my only demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my only demand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when stating a singular request or requirement that you have in a particular situation. Example: "In this negotiation, my only demand is a fair wage for all workers involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

My only demand is that I get an Aston Martin car as an honorarium".

The Guardian

It was my only demand.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

My mother only demanded that we finish high school; the other choice was ours.

The New York Times - Sports

I have finally been able to fully shed myself of my meekness when it comes to sex and I know now that I can not only demand what I want but also deny what I don't want: blowjobs.

Vice

That was their only demand".

The Guardian

But "moving is not our only demand," Mr. Varasi said.

The New York Times

To go further, he says he believes we could alter not only demand but also supply.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is not only demand from same-sex couples that is making surrogacy increasingly popular.

The Guardian

Often, it is only demand at peak hours that needs to be supplemented.

The New York Times

It doesn't only demand enormous power – but even greater willpower too.

The Guardian - Sport

If Israel gives up Gaza, they say, the Palestinians will only demand more land.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my only demand" when you want to clearly and directly state the single, most important thing you need or want in a situation. This is particularly useful in negotiations or when setting expectations.

Common error

While "my only demand" is grammatically correct, its directness can sound somewhat demanding or inflexible in casual conversation. Consider softening the language with phrases like "all I'm asking for" or "just one thing I need" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my only demand" functions as a declarative statement expressing a singular requirement or request. It is primarily used to clearly and directly communicate a specific condition or expectation, according to Ludwig AI. Examples in Ludwig shows it is most frequent in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my only demand" is a grammatically sound phrase used to clearly state a singular requirement or condition. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and, while correct, it is relatively rare. The phrase's directness makes it more suitable for professional or neutral settings where clarity is valued, but it can sound overly assertive in casual conversation. Consider using alternative phrases like "my sole requirement" or "that's all I ask" in more informal contexts to soften the tone. The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my sole requirement

Replaces "demand" with "requirement", offering a slightly more formal tone.

my single request

Substitutes "demand" with "request", softening the tone.

my one condition

Emphasizes that this is the only stipulation.

that's all I ask

A more conversational way of expressing a singular request.

all I require is

Highlights the necessity of the single item being requested.

I only insist on

Focuses on the speaker's insistence regarding the single item.

I'm only asking for

Highlights that is just a request and nothing else.

the only thing I need

Directly states what the speaker needs and clarifies nothing else is required.

my essential requirement

Stresses the importance of the single requirement being mentioned.

just one thing I need

It's a friendly statement stressing that just a single thing is needed.

FAQs

How can I use "my only demand" in a sentence?

You can use "my only demand" to clearly state the singular requirement you have in a given situation. For example, "In this negotiation, "my only demand" is a fair wage for all workers involved."

What are some alternatives to "my only demand"?

You can use alternatives like "my sole requirement", "my single request", or "that's all I ask" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "my only demand" in a casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "my only demand" can sound somewhat formal or demanding. In casual settings, consider softer alternatives like "all I require is" or "I'm only asking for".

What's the difference between "my only demand" and "my main demand"?

"My only demand" indicates that there is only one requirement. "My main demand" suggests that there may be other demands, but this one is the most important. It depends on the context if "my main demand" is more fitting.