i require you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I require you" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to express a need or demand, typically one that must be met before something else can occur. For example, "I require you to submit the project by Friday in order for us to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I tell her what I want is pictures and we settle on $30 cash for five poses and $20 more if I require you know what at the end of the photo shoot.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I think it requires you to be very scrappy, it requires you to find good customers that believe in the proposition and the potential for the product that they're willing to start working with you in that regard.

TechCrunch

As it happens, I sometimes look at my landline telephone, which I barely use – it requires you to press the actual digits of a number! mad! – but still incurs rental costs, and ask myself why I don't just get rid.

Independent

I therefore require you to resign immediately from this inquiry".

The Guardian - Business

All these steps I've outlined require you to be a very skilled professional in a multitude of disciplines.

TechCrunch

Why didn't the judge say, 'I'm going to require you to have counsel'?" It took the jury only t​wo hours to find Panetti guilty in 1995.

Vice

My hopes are that the stuff I write here won't require you to take a bath afterward to get all of the gunk off, but I'm also realistic and know that might be too much to hope for.

Vice

My hopes are that the stuff I write here won't require you to take a bath afterwards to get all of the gunk off, but I'm also realistic and know that might be too much to hope for.

Vice

Agencies require you to fulfil a certain role, I think.

The Guardian - Money

"The report is further compelling evidence of the breaches of the funding agreement I have required you to address," he wrote.

The Guardian

Writing to the school's chair of governors on Thursday, Lord Nash said the Ofsted report was "further compelling evidence of the breaches of the funding agreement I have required you to address".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i require you" when stating a formal demand or expectation. It's best suited for situations where you have the authority to make such a demand or where the context is highly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "i require you" in casual or informal situations. It can sound overly authoritative or even rude if not used appropriately. Consider using softer phrases like "i need you to" or "please" in less formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i require you" functions as a directive speech act, where the speaker is imposing an obligation or expressing a strong need for the listener to perform a specific action. This is evident in the Ludwig example where the speaker is clearly expecting something to happen. The phrase asserts the speaker's authority or necessity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i require you" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a formal demand or expectation. While it's usage is not very common, according to Ludwig it functions as a directive speech act, most often used in formal or professional settings. When using this phrase, be mindful of the tone to avoid sounding overly authoritative in inappropriate contexts. Alternative phrases such as "i need you to" or "i request that you" may be more suitable for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i request that you

This is a more polite and formal way to ask someone to do something.

i need you to

Expresses a personal necessity, making the request more about the speaker's requirement.

i ask you to

It softens the demand with a polite inquiry, emphasizing the speaker's need for the action to be performed.

i instruct you

Focuses on conveying directions or commands, implying a structured teaching or guidance context.

i order you

Emphasizes a direct command, typically from someone in authority, with an expectation of immediate compliance.

i command you

Highlights the speaker's authoritative position, suitable for situations where strict obedience is necessary.

i expect you to

Sets an expectation for future action, implying a level of trust and confidence in the other person.

i urge you

Suggests a strong recommendation or plea, indicating a desire rather than a strict demand.

i advise you

Offers guidance based on expertise, useful in contexts where the speaker's knowledge is valuable.

it's essential that you

Highlights the critical importance of the action, suitable for situations where failure has significant consequences.

FAQs

What does "i require you" mean?

The phrase "i require you" expresses a formal demand or necessity, indicating that the speaker has the authority or a compelling reason for someone to perform a specific action. It implies that compliance is expected.

When is it appropriate to use "i require you"?

Use "i require you" in formal settings, such as professional or legal contexts, where you need to assert authority or emphasize the importance of a task. Avoid using it in casual conversations where it may sound too demanding.

What are some alternatives to "i require you"?

You can use alternatives like "i need you to", "i request that you", or "i ask you to" depending on the level of formality and politeness you wish to convey.

How does the tone of "i require you" differ from "i need you to"?

"I require you" carries a stronger, more formal tone than "i need you to". The former implies a demand, while the latter suggests a necessity or dependence. Use "i require you" when you have authority and expect compliance, and "i need you to" when expressing a need for assistance.