demand an answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand an answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking for a clear answer or response from someone. For example: "I'm not leaving this room until you demand an answer from me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Usually I didn't demand an answer".

The Guardian - Music

It will demand an answer from you".

The Guardian

"We demand an answer to one simple question," he said.

The New Yorker

"Every politician knew a call from Angus would bring searching questions which would demand an answer.

The Guardian

Two specific practices demand an answer from the EU, which is funding this operation.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have been taught not to ask why, that there are questions to which we do not demand an answer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

An important question that demands an answer.

Huffington Post

After a long silence, the judge demanded an answer.

The New York Times

Pushed to the breaking point, Morell demands an answer.

The New York Times

But some questions niggle at you, demanding an answer.

The Economist

They surrounded me as if demanding an answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demand an answer" when emphasizing a firm expectation or right to receive a response. It is suitable in situations where directness and clarity are paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "demand an answer" in casual conversations or when a more polite request would be appropriate. Overuse can sound aggressive or entitled.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand an answer" functions as a verb phrase expressing a forceful request for a response. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to seek direct and clear information, conveying a sense of urgency or entitlement to a reply. For example, the phrase is used in sentences such as "We demand an answer to one simple question."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demand an answer" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express a forceful request for a response. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, reflecting situations where accountability and clarity are paramount. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, highlighting its role in seeking direct and clear information. While effective in neutral to formal settings, overuse in informal contexts can sound aggressive. Alternatives like "request an explanation" or "seek clarification" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

require a response

Emphasizes necessity, slightly less forceful than a demand.

insist on a reply

Highlights persistence in seeking an answer.

press for a response

Suggests actively pushing for an answer, overcoming resistance.

call for a response

More formal and often used in public contexts.

compel a reply

Indicates forcing or obligating someone to respond.

expect a response

Implies anticipation and entitlement to a reply.

urge a reply

Highlights the importance or urgency of the response.

seek clarification

Focuses on understanding, implying a need for explanation.

request an explanation

More polite and formal way to ask for an answer.

ask for a resolution

Focuses on resolving an issue, implying the answer leads to a solution.

FAQs

How to use "demand an answer" in a sentence?

You can use "demand an answer" when you want to express a strong need for a response, such as, "The citizens "demanded an answer" from the government regarding the new policy."

What can I say instead of "demand an answer"?

You can use alternatives like "request an explanation", "insist on a reply", or "seek clarification" depending on the level of formality and context.

Which is correct, "demand an answer" or "demand for an answer"?

"Demand an answer" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Demand for an answer" is grammatically correct but less direct and frequently used.

What's the difference between "ask for an answer" and "demand an answer"?

"Ask for an answer" is a general request for information, while "demand an answer" implies a strong expectation or right to receive a response, often in situations where accountability is expected.