demanding to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding 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 was demanding to know why the project was delayed and who was responsible for the oversight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And Dems are demanding to know why.

The Washington Post

State lawmakers are demanding to know what went wrong.

The New York Times

And called again, demanding to know where the loot was.

The New York Times

"It is not something that people are demanding to know".

The New York Times

Armstrong's lawyers are demanding to know those names.

The New York Times - Sports

Arenas declined, demanding to know why he was being arrested.

The Washington Post

Investors are demanding to know where the money went.

The New York Times

"Havelange was pounding the table, demanding to know what Chung meant by speaking outside the chamber".

The New York Times - Sports

The boys hurried downstairs, demanding to know what they had found.

The New York Times

(He announced himself by loudly demanding to know if any ex-wives were present).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Tom confronts Green at his home, demanding to know where his wife is.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demanding to know" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or insistence in a request for information. It suggests that the person asking is not simply curious, but rather expects an answer.

Common error

While "demanding to know" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Consider using a more neutral phrase like "requesting information" or "seeking clarification" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding to know" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe someone's forceful or insistent request for information. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, commonly observed in declarative sentences to report speech or actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "demanding to know" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in News & Media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It conveys a forceful request for information, implying urgency or insistence. While widely accepted, it's advisable to consider the tone and formality of your writing, opting for alternatives like "insisting on knowing" or "requesting information" in more formal scenarios. The phrase enjoys consistent use across authoritative sources, reflecting its common place in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insisting on knowing

Emphasizes the firmness of the request for information.

pressing for answers

Highlights the urgency and persistence in seeking information.

requiring an explanation

Focuses on the necessity of providing a reason or justification.

seeking clarification

Highlights the need for making something clearer and more understandable.

questioning intently

Emphasizes the focused and probing nature of the inquiry.

wanting to ascertain

Highlights the desire to find something out for certain.

eager to learn

Suggests a strong desire to gain knowledge about something.

inquiring urgently

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the information request.

compelling disclosure

Highlights the act of forcing information to be revealed.

soliciting information

Suggests a formal request for details or facts.

FAQs

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

You can use "demanding to know" when someone is insisting on receiving information or clarification about something. For example: "The investors were "demanding to know" where their money went."

What are some alternatives to "demanding to know"?

Alternatives include "insisting on knowing", "pressing for answers", or "requiring an explanation" depending on the specific context.

Is "demanding to know" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "demanding to know" can sound somewhat aggressive. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "requesting information" or "seeking clarification".

What's the difference between "demanding to know" and "asking to know"?

"Demanding to know" implies a sense of urgency or insistence, whereas "asking to know" is a more neutral and polite request for information.