demanding a payment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding a payment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is requesting or insisting on receiving a payment for goods or services rendered. Example: "The contractor is demanding a payment for the completed work before moving on to the next phase of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Demanding a payment of £500,000 to be wired to her HSBC bank account, she told the reporter: "That opens up everything you would ever wish for.

The Guardian

PEOPLE ARE PAYING Cybersecurity researchers identified a Bitcoin address to which the attackers are demanding a payment of $300 from their victims.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Heywood was apparently demanding a payment of $22 million, and Ms. Gu said she believed that Guagua's life would be in jeopardy if the payment was not made.

The New York Times

In addition to the outside auditor, Unilever is demanding a payment of about $20 million, the reassignment of some of P.& G.'s hair care managers and some restrictions on its marketing of its hair care lines, Mr. Milton said.

The New York Times

In each case, users are presented with a black-and-red screen of text demanding a payment of 0.05 bitcoin (about $280, for now) in order for their files to be decrypted.

MIT Technology Review

The biggest holdout: Google-owned Motorola Mobility (MMI), which for a couple of years has been asserting its standards-essential H.264 patents against Microsoft, claiming infringement and demanding a payment related to the retail price of products, while Microsoft has been demanding payment against the non-essential Android patents.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Historically, promoters have sometimes demanded a payment or royalty — usually called an origination fee — for a live recording or broadcast.

The New York Times

Tax authorities audited his company in August 2009 and subsequently demanded a payment of about $600,000 for unpaid taxes and fines for 2007 (audits for ensuing years are pending).

The New York Times

The software's developers then demand a payment, typically in an digital currency such as bitcoin, in exchange for handing over the encryption keys.

The Guardian - Tech

South Korea received $500 million from Japan when the countries normalized relations in 1965, and during bilateral discussions two years ago, North Korea reportedly demanded a payment of $13 billion.

The New York Times

It encrypted the files using the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and then demanded a payment of up to $1,400 to release them.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "demanding a payment", ensure that the context clearly indicates the basis for the demand (e.g., contract terms, legal obligation, or prior agreement) to avoid any implication of impropriety or coercion.

Common error

Be careful not to use "demanding a payment" when a more neutral term like "requesting payment" is more appropriate, especially in customer service contexts or when the payment terms are standard and agreed upon.

Linguistic Context

"Demanding a payment" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun, typically serving as the predicate of a clause. It describes an action of insisting upon the receipt of money. This phrase highlights the act of requesting money owed or expected.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demanding a payment" is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and professional contexts. It conveys a sense of insistence or urgency in requesting money. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "requesting payment" is a more neutral alternative, "demanding a payment" is appropriate when emphasizing the need for prompt or assertive action. Be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation, and consider the specific context to choose the most fitting language. The phrase has an uncommon frequency, with primary usage in news and media and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting payment

More formal and neutral; implies a polite inquiry for money owed.

requiring payment

Emphasizes the necessity of the payment due to a rule or obligation.

insisting on payment

Highlights the firmness and persistence in seeking the money.

expecting a payment

Focuses on the anticipation of receiving money, often by prior agreement.

seeking remuneration

Highly formal; refers to seeking compensation for services or losses.

billing for services

Describes the act of creating an invoice or bill for services rendered.

levying a charge

Implies the imposition of a fee or tax by an authority.

calling for funds

Suggests a general appeal for financial support or contributions.

extorting money

Involves obtaining money through force, threats, or abuse of power (illegal).

pressing for settlement

Emphasizes the urgency and effort to resolve an outstanding payment.

FAQs

What does "demanding a payment" mean?

The phrase "demanding a payment" means to insist on receiving money that is owed or expected, often with a sense of urgency or insistence.

What can I say instead of "demanding a payment"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting payment", "insisting on payment", or "requiring payment" depending on the context.

Is "demanding a payment" formal or informal?

The phrase "demanding a payment" is neither strictly formal nor informal; it's more neutral but can carry a slightly negative connotation of being forceful. Consider the audience and context when using it.

When is it appropriate to use "demanding a payment"?

Use "demanding a payment" when you want to emphasize the insistence or urgency of receiving the money. Be mindful that it can sometimes imply a confrontational tone.