they demanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they demanded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone is insisting on something or requesting it forcefully. Example: "During the meeting, they demanded a clear explanation of the project's delays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Your papers," they demanded.

The New York Times

They demanded an apology.

The New York Times

They demanded money.

The New York Times

They demanded a toll.

The New York Times - Travel

They demanded Lovecraft's papers.

The New Yorker

They demanded meetings.

The New York Times

No, they demanded it.

The New York Times - Arts

What if they demanded information from me?

The New York Times

They demanded that Tusquets show "respect".

The New Yorker

"What did it all mean?" they demanded.

The New York Times

So, they demanded, where was the gun?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they demanded", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This is particularly important in news reporting or formal writing where clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "they demanded" when a more neutral term like "requested" or "asked" would be more appropriate. "Demanded" implies a sense of urgency or insistence that may not always be accurate or necessary.

Linguistic Context

They demanded functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of a group insisting on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe requests for items, actions, or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they demanded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to convey a firm request or insistence made by a group. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register despite its assertive connotation. While interchangeable with softer alternatives like "they requested" in certain situations, "they demanded" carries a stronger sense of urgency or entitlement. Therefore, writers should use it judiciously, ensuring the context aligns with the intended level of forcefulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they insisted

Focuses on the firmness and persistence of their request.

they requested

A more polite or formal way of saying they asked for something.

they required

Emphasizes that something was necessary or obligatory according to them.

they stipulated

Implies that they specified something as a condition or requirement.

they commanded

Indicates a forceful or authoritative demand.

they claimed

Highlights that they asserted something as a right or entitlement.

they pressed for

Suggests they actively and persistently advocated for something.

they urged

Conveys that they strongly advised or encouraged a certain action.

they sought

A more formal way of saying they tried to obtain something

they expected

Suggests a belief that they were entitled to something.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "they demanded"?

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

Is "they demanded" formal or informal?

"They demanded" is neither strictly formal nor informal. However, its forceful connotation might make it less suitable for highly formal contexts where a more diplomatic term like "they requested" might be preferred.

How to use "they demanded" in a sentence?

You can use "they demanded" to indicate that a group of people strongly requested or insisted on something. For example, "The protesters demanded an end to the war."

What's the difference between "they demanded" and "they asked for"?

"They demanded" implies a stronger, more forceful request than "they asked for". Demanding suggests a sense of entitlement or urgency, while asking is more neutral.