started to materialize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to materialize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of something beginning to become visible, tangible, or real. Example: "As the project progressed, the initial ideas started to materialize into a concrete plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The changes started to materialize in the numbers last year.

The New York Times

This uncertainty started to materialize long before Saturday night's disaster, when Sanchez injured his right shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

"And worse, the downside risks that we identified then have started to materialize during the last part of 2011".

The New York Times

Analysts at an investment firm say "hasta la vista, soft patch (PDF): "It's no surprise to us that the Dow has now fully recovered back to where it was when the soft patch started to materialize.

The New York Times

"There's definitely a real kick, isn't there, to digging up public land?" In Hoxton, after an hour of filth-clearing, a promising bed of black soil started to materialize.

The New York Times - Magazine

Other perks have already started to materialize as well.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Devils' hope that youth and exuberance would prevail over experience is starting to materialize.

The New York Times - Sports

What's more, advertising revenues were starting to materialize, as the games became a popular way for companies to introduce themselves to the Chinese consumer.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now that the mobile advertising dollars are finally starting to materialize, we still have not seen the hockey-stick curve that we all expected.

TechCrunch

As users become increasingly accustomed to Google answer cards, they will be less and less surprised when these cards start to materialize before they have even entered a search query.

TechCrunch

Their instructions are starting to materialize in games. .

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to materialize" when you want to convey the sense of something gradually becoming real or visible after a period of being uncertain or abstract. It's suitable for describing the progression of plans, ideas, or even physical changes.

Common error

While acceptable, "started to materialize" can sound less formal than alternatives like "began to take shape" or "commenced to manifest" in certain professional or academic contexts. Consider the tone of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to materialize" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the commencement of a process of becoming visible, real, or tangible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often describes the initial phase of turning abstract ideas into concrete realities, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Science & Research

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started to materialize" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes the beginning of something becoming real or visible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often used to describe the progression of ideas or plans. While its register is generally neutral, considering the context is important, as more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic or scientific writing. The phrase is found mostly in News & Media and Science domains. When looking for alternative expressions, consider options like "began to take shape" or "started to become apparent" to achieve different nuances. Remember to use this phrase when something intangible is beginning to take form, whether it’s a project, an idea, or a physical change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commenced to materialize

More formal synonym using 'commenced'.

began to take shape

Focuses on the form or structure that is emerging.

began to appear

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something becoming noticeable.

started to become visible

Highlights the emerging visibility of something.

started to become apparent

Highlights the growing understanding or realization of something.

commenced to unfold

Suggests a gradual revealing or development of events.

initiated its manifestation

Implies a deliberate or planned emergence.

began to concretize

Focuses on becoming more solid or real.

began to crystallize

Indicates a process of becoming more defined and clear.

began its realization

Emphasizes the process of making something real.

FAQs

How can I use "started to materialize" in a sentence?

You can use "started to materialize" to describe the initial phase of something becoming real or visible. For example, "As the project progressed, the benefits started to materialize."

What are some alternatives to "started to materialize"?

You can use alternatives like "began to appear", "began to take shape", or "started to become apparent" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "began to materialize" instead of "started to materialize"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Began to materialize" might sound slightly more formal than "started to materialize".

What's the difference between "started to materialize" and "began to come to fruition"?

"Started to materialize" implies the initial stage of becoming visible or real, while "began to come to fruition" suggests a later stage where something is developing towards a successful outcome.