demand to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demand to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong request or insistence for something to happen or for someone to take action. Example: "She decided to demand to be heard during the meeting, as her ideas were often overlooked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We demand to be released.

The New York Times

I demand to be discharged.

The New Yorker

They demand to be eaten.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Demand to be taken seriously.

The Guardian

We consider demand to be elastic.

University of California, Berkeley

Some programmes just demand to be seen.

The Guardian

"Parents must demand to be heard".

The New York Times

"I therefore demand to be acquitted".

The Guardian

The paintings demand to be looked at but they don't demand to be understood.

The New York Times

They almost demand to be served with food.

The New York Times - Food

The demand to be here has been huge".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demand to be" when conveying a strong sense of entitlement or insistence. Consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with the intended message.

Common error

While "demand to be" is acceptable, overuse can sound aggressive. In formal or professional settings, consider softer alternatives like "request to be" or "expect to be" to maintain a more diplomatic tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demand to be" typically functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often expressing a strong request, expectation, or insistence. Ludwig's examples show its use across various contexts, reflecting its versatility. As also Ludwig AI explains, it is mostly used to ask for something you think you are entitled to.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demand to be" is a commonly used infinitive phrase that conveys a strong request or expectation. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of the tone, as overuse in formal settings can sound aggressive. Consider alternatives such as "request to be" or "expect to be" in more formal situations. Ludwig's examples showcase its adaptability across various scenarios, highlighting its effectiveness in expressing a sense of entitlement or insistence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insist on being

Focuses on the act of insisting, highlighting a firm declaration of wanting to be in a specific state or condition.

require to be

Emphasizes a necessity or condition that must be met, shifting the focus to an external requirement.

request to be

Presents a more polite or formal way of asking for something, softening the forceful nature of "demand".

expect to be

Highlights an anticipation or assumption of a certain state or action, implying less urgency than a demand.

need to be

Emphasizes a necessity based on a specific need, often suggesting a more practical or functional requirement.

deserve to be

Focuses on entitlement or just deserts, implying a moral or ethical basis for the desired state.

be entitled to be

Highlights a legal or inherent right to something, adding a layer of formal justification.

have a right to be

Reiterates the existence of a fundamental right, emphasizing the legitimacy of the expectation.

claim the right to be

Highlights the act of asserting a right, often in the face of opposition or denial.

call for being

Suggests a need for action or change, often implying a public or collective appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "demand to be" in a sentence?

Use "demand to be" to express a firm request or insistence. For instance, "The citizens "demand to be heard"" during the town hall meeting.

What are some alternatives to "demand to be"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "insist on being", "request to be", or "expect to be".

When is it appropriate to use "demand to be"?

It is appropriate when expressing a strong expectation or insistence, particularly in situations where one feels entitled to something. However, consider the tone and adjust accordingly for formal settings.

What is the difference between "demand to be" and "request to be"?

"Demand to be" implies a stronger, more forceful request, suggesting a sense of entitlement. "Request to be" is a more polite and formal way of asking for something.