Can I demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Can I demand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to inquire about the possibility of making a strong request or assertion. Example: "Can I demand a refund for the defective product I received?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Can I demand compensation?

Independent

Can I demand that they cover the difference in cost between what I have to pay for a replacement apartment and my monthly rent?

The New York Times

Can I demand bank records that were created during my tenure as treasurer?... Silvia Colazingari-Hartley, Manhattan A Stuart M. Saft, a Manhattan lawyer and the chairman of the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums, said that since managing agents work for the co-op corporation, they must follow the directions of the co-op board.

The New York Times

When he sends family members boxes of pears once a year, their arrival is accompanied by a series of nagging questions: "Were any of the Asians bruised?" "Are you sure?" "Did you open the box yourself?" "What time did it arrive?" "Did you keep the slip?" "Can I demand a refund from U.P.S.?" Carl starts many of his conversations with his sister with "I am going to give you a quiz".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He looks at me, hairs twitching, and his colleague interrupts as she packs my bags: "Can I take my break?" she demands, squarely.

The Guardian - Music

Can I ask a question?" she demands.

The New York Times

Rather than attempting to limit mistakes, which sometimes I can't control and trying can make me tense, I demand the ball as much as possible and always be available as an outlet.

The New York Times

Is there anything I can demand of this company in exchange for my slave labor?

The New York Times - Magazine

The bottom line for Internet advertisers, he says, is that consumers are soon going to begin wondering: "Why click around, when I can demand the information I want?" Ultimately, this is going to change the web's entire dynamic, making advertisers begin thinking in terms of meeting consumers' needs, rather than endeavoring to create them they way they traditionally have.

Forbes

From him, I learned that I deserve quality care, that I ought to expect it, that I can demand it.

Huffington Post

From the fact that I can demand agreement for the state of my faculties in experiencing an object as, say, green or square, it does not follow that I can demand agreement for a state in which my faculties are in free play, since the possibility of experiencing the free play would seem to require something over and above what is required for cognition alone.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Can I demand?", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are entitled to ask for and the basis for your entitlement. Overuse can come across as entitled or aggressive, so consider the audience and purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "Can I demand?" without a clear and justifiable basis for the demand. Always ensure you have a legitimate reason or right to make such a strong request, or you risk alienating others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Can I demand" serves as an interrogative expression used to inquire about one's entitlement or right to make a strong request or assertion. As Ludwig AI points out, it is used to question the permissibility of making a firm request.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Can I demand" is an interrogative phrase used to inquire about the permissibility of making a strong request, often based on perceived rights or entitlements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, its formality varies with the specific situation, it can be perceived as either neutral or assertive. Given this phrase's nature, ensure there is a valid and clear justification before using it. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations in your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Am I entitled to demand?

Replaces "can" with "entitled to", focusing on legal or moral rights.

Do I have the right to demand?

Emphasizes the existence of a specific right to make the demand.

May I insist on?

Replaces "demand" with "insist", suggesting a firm but polite request.

Is it within my rights to demand?

Focuses on whether making the demand falls within legally or morally defined boundaries.

Can I request as a right?

Highlights the request is based on an established entitlement.

Am I permitted to demand?

Uses "permitted" instead of "can", implying formal authorization.

Is it acceptable for me to demand?

Focuses on whether the demand is socially or ethically appropriate.

Can I put forward a demand for?

Rephrases "demand" as "put forward a demand", making it slightly more formal.

Can I claim as my right?

Replaces "demand" with "claim", highlighting a specific entitlement.

Under what conditions can I demand?

Shifts the focus to the circumstances that would justify making the demand.

FAQs

What does "Can I demand" imply?

The phrase "Can I demand" implies asking if one has the right or justification to make a strong request or assertion. It suggests a level of entitlement or expectation.

What can I say instead of "Can I demand?"

You can use alternatives like "Am I entitled to", "Do I have the right to", or "May I insist on" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "Can I demand"?

It's appropriate when you believe you have a legitimate right or strong justification to make a specific request or assertion and need to know if it's permissible.

How does "Can I demand" differ from "Can I request"?

"Can I demand" suggests a stronger assertion of rights or entitlement compared to "Can I request". Requesting implies a polite inquiry, while demanding implies a firm expectation.