demands

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'demands' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or verb. Example: The customer demanded a refund of the purchase price.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain's national interest demands that we maximise our influence and use that influence to boost growth, trade and jobs.

The Guardian

The term "nervous" is on every rider and manager's lips when asked to describe the demands of the early phase of the race, but what they mean is more complex than a few shivers of anticipation at the prospect of a tricky bit of road or two.

The Guardian - Sport

If you don't accept the demands, then I die".

The New York Times

If you accept the demands, I live.

The New York Times

The prime minister will be unable to table his demands for the repatriation of powers before the next election because Clegg has dismissed this strategy as "a false promise wrapped in a union jack".

The Guardian

"The difficult is that the blockade issue is closely aligned with the political demands being made by Hamas, and the political and security demands being made by Israel".

The Guardian

"There are a vast number of demands for change behind the scenes placed on any club following promotion to the Premier League, and we have to ensure we meet those demands in time for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

And yet there's something gloomily philistine about it, something that leaves you with a surprising pang for the days when Tory patricians were allowed to be decent chaps without quite such demands on their electoral palatability.

The Guardian

There is an intensity to his play that Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino demands, and given that Hodgson made the switch in formation based on Liverpool's success – in particular that of Raheem Sterling and Sturridge – last season, Kane could be a better like-for-like substitute for Luis Suárez than Rooney has proven.

The Guardian - Sport

Protesters have camped out in one of the university's main meeting rooms for nearly two weeks, with a range of demands about privatisation, tuition fees and diversity.

The Guardian

So in the coming months, Cameron will try to convince his European partners that the British are willing to leave if their demands are not met.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, ensure that the subject-verb agreement is correct when using "demands" as a verb. For example, "The situation demands attention."

Common error

While "demands" is a versatile word, avoid overusing it in informal writing. Consider softer alternatives like "asks" or "requests" to maintain a more conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "demands" functions primarily as a noun, referring to requirements or needs. It can also act as a verb (third person singular) to indicate the act of requiring or requesting something firmly. Ludwig shows examples where it is used in both senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demands" is a versatile word that functions both as a noun and a verb, commonly used to express requirements or needs. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically sound and applicable in various contexts. It appears frequently in news and media sources, indicating its prevalence in current affairs and formal discussions. While "demands" is a useful term, considering alternatives like "requests" or "requirements" can add nuance to your writing. When using "demands", ensure proper subject-verb agreement and consider the context to maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requirements

Focuses on necessities or conditions that must be met.

stipulations

Implies specific conditions or terms that are part of an agreement.

requests

Suggests a more polite or less forceful expression of needs.

claims

Emphasizes a right or entitlement to something.

expectations

Highlights what is anticipated or considered necessary.

prerequisites

Focuses on conditions that must be satisfied before something else can happen.

necessities

Emphasizes essential needs or requirements.

provisions

Refers to specific terms or conditions that are part of a legal or formal agreement.

exactions

Highlights the act of demanding and obtaining something forcefully or authoritatively.

wishes

Suggests a desire or preference, often less forceful than a demand.

FAQs

How can I use "demands" in a sentence?

You can use "demands" as a noun, referring to things that are required, or as a verb, indicating the act of requiring something. For example: "The job places heavy "demands" on her time." or "The customer "demands" a refund."

What can I say instead of "demands"?

You can use alternatives like "requires", "requests", or "stipulates" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the situation demands" or "the situation demand"?

"The situation demands" is correct. "Demands" should be in the third person singular form because "situation" is a singular noun.

What's the difference between "demands" and "requests"?

"Demands" implies a forceful requirement, while "requests" suggests a more polite or less assertive approach. The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.