he demanded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "he demanded to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone demanded something from someone else, usually in a strong and forceful way. For example, "He demanded to know why she had taken so long to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Occasionally, he demanded to be heard.

The New Yorker

He demanded to be watched.

The Guardian

He demanded to be traded.

The New York Times - Sports

He demanded to know "who is giving the instructions?

The Economist

He demanded to see an attorney, and the interview ended.

The New Yorker

But he demanded to be taken seriously, and he was.

The New York Times - Arts

He demanded to see all of my credentials.

The New York Times

"What the hell's going on, Bill?" he demanded to know.

The Times

"Who thought up this deal?" he demanded to know.

The New York Times

"Hey, why are you Party A?" he demanded to know.

The New York Times - Magazine

He demanded to talk to someone in charge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid overuse of "he demanded to". Consider using alternatives like "he insisted" or "he requested" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he demanded to" in situations where a more polite or subtle request is appropriate. Overusing strong language can weaken your writing and make characters seem unnecessarily aggressive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he demanded to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a forceful request or command. As Ludwig AI explains, it conveys a strong insistence from the subject. The examples illustrate its use in various contexts where someone is asserting their will or seeking immediate action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he demanded to" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a strong request or command. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, noting its role in conveying assertiveness or urgency. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase signifies a firm expectation of compliance. While effective, consider alternative phrasings to avoid overuse and maintain nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he insisted on

Emphasizes persistence but can be less forceful than "demanded".

he required to

Implies a necessity rather than a forceful request.

he pressed for

Indicates persistent urging or advocacy.

he pushed for

Similar to pressed for, implying active effort.

he requested to

More polite and less assertive than "demanded".

he claimed the right to

Highlights the assertion of a perceived entitlement.

he stipulated to

Suggests a condition or agreement was made.

he urged to

Suggests advising or strongly encouraging someone.

he told to

Direct instruction, lacking the nuance of a demand.

he expected to

Implies an anticipation or assumption, rather than an explicit demand.

FAQs

How to use "he demanded to" in a sentence?

Use "he demanded to" when you want to show that someone strongly insisted on something. For example, "He demanded to see the manager immediately".

What can I say instead of "he demanded to"?

You can use alternatives like "he insisted on", "he requested to", or "he required to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he demanded to" or "he demanded that"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "he demanded that" is often followed by a clause using the subjunctive mood. "He demanded to" is followed by a verb in the infinitive form.

What's the difference between "he demanded to know" and "he asked"?

"He demanded to know" implies a forceful request for information, often with an expectation of immediate or unquestioning compliance. "He asked" is a more neutral way of seeking information.