materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that becomes real or actual, often from an idea or plan. Example: "After months of planning, the project finally began to materialize, and we could see our vision coming to life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These schools were supposed to receive government assistance to provide for teachers and learning materials, but such support did not always materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian

While some might have been driven into default irrespective of the interest rate because they had been betting on future home price appreciation that did not materialize, many others, according to Ms Bair, could have afforded to keep paying their mortgage at the level of the teaser rate.

The Economist

By contrast, if the Fed waited too long and higher inflation did materialize, the Fed can move rates as high as it needs to deal with that problem.

The Economist

We need to be very careful to avoid making both types of the classic errors in supervision in financial crises...We also need to be careful to keep thinking through more adverse scenarios for the economy and the financial system and the policy responses that may be appropriate if they materialize.

The Economist

That situation did not materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those seeking liberalization were soon bitterly disappointed, however; while some changes, such as economic-related measures, slowly showed progress, many other reforms failed to materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rubbia then proposed that the large synchrotron at CERN be modified so that beams of accelerated protons and antiprotons could be made to collide head-on, releasing energies great enough for the weak bosons to materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The speedy success hoped for by the three allied powers did not materialize, and rumours of rebellion by the Swedish nobility against the absolutist monarchy, in case of war, proved false.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The expected popular uprising against Spain failed to materialize, and López, along with about 50 Southerners, was executed by Spanish military authorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He said he hoped to end the unpopular 17-year-long war through an agreement with Syria but indicated that he would stick to the deadline even if such an agreement failed to materialize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "materialize" when you want to convey that something that was previously only a possibility or a plan has now become real or concrete.

Common error

Be mindful of the spelling. "Materialize" is the standard spelling in American English, while "materialise" is more common in British English. Choose the spelling appropriate for your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "materialize" is as an intransitive verb. It signifies the process of something becoming real or actual, often from an abstract idea or plan, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

48%

News & Media

28%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "materialize" is a versatile term used to describe the process of something becoming real or actual. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Its formality is neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. The spelling "materialize" is preferred in American English, while "materialise" is favored in British English. When using "materialize", be mindful of the subtle differences between its synonyms, such as "come to fruition" or "take shape", to ensure the most accurate and impactful communication. The large number of real-world examples provided by Ludwig suggests that "materialize" is a common and well-understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become a reality

Stresses the transformation of something from a possibility to an actual fact.

be realized

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

come to fruition

Emphasizes the successful development and completion of something planned or desired.

take shape

Highlights the gradual development and increasing clarity of something.

come into being

Focuses on the creation or beginning of something.

come about

Describes how something came into existence or occurred.

happen

A general term for an event taking place.

occur

Similar to happen, but can imply a more formal or specific event.

transpire

Often used to describe how events unfold, often with a sense of mystery or intrigue.

find expression

Suggests that something abstract becomes manifest in a tangible form.

FAQs

How can I use "materialize" in a sentence?

"Materialize" is typically used to describe something becoming real or actual from a plan or expectation. For example, "The promised funding never "materialized"."

What are some alternatives to "materialize"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "happen", "occur", "come to fruition", or "become a reality".

Is it correct to use "materialize" in a formal context?

Yes, "materialize" is suitable for formal contexts. It is frequently used in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic writing.

What is the difference between "materialize" and "materialise"?

"Materialize" and "materialise" have the same meaning, but "materialize" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "materialise" is preferred in British English.