materialize"?

Some alternatives include "might not happen", "may not come to pass", "might not be realized", or "may fall through". The best alternative depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "could fail to materialize"?

Yes, the phrase "could fail to materialize" is grammatically correct. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is readily usable in written English. Its meaning is clear and easily understood.