demands were made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "demands were made" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is stating that requests or requirements were put forth by one party to another. Example: "During the negotiations, several demands were made by the union representatives to ensure better working conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

No demands were made in return for the hostages' release.

The New York Times

"No demands were made," CBS said in response.

The New York Times

Demands were made that the mission pull out in favour of UN intervention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fear spread among parents, demands were made, security was increased, and law enforcement was involved.

The New York Times

Officials said the hostages were seized as demands were made to release two Islamic militant leaders.

The Guardian

Other people who attended the meetings deny such demands were made.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

High demands are made on staff, students and physical resources.

Australian Critical Care

Different demands are made of great teams, debates sparked.

The Guardian - Sport

More demands are made of an overstretched and underfunded NHS.

The Guardian

Similar demands are made to two other papers.

The Guardian - Film

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "demands were made" to clearly indicate that requests or requirements were presented, especially in formal or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "demands were made" when the actor making the demands is unclear or unimportant. If the actor is significant, use an active voice construction such as "The protesters made demands."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "demands were made" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that certain requirements or requests were put forth, often in a formal or official context. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in news reports, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "demands were made" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to report the presentation of requests or requirements. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it appears frequently in news and formal writing, indicating its neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases like "requests were issued" or "requirements were stipulated" can be used to vary the phrasing while maintaining a similar meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the key is to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended formality and clarity of the communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requests were issued

Focuses on the act of formally presenting requests.

requirements were stipulated

Emphasizes the setting of specific requirements or conditions.

conditions were set forth

Highlights the act of establishing specific conditions.

ultimatums were delivered

Implies a final, non-negotiable demand was presented.

stipulations were presented

Focuses on the presentation of agreed-upon terms.

claims were asserted

Emphasizes the act of stating a claim or entitlement.

appeals were launched

Highlights the act of making a formal appeal or request.

proposals were submitted

Focuses on the submission of formal proposals for consideration.

terms were dictated

Implies a forceful imposition of terms or conditions.

asks were articulated

Focuses on the clear and precise expression of requests.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "demands were made" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "requirements were stipulated" or "conditions were set forth".

What is the difference between "demands were made" and "requests were made"?

"Demands were made" often implies a stronger, more forceful request, whereas "requests were made" is generally more neutral. The choice depends on the specific context and the intensity of the message you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "demands were made"?

Using active voice, such as "The union made demands", is often clearer and more direct. "Demands were made" (passive voice) is suitable when the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself.

What are some situations where I might use the phrase "demands were made"?

You might use "demands were made" when reporting on negotiations, protests, or any situation where one party is formally requesting something from another. For example, "During the strike, "demands were made" for better wages and working conditions".