i demand you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I demand you' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in a very strong and authoritative way. For example: "I demand you shut off the lights immediately!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I demand you turn off the videotape.

The New York Times

But I do have a cracking set of bangers, and I demand you leave Gok alone.

The Guardian - Opinion

So therefore I demand you retract your outrageous slur!" "Very well.

The Guardian - Books

Not that long ago, the problem of airlines losing checked bags was so pervasive, it gave rise to a joke in which an airline hijacker tells the pilot, "I demand you take me to where my luggage is going".

The New York Times

Over the years, rock has frequently reduced experimental jazz to a kind of dilettantish signifier: few things say "I consider myself to be a very important artist unleashing a challenging musical statement, I demand you take me seriously" quite like a burst of skronking free brass dropped in the middle of a track.

The Guardian - Music

T-Mobile customers, I demand you pick up something like…ah…I guess the W810 from Sony-Ericsson is rad still.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I am paying you, and I demand that you start working together.

The New York Times

Instead of asking "How are you?" try saying: "I demand that you describe your current emotions and circumstances".

The Guardian - Business

In addition, I demand that you change your policy and if you do not have an item, either offer a substitute side or give a reduction in the price.

Huffington Post

I demand that you renounce calls to violence and consider the role you play in shaping public discourse, specifically with the words you choose and the behavior you exhibit and encourage.

Los Angeles Times

"I demand that you renounce calls to violence and consider the role you play in shaping public discourse, specifically with the words you choose and the behavior you exhibit and encourage," Horvath stated.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i demand you" sparingly and with careful consideration of the context. It is a direct and forceful expression, best suited for situations where you have clear authority or when emphasizing the urgency of a request.

Common error

Avoid using "i demand you" in casual conversations or when addressing peers. This phrase can come across as aggressive or entitled if used inappropriately. Consider more polite alternatives like "i ask that you" or "could you please".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "i demand you" is to express a forceful command or requirement. It asserts the speaker's authority and expects immediate compliance. Ludwig indicates the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "i demand you" serves as a potent expression of command, suitable for situations where authority and immediate action are paramount. While grammatically correct according to Ludwig AI, its usage should be carefully considered to avoid appearing overly aggressive or entitled in inappropriate settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, often reflecting scenarios of conflict, legal disputes, or strong assertions. Consider softening the phrase to one that is more polite such as "i request you" if needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i order you

Replaces 'demand' with 'order', indicating a position of authority and direct command.

i command you

Similar to 'order', but carries a stronger sense of absolute authority.

i insist you

Changes the verb to 'insist', suggesting a firm but potentially less aggressive demand.

it is my demand that you

Adds formality and emphasis to the demand.

i require you

Replaces 'demand' with 'require', indicating a need or necessity rather than a forceful command.

i expect you to

Focuses on the expectation of compliance rather than an explicit demand.

i urge you

Substitutes 'demand' with 'urge', implying a strong encouragement or plea.

i implore you

Uses 'implore' instead of 'demand', conveying a sense of desperation or earnest request.

i request that you

Similar to 'ask that you', but slightly more formal.

i ask that you

Softens the demand by framing it as a request.

FAQs

How can I soften the tone of "i demand you"?

To soften the tone, consider using phrases like "i request that you", "i ask that you", or "i would appreciate it if you". These alternatives are more polite and less confrontational.

What's the difference between "i demand you" and "i request you"?

"I demand you" implies authority and a firm expectation of compliance. "I request you" is a more polite way of asking for something, without necessarily implying authority.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "i demand you"?

This phrase is appropriate when you have a clear right to make a demand, such as a supervisor addressing a subordinate, or in situations where immediate action is crucial. Avoid using it in situations where politeness is valued.

Are there any formal alternatives to "i demand you"?

Yes, formal alternatives include phrases like "i require you to", "it is my demand that you", or "i insist that you". These options are often used in legal or official contexts.