demands to know

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demands 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: "The journalist demands to know the truth behind the scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

DAY 50 Obama demands to know "whose ass to kick".

Independent

He demands to know your name and license number.

The New Yorker

"What's that you're writing?" she demands to know.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Commander demands to know who is responsible.

The New Yorker

She tells both stories to her daughter, who demands to know the point.

The New Yorker

Muffley, also played by Sellars, demands to know how this could be possible.

The New Yorker

He prattles on until Nora, impatient and frustrated, demands to know who did it.

The New York Times - Books

She demands to know the name of the boy and threatens to tell the girl's father.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They demand to know exactly what happened".

The Economist

Ms. Metz demanded to know more.

The New York Times

We demand to know the truth".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demands to know" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or authority in the questioning. It's stronger than a simple request for information.

Common error

Avoid using "demands to know" in situations where a neutral or polite inquiry is more appropriate. The phrase carries a connotation of insistence or even aggression, which may not be suitable for all situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demands to know" functions as a verb phrase indicating a forceful request for information. It is commonly used to express a character's or person's insistence on receiving an answer. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "demands to know" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that conveys a strong insistence on receiving information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedia sources, the phrase signals urgency or authority. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with the situation, as overusing it in neutral settings may be inappropriate. Alternatives like "insists on knowing" or "requires an explanation" may be more suitable depending on the desired level of formality or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insists on knowing

Focuses on the insistence and certainty of the knowledge sought.

requires an explanation

Highlights the need for a justification or clarification.

wants to ascertain

Emphasizes the desire to find something out for certain.

needs to find out

Highlights the necessity of discovering information.

presses for information

Focuses on the act of actively seeking and pushing to get the information.

requests clarification

Implies a formal request for a more detailed explanation.

seeks an answer

Focuses on the search for a resolution or response to a question.

asks pointedly

Highlights the direct and often forceful nature of the inquiry.

inquire urgently

Conveys a sense of immediate need and importance in the request.

imperatively asks

Stresses the commanding and authoritative nature of the question.

FAQs

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

Use "demands to know" to show a character or person is strongly requesting or insisting on getting information, often with a sense of urgency or authority. For example: "The commander "demands to know" who is responsible for the error".

What can I say instead of "demands to know"?

You can use alternatives like "insists on knowing", "requires an explanation", or "wants to ascertain" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "demands to know" or "demanded to know"?

"Demands to know" is used in the present tense, while "demanded to know" is the past tense. Use "demands to know" when describing an ongoing or habitual action, and "demanded to know" when describing a completed action in the past.

What is the tone conveyed by "demands to know"?

The phrase "demands to know" conveys a tone of insistence, urgency, or even authority. It suggests that the speaker is not simply asking a question but is strongly requesting or requiring an answer.