a demand for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a demand for" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to express a request for an item or service. For example, "The workers have made a demand for higher wages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a demand for it.

The New York Times

There was a demand for change.

The New Yorker

Sunday's rally was a demand for action.

The New York Times

And there is a demand for that.

The Guardian

There's still a demand for people.

The New York Times

"Making laws is a demand for certainty.

The Guardian - Arts

There is a demand for authority.

The New York Times

The serial has revived a demand for the books.

The New Yorker

VimpelCom faced a demand for $158m for taxes in 2001.

The Economist

This isn't libertarianism; it's a demand for special treatment.

The New York Times

Certainly there seems to be a demand for the service.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a demand for" when you want to emphasize that there is a market-driven or socially-driven desire for something. For example, "There is a demand for skilled workers in the tech industry".

Common error

While "a demand for" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "a requirement for" or "a necessity for" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a demand for" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Based on Ludwig's analysis, it signifies a state where something is actively requested or required. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating what is being sought after or needed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a demand for" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to express the existence of a need or desire for something. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for broad communication. While "a demand for" is versatile, considering context-specific alternatives like "a request for" or "a requirement for" can enhance precision in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous real-world examples, reinforcing its widespread usage and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a need for

Focuses on necessity rather than a specific request.

a request for

Emphasizes the act of asking for something.

a call for

Suggests a public appeal or urgent need.

a requirement for

Highlights the necessity as a prerequisite.

a claim for

Indicates an assertion of a right to something.

a submission for

Focuses on the act of presenting something for consideration.

a prerequisite for

Highlights a necessary condition that must be met.

a thirst for

Emphasizes a strong desire or eagerness.

a clamor for

Suggests a noisy and insistent demand.

an order for

Implies a formal request, often in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "a demand for" in a sentence?

You can use "a demand for" to indicate that something is wanted or needed. For example, "There is "a demand for" skilled workers in the tech industry".

What's the difference between "a demand for" and "a need for"?

"A demand for" implies a desire or requirement, often driven by market forces or social pressure. "A need for", on the other hand, emphasizes a necessity or something essential. The phrase "a need for" focuses on necessity rather than a specific request.

What are some alternatives to "a demand for"?

Some alternatives to "a demand for" include "a request for", "a call for", or "a requirement for", depending on the specific context and intended meaning.

Is it always appropriate to use "a demand for" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, using more precise alternatives such as "a necessity for" or "a prerequisite for" in highly formal or academic writing can enhance clarity and specificity.