I require you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I require you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you need someone to do something or be present for a specific purpose. Example: "I require you to submit the report by the end of the day to ensure we meet our deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I tell her what I want is pictures and we settle on $30 cash for five poses and $20 more if I require you know what at the end of the photo shoot.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I think it requires you to be very scrappy, it requires you to find good customers that believe in the proposition and the potential for the product that they're willing to start working with you in that regard.

TechCrunch

As it happens, I sometimes look at my landline telephone, which I barely use – it requires you to press the actual digits of a number! mad! – but still incurs rental costs, and ask myself why I don't just get rid.

Independent

I therefore require you to resign immediately from this inquiry".

The Guardian - Business

All these steps I've outlined require you to be a very skilled professional in a multitude of disciplines.

TechCrunch

Why didn't the judge say, 'I'm going to require you to have counsel'?" It took the jury only t​wo hours to find Panetti guilty in 1995.

Vice

My hopes are that the stuff I write here won't require you to take a bath afterward to get all of the gunk off, but I'm also realistic and know that might be too much to hope for.

Vice

My hopes are that the stuff I write here won't require you to take a bath afterwards to get all of the gunk off, but I'm also realistic and know that might be too much to hope for.

Vice

Agencies require you to fulfil a certain role, I think.

The Guardian - Money

"The report is further compelling evidence of the breaches of the funding agreement I have required you to address," he wrote.

The Guardian

Writing to the school's chair of governors on Thursday, Lord Nash said the Ofsted report was "further compelling evidence of the breaches of the funding agreement I have required you to address".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I require you" when you want to express a formal or authoritative need for someone to do something. Ensure the context aligns with the directness of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "I require you" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or demanding when a simple "I need you to" or "Please" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I require you" functions as a directive speech act, where the speaker is imposing a requirement or expectation on the listener. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as grammatically correct. The phrase typically calls for a specific action or behavior from the addressed person.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I require you" is a direct and formal way to express a need or demand. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig, it is best reserved for situations where a degree of authority or formality is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "I need you to" or "I ask that you" in less formal contexts to avoid sounding overly assertive. The phrase, while correct, has limited frequency in contemporary usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I need you

Direct replacement with a focus on necessity rather than formality.

I ask that you

More polite and less forceful than the original phrase.

It is my requirement that you

Formal restatement emphasizing the speaker's demand.

I expect you to

Implies an anticipation of action rather than a direct command.

I instruct you to

A more authoritative tone, suggesting a formal order.

I direct you to

Similar to 'instruct', but can imply a specific task.

You are obligated to

Highlights a sense of duty or legal enforcement.

I command you

Very strong and direct, implying absolute authority.

I urge you to

More persuasive, softening the force of the request.

I insist that you

Firm and determined, emphasizing the importance of the action.

FAQs

What does "I require you" mean?

It means that the speaker is formally asking or instructing someone to do something. It indicates a need or demand from the speaker's perspective.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I require you"?

It's appropriate in formal settings, or when expressing a direct order or necessary condition. Using alternatives such as "I ask that you" or "I need you" may be more appropriate in less formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "I require you"?

Alternatives include "I need you", "I ask that you", "I expect you to", or "I instruct you to", depending on the level of formality and authority you wish to convey.

Is "I require you" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, it can be perceived as overly formal or even demanding in everyday conversation. Simpler phrases like "I need you" or "Please" are often more suitable.