materialize from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materialize from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something appearing or emerging suddenly from an unseen source, such as a ghost materializing from thin air. For example, "Suddenly, a mysterious figure materialized from the shadows."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Occasionally, they materialize from nowhere.

The New York Times - Travel

In Morningside Park, the turtles in the pond seem to materialize from thin air to bask.

The New York Times

The four witches materialize from behind, covering the men's eyes and manipulating the men's bodies.

The New York Times - Arts

Williams's anticipated semifinal with Kim Clijsters, the No. 8 seed, failed to materialize from either end.

The New York Times - Sports

The ragged caravan seems to materialize from out of a dark void.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times

The dancers repeatedly materialize from the blackness below the clouds and disappear into the same void.

The New York Times - Arts

Self-possessed, erotically wise personages materialize from the wall, as if fresh from an indefinite past, to have a clear-eyed look around.

The New Yorker

Heaping bowls of fruit and diminutive cocktails materialize from who knows where, as she clambers onto tabletops and chairs, ricochets among cabinets and walls.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The crew scrambled to find reading material and law books materialized from somewhere.

Huffington Post

Dishes materialized from high kitchen shelves.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "materialize from" to vividly describe the sudden or unexpected appearance of something, emphasizing its mysterious or unclear origin. For example, "Opportunities can materialize from unexpected encounters".

Common error

Avoid using "materialize from" when a simpler term like "appear" or "emerge" suffices. "Materialize from" implies a sense of magic or mystery, so reserve it for situations where the origin is unclear or surprising.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "materialize from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which something appears, emphasizing the source or origin from which it emerges, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Sports

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "materialize from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that vividly describes something appearing or emerging from a source, often with a sense of mystery or unexpectedness. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is primarily adverbial, modifying how something appears. It maintains a neutral to formal tone, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and the arts. While alternatives like "emerge from" or "arise from" exist, "materialize from" uniquely emphasizes the sudden and sometimes inexplicable nature of the appearance. When using "materialize from", ensure it aligns with the context's tone and the intended emphasis on the origin's obscurity. Remember to not use the expression if something appears with a know origin but prefer alternatives expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emerge from

Focuses on the act of coming out or becoming visible from a specific location or condition.

originate from

Emphasizes the place or point where something begins or is created.

arise from

Highlights the origin or cause of something, emphasizing its development or consequence.

stem from

Implies a direct causal relationship, indicating that something originates or is caused by something else.

be derived from

Focuses on the extraction or obtaining of something from a source material or concept.

develop from

Suggests a process of growth or evolution from an initial state or source.

spring from

Conveys a sense of sudden appearance or rapid development from a source.

issue from

Indicates that something is sent out or released from a particular place or entity.

surface from

Highlights the act of something coming to the surface or becoming apparent from a hidden or submerged state.

descend from

Suggests lineage or a hereditary connection to an ancestor or origin.

FAQs

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

Use "materialize from" to describe something that appears suddenly and unexpectedly, often with a sense of mystery about its origin. For example, "A solution unexpectedly "materialized from" the brainstorming session."

What's a good alternative to "materialize from"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "materialize from" include "emerge from", "arise from", or "originate from".

Is "materialize from" the same as "appear from"?

While both suggest something becoming visible, "materialize from" often implies a more mysterious or unexpected appearance than "appear from". "Appear from" is more general.

Can "materialize from" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "materialize from" can be used in formal writing, especially when emphasizing the unexpected or somewhat mysterious origin of something. However, ensure the tone fits the overall context.