failed to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

"failed to materialize" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something did not occur or come to fruition as expected or planned. Example: The long-awaited deal between the two companies failed to materialize, leaving investors disappointed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Girls failed to materialize.

The New Yorker

Weather work failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But it failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But those talks have failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But the corporate money failed to materialize.

The New York Times

A widely expected slowdown failed to materialize.

The New York Times

The white students failed to materialize.

The New York Times

The logistics nightmare feared by many also failed to materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The needed Palestinian leadership has too often failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But other expected changes have failed to materialize.

The New York Times

But a serious challenge to Boehner's leadership failed to materialize.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "failed to materialize" when you want to express that something expected or planned did not occur, especially in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to materialize" in informal conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "didn't happen" or "fell through" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to materialize" primarily functions as a predicate in sentences. It indicates that a previously anticipated or expected event, plan, or outcome did not occur or come into existence. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to materialize" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression signifying that an expected event or outcome did not occur. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias and wikis, reflecting a neutral to formal register. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "did not happen" or "fell through", adjusting for the desired level of formality. Be mindful of the tone to ensure it aligns with the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did not happen

Replaces the formal term "materialize" with a simpler and more direct expression.

did not come to pass

Substitutes "failed" with "did not" and uses a more formal equivalent of "materialize".

did not occur

Offers a straightforward alternative using the verb "occur" instead of "materialize".

did not eventuate

Replaces "materialize" with "eventuate", providing a slightly more formal option.

fell through

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the failure of something to happen.

came to nothing

Indicates that efforts or plans did not yield any results or were unsuccessful.

proved abortive

Describes something that was started but did not come to a successful conclusion.

was unrealized

Highlights that a plan or expectation remained unfulfilled or incomplete.

never happened

Emphasizes the complete absence of an event that was anticipated or expected.

vanished

Implies something disappeared or ceased to exist before it could materialize.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to materialize" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to materialize" to indicate that an expected event or outcome did not occur. For example, "The promised funding "failed to materialize", leaving the project unfinished."

What are some alternatives to "failed to materialize"?

Some alternatives include "did not happen", "fell through", or "did not occur". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "failed to materialize" formal or informal?

"Failed to materialize" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "didn't happen" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "failed to materialize" and "didn't happen"?

While both phrases convey that something didn't occur, "failed to materialize" often implies a plan, expectation, or potential that did not come to fruition. "Didn't happen" is a more general and less formal way to express that something did not take place.