demanding figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who has high expectations or requires a lot of effort from others, often in a professional or personal context. Example: "The new manager is a demanding figure, always pushing the team to exceed their limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There's often a demanding figure in the background – it might be a boss, a family member or a friend – who you feel may be hostile to you switching off," he says.

The Guardian

WE learned everything: getting on a motorcycle, shifting, stopping, turning and riding around and through small cones in various patterns, including that very demanding figure 8.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

To meet these demanding figures the optical system has been based on a high transmittance optical system, including a single mirror telescope and two prism spectrometers based on an innovative concept to minimize number of optical elements, while high performance detectors have been chosen for the photon detection.

Acta Astronautica

Subsequently, 18 patients were excluded (four were on exclusionary concomitant medications; one had an exclusionary concurrent medical condition; one did not meet the BMI criteria; five did not have enough breakthrough GERD symptoms; five were not on an acceptable PPI regimen; one had recently donated blood; one could not meet the study visit schedule demands Figure  2).

BMC Gastroenterology

But business runs on numbers and advertising clients demand figures, especially on the return they can expect by spending their money in different ways.The problem is measuring that return.

The Economist

Lloyds Banking Group was under pressure tonight to publish the details of the £8m-a-year pay deal for its new chief executive, António Horta-Osório, after the Liberal Democrats demanded figures on the lending targets and other criteria attached to the controversial package.

The Guardian - Business

He began also to demand figures on cost comparisons between councils: the first data sets, in 1996, suggested that the weekly cost of a place in a council-run residential home for older people varied almost fourfold, while the cost of meals-on-wheels was said to range from 22p a meal to £10.59.

The Guardian

Second, we found the same historical trend in elevation angle in standard, easily achievable postures (Figure 2C) and in more physically demanding postures (Figure 2A).

Plosone

EDF was thought to have started negotiations demanding a figure of £100, with the Treasury's gambit being £80.

The Guardian

The daughter they sent here from Russia, with love, limped between them on crutches, in her red, white and blue uniform, and into the arms of the man who took her in and became her demanding father figure and coach.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps the most acute crisis is in electricity, where peak supply falls 11% short of demand and the demand figure ignores, among much other suppressed appetite for electricity, the 56% of households without connections.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "demanding figure", ensure the context clearly indicates whether the demanding nature is perceived positively (e.g., driving excellence) or negatively (e.g., creating undue stress).

Common error

Avoid exclusively associating "demanding figure" with negative traits like being overbearing or critical. Balance its usage by also applying it to individuals who inspire high performance and achieve significant results through their rigorous expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "demanding" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "figure". This phrase typically describes an individual who places high expectations on themselves and/or others.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demanding figure" is used to describe someone who sets high standards and expectations. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase can sometimes carry a negative connotation, it often implies a character trait that drives high performance. When using "demanding figure", consider whether the demanding nature is seen positively, driving for excellence, or negatively, creating undue stress. Alternative phrases like "strict authority" or "exacting person" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict authority

Emphasizes the aspect of enforcing rules and expectations more strongly.

exacting person

Focuses on the meticulousness and high standards of the individual.

authoritarian personality

Highlights a controlling and commanding nature.

challenging influence

Shifts the focus from the person to the effect they have.

high-pressure individual

Highlights the stress and intensity associated with the person.

firm taskmaster

Implies a focus on productivity and achieving goals with rigor.

uncompromising leader

Underscores the inflexibility and determination of the person.

rigorous mentor

Specifically relates to guidance and training, with high expectations.

tough coach

Emphasizes the demanding nature of a trainer or instructor.

critical supervisor

Highlights the evaluative and judgmental aspect of the person.

FAQs

How can I use "demanding figure" in a sentence?

You can use "demanding figure" to describe someone who sets high standards or requires a lot of effort, such as, "The coach was a "demanding figure", pushing the athletes to their limits."

What are some alternative phrases for "demanding figure"?

Alternatives include "strict authority", "exacting person", or "authoritarian personality", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "demanding figure" and "challenging influence"?

"Demanding figure" refers directly to a person who sets high expectations. "Challenging influence"/s/challenging+influence, on the other hand, refers to the effect someone has, implying that they inspire growth and effort.

Is it always negative to describe someone as a "demanding figure"?

Not necessarily. While it can imply someone is difficult to please, it can also suggest they are effective at motivating others and achieving high levels of performance. The connotation depends heavily on the context.