it could demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could demand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation or condition that has the potential to require something or impose a request. Example: "In certain circumstances, it could demand a more thorough investigation to uncover the truth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In this case, if the Internal Revenue Service found that a company were paying a rate of less than 15% on its profits in any other country, it could demand the shortfall.Yet the failings of global corporate taxation will not be remedied by one country acting alone, even America (and there is no guarantee that the bipartisan consensus will translate into a sensible new tax law soon).

The Economist

It could demand as much as 9.5 percent.

The New York Times

If so, it could demand the money back.

The Guardian - Business

It could demand that Ms Yingluck be indicted over a disastrous rice-pledging scheme.

The Economist

If the agency had the encrypted message in hand, it could demand the key to read it, he said.

The New York Times - Science

A network with that much national distribution could also make or break a syndicated program, meaning it could demand a financial stake in virtually every syndication show.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But when it blundered, the British people could demand that it try harder – which was part of its glory, because it was "ours".

The Guardian - Books

For assets where it might not have all the information it needs, the Treasury could demand a slice of equity in the selling firm as well.

The New York Times

Really you could demand it, because, you know, you pay them.

Vice

Because Tsipras went into negotiations making it clear he was desperate to keep Greece in the eurozone, the EU could demand whatever it liked, knowing he'd accept anything rather than abandon the euro.

Independent

The United States government "had the smoking guns," Professor Coffee said, and "it could have demanded its price from Barclays," including a guilty plea to a crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could demand", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. Lack of clarity can lead to confusion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it could demand" can sometimes sound less formal than alternatives like "it may require" in certain professional contexts. Consider the tone of your writing and adjust accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could demand" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating a possibility or potential action. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it could demand" is a versatile modal verb phrase used to express a possibility of requiring something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It's commonly found in news, academic writing, and business contexts. When writing with this phrase, consider the clarity of the subject "it" and whether a more formal alternative might be appropriate. The phrase is helpful for presenting hypothetical scenarios and potential consequences. Given its prevalence and grammatical soundness, "it could demand" remains a reliable choice for expressing conditional requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can call for

Simple and direct alternative, implying a request or need.

it has the right to require

This alternative emphasizes the legal or moral entitlement to make a demand.

it is entitled to request

Similar to the above, but with a slightly softer tone, focusing on entitlement rather than a firm demand.

it may require

This suggests a potential need for something, rather than an active demand.

it might insist on

Implies a firm request, possibly in the face of resistance.

it is empowered to ask for

Focuses on the authority or power to make a request.

it is authorized to claim

Suggests a formal or official permission to make a claim.

it is in a position to solicit

Suggests it is able to ask for in a persuasive way.

it is able to stipulate

Emphasizes the power to set terms or conditions.

it is allowed to seek

Suggests permission to pursue or look for something.

FAQs

How can I use "it could demand" in a sentence?

The phrase "it could demand" is used to indicate a possibility or potential for requiring something. For instance, "If the company fails to meet its obligations, it could demand immediate repayment of the loan."

What are some alternatives to "it could demand"?

You can use alternatives like "it may require", "it might insist on", or "it can call for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it could demand"?

It is appropriate to use "it could demand" when you want to express a conditional possibility of requiring something, typically in a formal or neutral context.

What is the difference between "it could demand" and "it must demand"?

"It could demand" suggests a possibility or option, while "it must demand" implies a necessity or obligation. The former is conditional, while the latter is assertive.