materialize on the ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "materialize on the ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that becomes real or tangible in a physical space or context. Example: "After months of planning, the project finally began to materialize on the ground, with construction crews starting work at the site."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

By its nature the evidence is piecemeal and anecdotal, and many highly publicized investments have yet to actually materialize on the ground.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

After the 1940s it might also materialize, badly chopped and cropped, on television.

The New York Times

I will personally pay the closest attention to how the outcome of our discussions materializes on the ground.

The Guardian

While it remains to be seen how many soufflé-size toques and capacious Elmer Fudd trapper hats will actually materialize on the streets this winter, one thing is certain: people will be walking a little closer to the ground.

The New York Times

He can make a card levitate or materialize on the bottom of a customer's shoe.

The New York Times - Food

Food materialized on the table: cookies, brownies, pudding, wine, pasta, chicken, more wine, couscous.

The New York Times

"Kalata," Manyenga said, materializing on the path, asserting himself with the force of his voice.

The New Yorker

Facebook Connect is beginning to materialize and we're on the ground floor: TechCrunch readers can now use their Facebook accounts to sign in before leaving comments.

TechCrunch

The kind messages conveyed by celebrities asking for help for victims of violence don't materialize into actual aid on the ground for those people who really need it.

Huffington Post

Masur refused, insisting that the pulse would materialize on its own.

The New Yorker

People on the ground".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "materialize on the ground", ensure the context clearly indicates the physical or practical manifestation of something, not just a theoretical concept. For instance, describe how a plan is "materializing on the ground" through specific actions or developments.

Common error

Avoid using "materialize on the ground" when referring to purely conceptual or emotional outcomes. The phrase is most effective when describing tangible, real-world developments, not abstract feelings or ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "materialize on the ground" functions as a verb phrase complemented by a prepositional phrase, typically acting as an adverbial modifier. According to Ludwig, this indicates where and how something is becoming real or tangible. The example from Ludwig shows this usage, describing the physical manifestation of an investment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "materialize on the ground" describes the process of something becoming a tangible reality in a specific location. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, though it is a relatively rare expression primarily found in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases such as "become a reality" or "take shape on site" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a physical or practical manifestation rather than an abstract concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become a reality

Focuses on the aspect of something becoming real, omitting the specific location.

take shape on site

Emphasizes the physical formation occurring at a specific location.

come to fruition in practice

Highlights the practical realization of something, adding a layer of application.

be implemented locally

Focuses on the local implementation of a plan or idea.

manifest in reality

Emphasizes the tangible appearance of something previously intangible.

be realized in the field

Highlights the accomplishment of something in a practical setting or area of expertise.

become tangible locally

Focuses on the local, concrete realization of an idea or plan.

take effect in practice

Emphasizes the practical implementation and operation of something.

be put into practice at the location

Highlights the action of applying a plan or idea to a specific site.

be physically realized there

Emphasizes the concrete and localized fulfillment of something.

FAQs

What does "materialize on the ground" mean?

The phrase "materialize on the ground" means that something is becoming real or tangible in a specific location or context, often implying a practical implementation or development.

How can I use "materialize on the ground" in a sentence?

You can use "materialize on the ground" to describe how plans, projects, or ideas are becoming concrete and visible through actions and developments in a particular place. For example: "After months of planning, the project finally began to materialize on the ground."

What are some alternatives to "materialize on the ground"?

Some alternatives to "materialize on the ground" include "become a reality", "take shape on site", or "be implemented locally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "materializes in the air"?

While grammatically correct, saying something "materializes in the air" can sound unusual because "materialize" implies a grounding or realization in a concrete way. It would depend heavily on the specific context and what imagery you are trying to evoke, but consider alternatives if the situation is meant to be taken literally.