I demanded that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I demanded that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong insistence or insistence on a particular course of action. For example: "I demanded that my co-worker complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Being a willful child, I demanded that I should be allowed to open my presents on the 28th as it wasn't "fair" to wait an extra day.

The Guardian

"And on the sound system, the weirdest, most brilliant music came on, and I demanded that the guy behind the counter sell me the CD immediately".

The New York Times - Magazine

Once the DPP had declared I had no case to answer, following my arrest for leaking embarrassing stories about Home Office failures, I demanded that my DNA record be destroyed.

The Guardian - Opinion

"You don't exactly have to be a tuning fork," I told her. "Sex and meat and love are one!" I demanded that we get in a positive space — quickly.

The New Yorker

I demanded that the farmer paid up straight away; it was the first time I spoke up for the rights of others and I have been doing so ever since.

The Guardian - Opinion

Restitution will be a longer process that depends upon individual investors suing; there are already a hundred actions against Merrill, based upon the evidence that we released, and that is why I demanded that all that evidence be released into the public domain, and we will continue to do that.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

I demand that it be done now".

The New Yorker

I demand that they do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I demand that I climax," she told the magazine.

Independent

"I demand that you unblock my websites immediately".

The New York Times

So I demand that you stop kissing arses.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I demanded that", ensure the context supports the strong insistence. Overuse can make your writing sound aggressive or impolite.

Common error

After "I demanded that", use the base form of the verb (subjunctive mood) in the 'that' clause, regardless of the subject. For example, use "I demanded that he be present", not "I demanded that he is present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I demanded that" serves as a performative utterance, indicating a strong assertion or insistence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct. It introduces a subordinate clause expressing the specific action or condition being demanded.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I demanded that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong request or order. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, though primarily found in News & Media. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context warrants such a firm insistence and to use the subjunctive mood correctly in the 'that' clause. Consider alternatives like "I insisted that" or "I requested that" for softer tones, and avoid overuse to maintain a balanced and respectful tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I insisted that

This alternative is nearly synonymous, emphasizing firmness in the request.

It was my demand that

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way to express the demand.

I required that

This alternative suggests a formal necessity for the action.

My requirement was that

This alternative uses a noun form to convey the necessity of the action.

I stipulated that

This alternative implies setting a condition or agreement.

I commanded that

This alternative implies a higher level of authority and a stronger sense of direction.

I laid down the law that

This alternative conveys a forceful and authoritative declaration.

I made it a condition that

This alternative clearly states that the action was mandatory.

I requested that

This alternative is a more polite form of asking, though still assertive.

I urged that

This alternative suggests strong encouragement.

FAQs

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

Use "I demanded that" to express a firm request or order, typically followed by a clause in the subjunctive mood. For example, "I demanded that the report be submitted immediately".

What can I say instead of "I demanded that"?

You can use alternatives like "I insisted that", "I required that", or "I requested that" depending on the level of formality and forcefulness you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "I demanded that he goes"?

No, it's not grammatically correct. After "I demanded that", you should use the base form of the verb (subjunctive mood). The correct sentence is "I demanded that he go".

What's the difference between "I demanded that" and "I requested that"?

"I demanded that" implies a stronger, more forceful insistence, often suggesting authority or a non-negotiable requirement. "I requested that" is a more polite and less assertive way of asking something.