it failed to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it failed to materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something that was expected or planned did not happen or come to fruition. Example: "The project was ambitious, but unfortunately, it failed to materialize due to lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But it failed to materialize.

The New York Times

Conservatives confidently awaited a disaster -- but it failed to materialize.

The New York Times - Magazine

He and Manuel planned a joint attack against Nureddin, but it failed to materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Women were granted the right to their own national identification cards in 2001, the last major step that many hoped would lead to greater public freedom, but it failed to materialize.

The New York Times

Both Taken director Pierre Morel and Friday Night Lights director Peter Berg were lined up for a reboot in 2010, but it failed to materialize, while Alejandro Jodorowsky's aborted 10-hour attempt has been described as "the greatest sci-fi film never made".

The Guardian - Film

He repeatedly predicted the end of the world, and his zeal for the notion seemed undiminished when it failed to materialize.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

I've seen him accomplish far more improbable tasks and it's worth the effort even if it fails to materialize this cycle.

Huffington Post

Bayliss demanded a public apology, and when by 12 May it had failed to materialize he issued a writ for libel.

Wikipedia

As evidence of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, or of its involvement in September 11th, failed to materialize, it became increasingly clear that the 2003 Iraq invasion was about profit and not about evil, and that's when the awkwardness really set in (Awk and Pshaw).

The New Yorker

What this suggests is that while the Democrats' hoped-for resurgence on national security could possibly be underway, it has thus far failed to materialize in the electorate.

Huffington Post

But after it opened, the evening crowds failed to materialize, and the museum realized that it had apparently failed to account for the additional expense of actually running the Great Court.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it failed to materialize" when you want to emphasize that something expected or predicted did not actually happen, often despite preparations or expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "it failed to materialize" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "it didn't happen" or "it didn't work out" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it failed to materialize" functions as a clause within a sentence, indicating that a prior expectation or plan did not come to fruition. It acts as a statement about the lack of realization of something anticipated, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it failed to materialize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies the non-occurrence of an anticipated event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media, indicating its versatility. While it's considered a neutral phrase, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate in very casual settings. Understanding its function, purpose, and register enables writers to employ it effectively. Related phrases, such as "it didn't happen" or "it fell through", offer alternatives to enrich writing. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, writers can confidently incorporate "it failed to materialize" into their repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it did not happen

A direct and simple way to express that something did not occur.

it did not come to pass

A more formal and literary way to say something didn't happen.

it did not eventuate

Similar to materialize but less common and more formal.

it never came to fruition

Emphasizes the lack of a successful outcome or completion.

it fell through

Suggests a plan or agreement was made but ultimately collapsed.

it did not pan out

An informal way of saying that something didn't work out as expected.

it proved abortive

A more formal way of saying something failed to produce the intended result.

it was unrealized

Focuses on the fact that something remained only as a concept or plan.

it came to nothing

Emphasizes the lack of a positive result despite effort or expectation.

it fizzled out

Implies a gradual decline and eventual failure.

FAQs

What does "it failed to materialize" mean?

The phrase "it failed to materialize" means that something expected, planned, or predicted did not happen or become reality. For example, "The promised funding "failed to materialize", and the project was cancelled".

What can I say instead of "it failed to materialize"?

You can use alternatives like "it didn't happen", "it didn't come to pass", or "it fell through" depending on the context.

Is "it failed to materialize" formal or informal?

The phrase "it failed to materialize" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

How to use "it failed to materialize" in a sentence?

Use "it failed to materialize" to describe an expectation or plan that did not occur. For example, "The anticipated economic recovery "failed to materialize" despite government efforts."