I demand you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I demand you" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used when expressing a strong request or insistence, but it requires additional context or a direct object to be grammatically correct. Example: "I demand you to fulfill your promise."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I demand you turn off the videotape.

The New York Times

But I do have a cracking set of bangers, and I demand you leave Gok alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

So therefore I demand you retract your outrageous slur!" "Very well.

The Guardian - Books

Not that long ago, the problem of airlines losing checked bags was so pervasive, it gave rise to a joke in which an airline hijacker tells the pilot, "I demand you take me to where my luggage is going".

The New York Times

Over the years, rock has frequently reduced experimental jazz to a kind of dilettantish signifier: few things say "I consider myself to be a very important artist unleashing a challenging musical statement, I demand you take me seriously" quite like a burst of skronking free brass dropped in the middle of a track.

The Guardian - Music

T-Mobile customers, I demand you pick up something like…ah…I guess the W810 from Sony-Ericsson is rad still.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I wouldn't force you to have an artwork on your wall, anymore than I would demand you to have a book on your shelf or a CD in your car.

BBC

I am paying you, and I demand that you start working together.

The New York Times

Instead of asking "How are you?" try saying: "I demand that you describe your current emotions and circumstances".

The Guardian - Business

In addition, I demand that you change your policy and if you do not have an item, either offer a substitute side or give a reduction in the price.

Huffington Post

I demand that you renounce calls to violence and consider the role you play in shaping public discourse, specifically with the words you choose and the behavior you exhibit and encourage.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a strong request, follow "I demand" with "that" and a clause, or use a more direct verb like "require" or "insist". For example, use "I demand that you apologize" instead of the ungrammatical "I demand you apologize."

Common error

Avoid using "I demand" directly followed by a pronoun. This construction is grammatically incorrect. Always use "I demand that" followed by a full clause to make your demand clear and grammatically sound.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I demand you" is intended to function as a verb phrase expressing a strong request or command. However, Ludwig AI recognizes that this construction is grammatically incorrect in standard English. It typically requires a "that" clause to be grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the intent behind "I demand you" is to express a strong request or command, Ludwig AI identifies this phrase as grammatically incorrect. It's better to use "I demand that you..." or alternatives like "I require you to..." or "I insist that you..." for clarity and grammatical accuracy. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it is best to avoid this phrase in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I require you to

More formal and grammatically correct, specifies an action.

I insist that you

Emphasizes the firmness of the speaker's request, grammatically correct.

I order you to

Direct command, implies authority.

I command you to

Stronger, more formal command.

I urge you to

Suggests strong encouragement rather than a demand.

I request that you

More polite, softens the demand.

You must

Direct and straightforward, omitting "I demand".

It is my demand that you

More formal and emphasizes the demand itself.

I ask you to

A polite alternative, though still conveying a request.

My demand is for you to

Emphasizes the demand as a noun, altering the sentence structure.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I require you to", "I insist that you", or "I order you to" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I demand you" grammatically correct?

No, "I demand you" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct usage involves adding "that" followed by a clause (e.g., "I demand that you apologize").

How to use "I demand that" in a sentence?

Follow "I demand that" with a subject and verb to form a complete clause expressing what you are firmly requesting. For example, "I demand that he leave immediately" or "I demand that she tell the truth".

What's the difference between "I demand that you" and "I request that you"?

"I demand that you" conveys a strong, forceful command, implying authority and a lack of willingness to negotiate. "I request that you", on the other hand, is a more polite way of asking someone to do something, suggesting a degree of respect or deference.