a firm demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm demand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong or assertive request for something. Example: "The workers presented a firm demand for better working conditions during the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Germany, in particular, has set a firm demand that he release his arch-rival and former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, jailed on charges of abuse of office.

The Economist

Coptic activists and intellectuals said the turn away from politics signaled a sweeping transformation in the Christian minority's relationship to the Egyptian state but also addressed a firm demand by the Christian laity to claim a voice in a more democratic Egypt.

The New York Times

For example, inadequate stocks of prequalified cholera vaccine prompted discussion of the establishment of a global cholera vaccine stockpile (Technical Appendix 2) to help reduce the projected high costs of mass vaccination and overcome the inability of manufacturers to produce large stocks without a firm demand.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

According to AC Nielsen, a market-research firm, demand for hot chilies across all British retailers rose by 18% in the last year.

The Economist

Empirical analyses of the impact of demographic movements on the provision of training have shown pro-cyclical movements and that firms do not proportionally adjust their demand for apprentices to changes in cohort size, meaning that a 1% increase in cohort size increases a firm's demand for apprentices by less than 1% (see Muehlemann et al. 2009 and Schweri and Mueller 2007).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

We have not considered a limit on a firm's demand.

SERIEs

In such a case, the observed fall in borrowing among their borrowers would be partly caused by a movement along a firm's demand curve for funds.

SERIEs

Faced with input prices such as user cost of capital and wage, a firm's demand for capital and labor is such that production cost is minimized.

Journal of Economic Structures

Earlier, an auction of Spanish government debt met with firm demand.

The New York Times

Earlier, an auction of Spanish government debt met with firm demand, which also helped improve sentiment.

The New York Times

Although I was not yet an attorney, the "associate" label was expected to add gravitas to my firm demand for their money.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm demand" when you want to convey a sense of unyielding insistence or a non-negotiable requirement. It's suitable for situations where the speaker or writer possesses authority or a strong conviction.

Common error

Avoid using "a firm demand" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly assertive or even aggressive. Consider softer alternatives like "a strong request" or "a clear expectation" depending on your audience and purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a firm demand" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make a firm demand', 'present a firm demand'). As indicated by Ludwig, it denotes a resolute and unwavering request or requirement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm demand" signifies a strong and unyielding request. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for expressing resolute insistence across various contexts. It appears more frequently in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral register. While not exceedingly common, using alternatives like "a strong request" or "a definite requirement" can add nuance to your writing. Use "a firm demand" when you want to convey a sense of unyielding insistence and non-negotiable expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong request

Emphasizes the intensity of the request, focusing on the forcefulness rather than the stability or unyielding nature implied by "firm".

a definite requirement

Shifts the focus from a request to an essential condition, emphasizing the necessity of compliance.

a strict insistence

Highlights the unwavering and uncompromising nature of the request.

an explicit order

Replaces the concept of demand with a direct command, suggesting a hierarchical relationship.

a forceful claim

Suggests the demand is backed by power or authority, making it more than a simple request.

a resolute appeal

Highlights the determination behind the request, implying a deep need or conviction.

an urgent plea

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the request and a sense of desperation.

a categorical imperative

Signifies an unconditional moral obligation, taking the demand to a philosophical level.

a non-negotiable point

Indicates that the demand is not open for discussion or compromise, establishing a hard boundary.

a binding condition

Presents the demand as a prerequisite that must be met, often within a formal agreement.

FAQs

What does "a firm demand" mean?

The expression "a firm demand" refers to a strong and resolute request or requirement that is unlikely to be changed or compromised. It suggests a determined insistence on something.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a firm demand"?

It is appropriate to use "a firm demand" when conveying a serious request or expectation, often in situations where you have authority or believe strongly in the necessity of what you're requesting. Alternatives may include "a strong request" or "a definite requirement", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Are there situations where I should avoid using "a firm demand"?

Yes, it's best to avoid "a firm demand" if you want to maintain a collaborative or friendly tone, as it can sound overly assertive or even aggressive. In such cases, consider using milder alternatives like "a polite request" or "a clear expectation".

Is "a firm demand" different from "a strong demand"?

While similar, "a firm demand" emphasizes the unyielding nature of the request, suggesting it's not easily swayed. In contrast, "a strong demand" primarily highlights the intensity or forcefulness of the request. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the resoluteness or the power behind the demand.