a reasonable demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable demand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request or expectation that is fair and justifiable in a given context. Example: "The employees presented a reasonable demand for better working conditions during the negotiations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Is it a reasonable demand – must we meet it?

University of California, Berkeley

This would not be a reasonable demand under any circumstances.

The New York Times

But Green could be looking at a reasonable demand for £300m.

The Guardian - Business

But disclosure is a reasonable demand to make in any medium.

The New York Times

Asking a bank to hold £3 of capital to support £100 of assets, and to do so soon, is a reasonable demand.

The Guardian - Business

Asked whether the closure of al-Jazeera was a reasonable demand, he said: "We do not claim to have press freedom.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

All she wants is to keep working – a very reasonable demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Black self-government along the lines suggested by Haywood did not seem politically possible to most blacks during the civil rights era, but resources for strengthening black businesses and schools and improving black housing was a quite reasonable demand to make on whites.

SEP

And I think it's a perfectly reasonable demand.

Huffington Post

It's a very reasonable demand of the body and the mind that I disengage from everything and everyone occasionally.

Los Angeles Times

The BBC's Controller of Music defended the orchestra in The Times, writing that it "is equal to all reasonable demands", a wording that implied the fault was the composer's.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable demand", ensure the context clearly establishes why the demand is considered fair and justifiable. Provide supporting reasons or evidence to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a reasonable demand" as inherently obvious. What seems reasonable to one party may not be to another. Always articulate the rationale behind the demand to preempt potential disagreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable demand" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "reasonable" modifying the noun "demand". It typically identifies a specific request, expectation, or requirement deemed fair and justifiable, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable demand" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a request or expectation that is considered fair, justifiable, and appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides diverse examples of usage in various contexts. While primarily found in news, science, and academic writing, it can also be suitable for business and general communication. When using this phrase, it is important to consider the specific context and ensure that the reasons for the demand's reasonableness are clearly articulated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justifiable demand

This alternative emphasizes the fairness and defensibility of the request.

a legitimate demand

This highlights the lawfulness and validity of the demand.

a fair request

This option uses a more general term ("request") to convey a similar sentiment of justness.

a valid claim

This subtly shifts the focus to the legitimacy of the underlying need or entitlement.

a well-founded request

This alternative underlines the solidity of the demand's basis.

a warranted expectation

Focuses on the demand as something rightfully anticipated.

a realistic expectation

This alternative focuses on the achievability of the expectation.

an acceptable condition

Frames the demand as a term or requirement that is agreeable.

a practical requirement

Stresses the necessity and feasibility of the demand.

a sensible proposition

Highlights the logical and rational nature of the demand.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable demand" when referring to a request or expectation that is fair and justifiable in a particular context. For example: "The union made "a reasonable demand" for better healthcare benefits during contract negotiations."

What's the difference between "a reasonable demand" and "a fair request"?

While similar, "a reasonable demand" often implies a stronger sense of entitlement or justification than "a fair request". A demand suggests a degree of insistence or necessity.

What can I say instead of "a reasonable demand"?

You can use alternatives like "a justifiable demand", "a legitimate demand", or "a fair request" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a reasonable demand"?

While generally acceptable, the appropriateness of "a reasonable demand" depends on the context and relationship between the parties involved. In situations requiring diplomacy or negotiation, softer language might be preferable.