if it materializes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it materializes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something happening or coming into existence in the future. Example: "We will proceed with the project if it materializes as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

If it materializes, the increased revenue will help the state weather its budget woes without making unpopular program cuts in a year when Mr. Pataki and all members of the Senate and Assembly are campaigning for re-election.

The New York Times

That ought to be interesting, if it materializes.

The New York Times

The anti-incumbent effort could dramatically reshape the 2018 primary landscape if it materializes.

The Washington Post

The "public option," if it materializes, will be just that — an option Americans can choose.

The New York Times

Furthermore, he doesn't think a weak-moderate El Nino guarantees big snow production even if it materializes.

The Washington Post

The Prince campaign, if it materializes, would be just the kind of race that Mr. Bannon hopes to replicate across the country.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A PML-N/PPP alliance would be "the best thing that could happen to Pakistan," if it materialized, said Nawaz.

The Guardian

It is written so simply, so succinctly, that it seems part of the product, as if it materialized without benefit of human hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

A1 Bush Administration officials welcomed the arrival of Nigerian peacekeeping forces in Liberia but cautioned that conditions were not yet ready for American forces to follow suit and that the American military role, if it materialized, would be extremely limited.

The New York Times

Bush administration officials hailed the arrival of Nigerian peacekeeping forces in Liberia today, but cautioned that conditions were not yet right for American forces to follow suit and that the American military role, if it materialized, would be extremely limited.

The New York Times

Even House Democratic Leader Dick Gephardt is sounding a bit like Calvin Coolidge these days, saying that "until the money is in the Treasury Congressshouldldn't make new promises and "if and when it materializes" we should use the surplus for Social Security and Medicare.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it materializes" in formal writing, ensure that the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent level of formality. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "if it happens".

Common error

Avoid mixing future and present tenses incorrectly. For example, instead of "If it materializes, we will considered it", use "If it materializes, we will consider it" or "If it materialized, we would consider it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it materializes" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that needs to be met for the main clause to be true. Ludwig shows numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it materializes" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a conditional event or outcome. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and formal contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. For alternatives, consider using "if it comes to fruition" or "should it occur" depending on the intended tone and formality. When using this phrase, ensure proper tense agreement to avoid common grammatical errors. It is a useful and correct way to express contingency in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it comes to fruition

Emphasizes the successful completion or realization of something.

if it happens

A more general way of expressing a conditional event.

should it occur

More formal and emphasizes the possibility of an event taking place.

in the event that it materializes

Adds a formal tone and specifies a condition.

if it becomes a reality

Focuses on the potential for something to become real or concrete.

assuming it comes to pass

Highlights the assumption that something will happen.

provided it takes place

Indicates a condition that must be met.

on the condition that it materializes

Specifies a strict requirement for something to happen.

if it pans out

An idiomatic expression indicating a successful outcome.

should it actually happen

Expresses surprise or doubt regarding the possibility of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "if it materializes" in a sentence?

You can use "if it materializes" to introduce a condition upon which a future action depends. For example, "If it materializes, the project will receive additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "if it materializes"?

You can use alternatives like "if it comes to fruition", "if it happens", or "should it occur" depending on the context.

Is "if it materializes" formal or informal?

"If it materializes" is suitable for both neutral and formal contexts. However, for very informal situations, simpler alternatives like "if it happens" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "if it materializes" and "if it will materialize"?

"If it materializes" uses the present simple tense to express a future condition, which is generally preferred in conditional clauses. "If it will materialize" is grammatically correct but less common and can sound awkward. Stick to "if it materializes" for most cases.