could materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility of something coming into existence or becoming real in the future. Example: "If we continue to work hard, our plans for expansion could materialize by next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

An influx of foreign fighters from outside Afghanistan and new recruits from within Afghan could materialize, as the new photos serve as potent recruiting material to attract new members to join the insurgency.

Huffington Post

"Such a possibility could materialize at any time from now".

The New York Times

Any time he wished, he could materialize it with e4.

The New York Times

A knuckleball matchup could materialize in Baltimore or Boston, with postseason implications.

The New York Times - Sports

Lawyers and regulators say several outcomes could materialize from the meeting.

The New York Times

I suppose any of these scenarios could materialize, but I wouldn't like to bet on them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

A four-centimeter cancer could not materialize in two weeks.

The New York Times - Health

And while the global economy is now in recovery mode, some observers worry that another dip could still materialize.

The New York Times

still waiting — Abas Aslani (@abasinfo) 14 Jun 13 As the night wore on and state television failed to deliver any definitive news, Iranian expatriate journalists began to discuss the possibility that a scenario considered likely earlier in the evening, that no candidate would win the 50 percent of the vote necessary to score an outright victory in the first round, could yet materialize.

The New York Times

The programs for entrepreneurship could hardly materialize unless they are deep rooted on vision goals, structure and culture.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

The risk of another major war in the region with devastating consequences not only for the Arab and Israeli peoples but also for the world at large will continue to grow inexorably and, in fact, could conceivably materialize any day now.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could materialize" when you want to express a possibility that something might become real or happen in the future. It's often used when discussing plans, predictions, or potential outcomes.

Common error

While "could materialize" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in very formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "may come to fruition" or "might be realized" to enhance the tone and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could materialize" functions as a modal verb construction followed by a verb, indicating a potential or possible future event. It suggests that something has the possibility of becoming real or happening. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could materialize" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the possibility of something becoming real or happening in the future. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, it is essential to consider the formality of your writing and choose more precise alternatives when appropriate. Overusing it might make your expression sound repetitive or less formal. Remember to reserve it to express an idea with proper grammar and in right context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could potentially occur

Adds "potentially" to emphasize the possibility aspect.

might come to pass

Replaces "materialize" with "come to pass", focusing on the occurrence of an event.

could come to fruition

Emphasizes the successful development and completion of something.

could possibly arise

Highlights the emergence or appearance of something.

may become a reality

Substitutes "materialize" with "become a reality", emphasizing the transformation from potential to actual.

may take place

Replaces "materialize" with "take place", focusing on the event happening.

might be realized

Focuses on the fulfillment or achievement of a goal or plan.

might actually happen

Uses simpler language to convey the possibility of something occurring.

may eventually surface

Suggests that something may become apparent or known over time.

may be brought into being

A more formal way of saying something could be created or made.

FAQs

How can I use "could materialize" in a sentence?

You can use "could materialize" to suggest a possibility. For example: "If the funding comes through, our plans for expansion "could materialize" next year".

What are some alternatives to "could materialize"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might come to pass", "may become a reality", or "could potentially occur", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "could materialize" formal or informal?

"Could materialize" sits in a somewhat neutral register. It’s suitable for many contexts, but more formal alternatives like "may come to fruition" might be preferred in academic or very formal writing.

What's the difference between "could materialize" and "might materialize"?

The difference is subtle. Both suggest possibility, but "could materialize" implies a slightly higher chance or greater potential for something to happen compared to "might materialize". "Might materialize" suggests a more remote possibility.