may materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the possibility that something will come into existence or become real in the future. Example: "The plans for the new project may materialize if we secure the necessary funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"You never know during a trial what may materialize".

The New York Times

While individual investors who are more accepting of risk may materialize, international donor organizations and banks have become more circumspect with Tajikistan.

The New York Times

And therefore, we'll use all other means necessary when we see a threat to deal with, a threat that may materialize.

The New York Times

Nevermind homesickness, broken dreams and a gradual acceptance that the lives they wanted to build in Greece may materialize only elsewhere.

The New York Times

Students should not feel compelled to present only polished, finished pieces of work, but also to present on-going projects including a discussion of difficulties, because useful suggestions may materialize.

Yale University

City police officials say the operations are believed to be a crucial tactic to keep extremists guessing as to when and where a large police presence may materialize at any hour.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Confidence may be high, promises may or may not materialize, and the inner politics of the FIFA voting chamber are more unfathomable than many in the past.

The New York Times

That means it may not make sense to sell in anticipation of a flooded market that may or may not materialize.

Los Angeles Times

The growth in in-flight internet connectivity may not materialize, or may require yet more burdensome capex.

The Washington Post

"The N.B.A. was an option that may or may not materialize".

The New York Times

There is also a selection of high-end speculative houses partly built, but awaiting the personal tastes of buyers who, in this market, may or may not materialize.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "may materialize" when you want to express a possibility or potential for something to become real or happen in the future. It's suitable for formal writing and implies a degree of uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "may materialize" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "might happen" or "could occur" are often more appropriate for casual conversations or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may materialize" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or potential. It modifies a verb, indicating that the action might occur in the future. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in various contexts, demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "may materialize" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates the possibility of something becoming real or happening in the future. Ludwig AI shows that it is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Related phrases include "could come to pass" and "might become a reality", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas with varying degrees of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could come to pass

Implies a potential future event, suggesting a slightly more formal tone than "may materialize".

might become a reality

Highlights the potential for something to transition from a possibility to an actual event.

could potentially happen

Adds emphasis on the potential aspect of the event, making it slightly more explicit.

might actually occur

Suggests a degree of surprise or unexpectedness if the event comes to fruition.

may eventually transpire

Emphasizes the passage of time before the potential event, and sounds more formal.

could possibly develop

Focuses on the gradual unfolding or development of the potential event.

might conceivably arise

Indicates that the event is within the realm of possibility, though perhaps unlikely.

may yet come about

Implies a lingering possibility that the event will happen, despite current circumstances.

could still take place

Suggests that the opportunity for the event to occur remains open.

might just happen

Expresses a more casual and less certain expectation of the event's occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "may materialize" to indicate a possibility that something will happen or become real. For example: "The company's expansion plans "could materialize" if they secure funding."

What are some alternatives to "may materialize"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might occur", "could happen", or "may come to pass", depending on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Is it correct to say "will materialize" instead of "may materialize"?

Saying "will materialize" indicates a higher degree of certainty than "may materialize". "Will materialize" suggests that the event is expected to happen, while "may materialize" expresses a possibility but not a certainty.

What's the difference between "may materialize" and "might materialize"?

The difference is subtle. Both express possibility, but "may materialize" can sometimes imply a slightly higher probability or a more formal tone than "might materialize". In most contexts, they are interchangeable.