demanding to read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demanding to read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong desire or insistence to access or review something, such as a document or text. Example: "The student was demanding to read the report before the meeting to prepare her questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Then again, he had inexplicably turned up at our initial interview wearing a bejeweled black leotard, negligee and curly maroon wig, which he twirled while sitting on my lap and demanding to read my aura.

The New York Times

Because the book spans continents, millenniums and subjects, from the opium habit of Emperor Marcus Aurelius to the invention of hypodermic needles, the sheer volume of detail in "The Pursuit of Oblivion" makes it demanding to read.

The New York Times - Books

(In 1981, Jodie Foster would respond to the Hinckley incident by sinking into depression, demanding to read all her hate mail, and ironically hanging an enormous photo of Reagan getting shot in her kitchen).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Naturally she demands to read it, and is hideously upset when she does.

The Guardian

It's a brilliantly designed book that kids will love and demand to read over and over again!

Huffington Post

With just 100 words, including the title, this book is a good one for last call, as any demand to "read it again" can be easily satisfied.

The New York Times - Books

But the bad reviews have been coming in - and in a number of cases they're related to the app's apparent demand to read contacts.

The Guardian - Tech

As it is, she has cashed in: she has been in such demand to read from the book that she has been in danger of damaging her voice.

The Guardian - Books

Simon & Schuster announced last week that it would open its own online store to sell digital editions of its books directly to consumers, moving ahead with the plan despite scant demand to read such books.

The New York Times

I am unconvinced that there is huge demand to read News International's content on-line.

BBC

a. Demand to read the very book that has mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demanding to read" to convey a sense of urgency or insistence when someone strongly desires to read something, or when something urgently needs to be read. For example, "The lawyer was demanding to read the contract immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "demanding to read" in overly formal contexts where a more polite request would be more appropriate. In professional settings, consider alternatives like "requesting to read" or "seeking permission to review" to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demanding to read" functions as a gerund phrase, where "demanding" acts as a verb form functioning as a noun, followed by the infinitive phrase "to read". According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing insistence or necessity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demanding to read" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig, used to express a strong insistence or need to read something. While its usage is not extremely common, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the level of formality, as "demanding to read" can sometimes be too assertive for certain professional settings. Alternatives such as "insisting on reading" or "requesting to read" may be more appropriate in those cases. The phrase's function is to highlight the urgency or insistence associated with reading, and understanding these nuances can help ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insisting on reading

Focuses on the insistence or firmness in wanting to read something.

requiring to be read

Emphasizes the necessity or importance of something being read.

asking to read

Highlights the act of requesting to read something, often implying politeness.

eager to read

Expresses enthusiasm or keenness in wanting to read.

wanting to read

A simple expression of desire to read something.

requesting access to read

More formal, emphasizing the need for permission or access.

compelling to read

Indicates that something is persuasive or fascinating to read.

necessitating reading

Highlights the importance of reading for a specific purpose.

keen to read

Similar to eager, but can imply slightly more determination.

determined to read

Emphasizes the resolve or firmness in wanting to read something, overcoming obstacles if needed.

FAQs

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

You can use "demanding to read" to show a strong desire or insistence on reading something. For instance, "The child was "demanding to read" his favorite book every night."

What are some alternatives to "demanding to read"?

Alternatives include "insisting on reading", "requesting to read", or "eager to read", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "asking to read" and "demanding to read"?

"Asking to read" implies a polite request, while "demanding to read" suggests a forceful or insistent request. The choice depends on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved.

When is it appropriate to use "demanding to read"?

It's appropriate when someone is insistent or forceful about reading something, often because they believe they have a right to, or because they believe it's urgently needed. However, consider the formality of the situation; in more formal contexts, a gentler phrase like "requesting to read" might be more suitable.