demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'demand' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to mean 'a strong desire to have something', as in the sentence: "I have a strong demand for more information about the new product."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Our insatiable demand for variety and novelty has led to ever-shorter product life cycles.

The Economist

Both MSCI and FTSE, major providers of financial indexes, have also created fossil-free or low-carbon indexes in response to demand from investors.

The Guardian

National revulsion and popular demand for punishment are dangerous things.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amy Pascal, recently ousted as Sony's co-chairwoman, told a conference it was up to women, not studios, to demand their worth.

The Guardian - Film

But watching over a ten-minute period, the demand for pictures was mainly for Romney.

The Guardian

The ground can only hold 11,700 people and it was widely expected work would begin to meet the need for rising ticket demand soon after their first promotion to the top flight.

The Guardian - Sport

School districts in other states have brought similar lawsuits summoning constitutional language to demand increased funding and awaited the Kansas ruling as a legal guidepost.

The Guardian

James Leaton, research director at the Carbon Tracker Initiative (CTI) said: "Investors are already using the detailed CTI cost curves to start identifying how low demand and price scenarios could play out".

The Guardian

"Britain [should] demand the highest standards of environmental protection in trade deals, and lead international efforts to improve air quality in cities in developing countries," said the MPs.

The Guardian

While Aaron Swartz didn't live to see it, those who knew him, such as David Segal, the executive director of US organisation Demand Progress, say they have little doubt he would be "on the front lines fighting against a world in which governments observe, collect, and analyze our every digital action".

The Guardian - Tech

Platinum refiner Johnson Matthey dropped 102p to £23.06 as third quarter profits fell 19% to £84.3m, hit by lower sales of catalytic converters for car exhaust systems in Europe and weak demand in Japan.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing economics, clearly specify what is being demanded (e.g., "demand" for goods, services, or labor) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "demand" is a valid word, it can sound aggressive in formal communication. Opt for softer alternatives like "request" or "ask" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "demand" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it signifies a strong need or desire for something. As a verb, it means to ask for something forcefully or authoritatively. Ludwig examples illustrate these dual roles effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "demand" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, signifying a strong need or forceful request. Its usage is very common, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it's important to consider the tone when using "demand" as it can sometimes sound aggressive. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and provides various examples of its usage across diverse sources, and alternative terms are available to soften the tone if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require

Similar in meaning but often implies a necessity rather than a request.

insist upon

Implies a firm and persistent request.

call for

Suggests a public request or need.

lay claim to

Emphasizes asserting a right or entitlement.

make a claim for

Focuses on the act of requesting something due.

press for

Indicates actively pushing for something to happen or be provided.

stipulate

Highlights a specific condition or requirement.

exact

Implies forcefully obtaining something due.

take

Suggests assuming a right or control over something.

ask for

A simple and direct request.

FAQs

How can I use "demand" in a sentence?

You can use "demand" as a verb, meaning to ask for something forcefully (e.g., "I "demand" an explanation"), or as a noun, referring to a strong need or request (e.g., "There is high "demand" for the new product").

What's the difference between "demand" and "request"?

"Demand" implies a stronger, more forceful request, often with an expectation of compliance. "Request" is more polite and less assertive. Choose "demand" when you have a right or strong justification for what you're asking for, otherwise use "request".

What can I say instead of "demand" to sound more polite?

Consider using "request", "ask for", or "would appreciate" to be more courteous.

When is it appropriate to use "demand" instead of "ask"?

Use "demand" when you are entitled to something and expect compliance, or when the situation is urgent and requires immediate action. For example, "I "demand" to see the manager now" conveys a sense of urgency and authority.