demanded to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanded to know" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is insisting on receiving information or clarification about something. Example: "She demanded to know why the meeting had been canceled without any notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shelby demanded to know the general's source.

The New York Times

She demanded to know about his son.

The Guardian

Everyone demanded to know who was present.

The New York Times

Ms. Metz demanded to know more.

The New York Times

Instead they demanded to know more details.

The Guardian

Her mother demanded to know when Armstrong would marry her.

The New York Times - Arts

Furious, she demanded to know who Nduta was.

The New Yorker

She had demanded to know why he was late.

The New York Times

He demanded to know "who is giving the instructions?

The Economist

"What are you doing?!" she demanded to know.

The New York Times

And I demanded to know what had happened.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demanded to know" when you want to convey a sense of authority, urgency, or insistence in the act of asking a question. For example, a detective might "demand to know" the suspect's alibi.

Common error

Avoid using "demanded to know" in contexts where a softer, more polite inquiry is appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound aggressive or confrontational. Consider alternatives like "asked" or "inquired" for less forceful situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanded to know" functions as a verb phrase indicating a forceful or insistent request for information. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts where someone is seeking answers with authority or urgency, often in situations involving conflict or investigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demanded to know" is a verb phrase used to express a forceful request for information. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and common, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tone it conveys, as it implies authority and urgency. While it's widely used and accepted, consider alternative phrases like "insisted on knowing" or "requested information about" in contexts where a less assertive tone is more appropriate. Therefore, the phrase is suitable for neutral or professional contexts, and awareness of potential misinterpretations is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insisted on knowing

Emphasizes the persistence in seeking information.

pressed to find out

Highlights the act of actively pushing for information.

required an explanation

Focuses on the necessity of receiving an explanation.

inquired urgently

Shows a sense of immediacy in the questioning.

persistently questioned

Underscores the repetitive nature of the questioning.

urgently asked

Highlights the urgent need for an answer.

imperatively inquired

Suggests a commanding tone in the inquiry.

requested an answer immediately

Stresses the need for an immediate response.

compelled an answer

Indicates that someone was forced to provide an answer.

interrogated forcefully

Implies a rigorous and possibly aggressive questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "demanded to know" in a sentence?

Use "demanded to know" when someone is insisting on getting an answer or clarification. For example: "The journalist "demanded to know" the details of the investigation".

What are some alternatives to "demanded to know"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "insisted on knowing", "pressed to find out", or "required an explanation" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "demanded to know" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "demanded to know" carries a strong tone. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral phrase like "requested information about" or "sought clarification on" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "asked" and "demanded to know"?

"Asked" is a general term for seeking information, while "demanded to know" implies a forceful request and expectation of an immediate answer. "Demanded to know" suggests authority or urgency, which are absent in a simple "asked".