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B1 verb / noun #43 más común 12 min de lectura

demands

Top 43

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos demands en 30 segundos

Explicación demands in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'demands' as a very strong way of saying 'I want' or 'I need.' It is a word you might hear when someone is very serious or even a bit angry. For example, if a child is very hungry and keeps shouting for food, they are making a demand. However, at this level, it is better to use 'ask' or 'want' because 'demand' can sound a bit rude. You might see this word in simple stories where a king or a boss tells someone exactly what to do. It is a word about power and needing something right now. Remember, 'demands' is the action of telling someone they *must* do something for you. It is not a polite question. In simple terms: 'I demand' means 'You must give me this.'

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'demands' used in more common situations, like at school or at home. You might learn that a teacher 'demands' that students do their homework on time. This means the teacher is very serious and there will be trouble if the work is not done. You also begin to see 'demands' as a noun, meaning the things you have to do. For example, 'The demands of school' are the many tests and lessons you must finish. It's a word that describes when life feels a bit busy or hard because you have many things to do. You might hear it in simple news reports about people wanting more money or better rules. It is a step up from just 'wanting' something; it is about 'requiring' it.

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At the B1 level, 'demands' becomes a key word for discussing work, social issues, and personal responsibilities. You should understand that as a verb, it implies authority or a strong right. For instance, 'The customer demands a refund' shows that the customer believes they have a legal right to get their money back. As a noun, you will use 'demands' to talk about the pressures of daily life. You might say, 'I am struggling with the demands of my new job.' This level also introduces the idea of 'supply and demand' in basic economics. You should be able to distinguish between a polite request and a demand, and know that 'demands' often carries a sense of urgency or non-negotiable necessity. It is a very useful word for expressing that something is essential.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'demands' with more grammatical precision and in more abstract contexts. You should be comfortable using the 'demand that...' structure, often employing the subjunctive mood (e.g., 'The public demands that the minister resign'). You will also encounter 'demands' in professional and technical contexts, such as 'system demands' for computers or 'physical demands' for athletes. At this level, you should understand the nuance of the word in political discourse, where 'making demands' is a standard part of negotiations and protests. You should also be able to use the adjective 'demanding' to describe difficult tasks or people who are hard to please. The word now represents a complex interaction of power, necessity, and expectation.

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At the C1 level, 'demands' is used to discuss sophisticated concepts in law, philosophy, and high-level professional environments. You will recognize it in phrases like 'the demands of justice' or 'the demands of morality,' where the word refers to abstract requirements that guide human behavior. You should be able to use the word to describe intricate system requirements or complex psychological pressures. In writing, you might use 'demands' to create a tone of authority or to highlight a critical necessity. You will also understand the subtle difference between 'demanding' something and 'claiming' or 'insisting' on it, choosing the word that perfectly fits the legal or social context. Your use of the word will reflect an understanding of the power dynamics and the ethical implications of making a demand.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'demands' allows you to use it with complete precision in any context, from literary analysis to technical white papers. You understand the word's etymological roots and how they influence its modern usage. You can use 'demands' to describe the existential pressures of the human condition or the rigorous requirements of advanced scientific research. In high-level debate, you might use the word to challenge an opponent's position, asserting that 'logic demands' a different conclusion. You are fully aware of the word's potential for rhetorical impact and use it to convey absolute necessity, authoritative command, or overwhelming pressure. Whether discussing the 'demands of the market' or the 'demands of the soul,' your usage is nuanced, accurate, and stylistically appropriate.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

demands en 30 segundos

Demands is a high-intensity word used to express non-negotiable requirements or forceful requests in both personal and professional contexts.
As a verb, it shows authority or urgency, often followed by a direct object, an infinitive, or a 'that' clause in the subjunctive mood.
As a noun, it describes the pressures, tasks, or items required by a situation, such as the 'demands of a job' or 'physical demands'.
It is a versatile term found in economics (supply and demand), technology (system demands), and law (demand letters), signaling essential needs.

The word demands functions as both a powerful verb and a versatile noun, serving as a cornerstone for expressing necessity, urgency, and authority in the English language. At its core, to demand something is to ask for it with a level of forcefulness that suggests the requester does not expect—or will not accept—a refusal. It is several steps above 'asking' or 'requesting' on the scale of assertiveness. When you ask for something, you acknowledge the other person's right to say no; when you demand it, you are often asserting a right, a position of power, or a desperate need that bypasses the usual social niceties of polite suggestion.

The Assertive Verb: In its verbal form, 'demands' indicates a high-pressure communication style. It is frequently used in legal, political, and professional contexts where one party has the standing to require action from another. For example, a kidnapper might demand a ransom, or a union might demand better wages. In these cases, the word highlights the non-negotiable nature of the request.

The angry customer demands to speak with the manager immediately regarding the faulty product.

The Burden of Nouns: As a noun, 'demands' shifts from the act of asking to the weight of the requirements themselves. It often refers to the pressures of a situation or the specific items on a list of requirements. We speak of the 'physical demands' of an Olympic athlete's training or the 'emotional demands' of being a healthcare worker. In this sense, it describes the toll or the set of expectations that a situation imposes on a person.

The high demands of the new project left the entire team feeling exhausted by Friday.

In economic terms, 'demand' (often used in the singular but related to the plural 'demands' of the market) represents the consumer's desire and ability to purchase goods. When we say 'supply and demand,' we are talking about the collective 'demands' of a population for a product. This highlights the word's connection to value and necessity. If something is 'in high demand,' it means many people are forcefully seeking it out, often driving up its value or importance.

The public demands transparency from the government regarding the new tax laws.

Contextual Nuance: The word is also used in technical contexts. A computer program might have 'high system demands,' meaning it requires a lot of processing power or memory to function. Here, 'demands' is synonymous with 'requirements' but carries a stronger sense of 'need'—the program simply will not run without these resources.

Justice demands that the truth be told, regardless of the consequences for those involved.

Modern life often places conflicting demands on our time, forcing us to choose between work and family.

Using 'demands' correctly involves understanding its grammatical structures as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it is transitive, meaning it usually takes an object. You demand *something* or you demand *to do something*. It is a strong verb, so it should be reserved for situations where authority or urgency is being expressed. For example, 'The teacher demands silence' is much more forceful than 'The teacher asks for silence.' The former implies that silence is a requirement for the class to continue and that there may be consequences for breaking it.

Verb Patterns: 1. Demand + Noun: 'She demands respect.' 2. Demand + to-infinitive: 'He demands to see the evidence.' 3. Demand + that clause: 'They demand that the law be changed.' Note that in the 'that' clause, the verb often stays in its base form (subjunctive mood) in formal writing.

The situation demands immediate action from the local authorities to prevent further damage.

Noun Patterns: As a noun, 'demands' is frequently paired with adjectives that describe the nature of the pressure. Common pairings include 'heavy demands,' 'conflicting demands,' 'increasing demands,' and 'unreasonable demands.' It is often used with the preposition 'on' to show who or what is being pressured: 'The demands on my time are too great.'

Meeting the demands of the shareholders is the CEO's primary responsibility this quarter.

In passive constructions, 'demands' can sound even more formal and objective. For instance, 'Much is demanded of those in leadership positions' suggests a universal truth about the expectations placed on leaders. This structure removes the specific person making the demand and focuses on the weight of the expectation itself. This is common in academic or philosophical writing where the focus is on systemic pressures rather than individual actions.

The captain demands total loyalty from every member of the crew during the voyage.

Common Collocations: Verbs often used with the noun 'demands' include: meet, satisfy, face, cope with, and resist. You 'meet the demands' of a job, or you 'cope with the demands' of a busy schedule. If a request is unfair, you might 'resist the demands' of a bully.

She found it difficult to balance the demands of her career with her personal life.

The kidnappers made several demands before they would agree to release the hostages.

You will encounter 'demands' in a wide variety of settings, ranging from high-stakes political negotiations to everyday office talk. In the news, 'demands' is a staple word for reporting on conflicts. You'll hear about protesters making 'demands' for social justice, or nations making 'demands' during trade talks. In these contexts, the word emphasizes that the requests are not just polite suggestions but are backed by the threat of action, such as strikes, protests, or economic sanctions.

In the Workplace: In a professional setting, 'demands' often refers to the workload. You might hear a colleague say, 'The demands of this role are becoming unmanageable.' This usage highlights the pressure of expectations. Managers might also 'demand' excellence or 'demand' that deadlines be met, signaling a strict and authoritative leadership style that prioritizes results over process.

The software's high processing demands mean it won't run on older laptop models.

In Personal Relationships: In more intimate settings, 'demands' can have a negative connotation. If someone is described as 'demanding,' it usually means they require a lot of attention, time, or effort from others, often in a way that feels selfish or exhausting. A 'demanding child' or a 'demanding partner' is someone whose needs are constant and forcefully expressed.

The coach demands nothing less than 100% effort from the players during every practice session.

In the realm of technology and gaming, 'demands' refers to the hardware requirements. A new video game might have 'steep system demands,' requiring the latest graphics cards and processors. This usage is very common in reviews and technical specifications. Similarly, in environmental science, we talk about the 'demands' on natural resources, such as the 'water demands' of a growing city or the 'energy demands' of an industrial zone.

The union is presenting a list of demands to the management before they consider returning to work.

Legal and Formal Contexts: Lawyers often send 'demand letters,' which are formal documents demanding that a person or company perform a legal obligation, such as paying a debt or stopping a certain behavior. This is a critical step before a lawsuit is filed, showing that the word 'demands' is legally significant and carries the weight of potential litigation.

The rising demands for renewable energy have led to increased investment in wind and solar power.

He demands an explanation for why the project was delayed without his knowledge.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'demands' is using it when a softer word like 'asks' or 'requests' would be more appropriate. Because 'demands' implies authority or a non-negotiable requirement, using it in a polite social context can make you sound aggressive or rude. For example, saying 'I demand a glass of water' to a waiter is considered very impolite in most English-speaking cultures, whereas 'Could I have a glass of water, please?' is the standard. Understanding the social 'temperature' of the word is key to using it effectively.

Grammar: The Subjunctive: A common grammatical error occurs in 'that' clauses. In formal English, after 'demand,' we use the base form of the verb. Incorrect: 'She demands that he stays.' Correct: 'She demands that he stay.' This is the subjunctive mood, and while it is often ignored in casual speech, it is expected in formal writing and exams.

The boss demands that every employee be on time for the meeting (not 'is on time').

Confusing Noun and Verb: Another mistake is confusing the singular 'demand' with the plural 'demands.' While they are related, 'demands' (plural) usually refers to a set of pressures or a list of requirements. 'Demand' (singular) is more common when talking about economic desire or a single, specific act of demanding. Saying 'The demands for oil is high' is incorrect; it should be 'The demand for oil is high.'

The demands of the job were so high that he decided to quit after only three months.

Learners also sometimes use the wrong preposition with the noun 'demands.' The correct preposition to show who is feeling the pressure is 'on.' Incorrect: 'The demands to me are too much.' Correct: 'The demands on me are too much.' If you are talking about the source of the demand, you use 'from.' For example: 'The demands from the management were unreasonable.' Mixing these up can change the meaning of your sentence or make it sound unnatural.

She demands to know the truth about what happened during the incident.

Overusing the Word: Because 'demands' is such a strong word, overusing it can make your writing feel overly dramatic or aggressive. In many cases, words like 'requires,' 'needs,' or 'expects' are more precise and less emotionally charged. Use 'demands' only when you want to emphasize the absolute necessity or the forceful nature of the requirement.

The customer demands a full refund for the broken television he purchased yesterday.

The demands of the environment require us to change our consumption habits immediately.

To enrich your vocabulary, it's helpful to understand words that are similar to 'demands' but carry slightly different shades of meaning. Choosing the right alternative can make your communication more precise and appropriate for the context. While 'demands' is forceful and authoritative, other words might be more suitable for professional, academic, or casual settings.

Insist vs. Demand: 'Insist' is similar to 'demand' but often focuses more on the speaker's persistence rather than their authority. If you 'insist' on something, you are refusing to take 'no' for an answer, but you might not have the power to force the other person. 'Demand' implies that you have a right or the power to get what you want. For example: 'I insist that you stay for dinner' (polite persistence) vs. 'I demand that you stay' (authoritative command).

The situation demands a level of focus that few people are able to maintain for long.

Require vs. Demand: 'Require' is a more neutral and formal alternative. It suggests that something is necessary because of a rule, law, or logical necessity, rather than a personal desire. 'This job requires a degree' sounds more professional and objective than 'This job demands a degree.' Use 'require' when the necessity comes from a system or a set of rules.

The protesters' demands were finally met after weeks of intense negotiations with the city.

In the context of the noun 'demands' (meaning pressures), alternatives include 'expectations,' 'requirements,' 'pressures,' or 'burdens.' 'Expectations' is often used in social or professional contexts: 'The expectations of my parents were high.' 'Pressures' is better for emotional or psychological stress: 'The pressures of modern life.' 'Requirements' is the most formal and is used for official lists: 'The requirements for the visa are listed online.'

The general demands absolute obedience from his soldiers at all times during the mission.

Order vs. Demand: An 'order' is a specific type of demand made by someone in a clear position of authority, like a military officer or a judge. While all orders are demands, not all demands are orders. A demand can be made by someone without official authority who is simply being assertive or desperate.

The complexity of the problem demands a sophisticated solution that addresses all factors.

He demands that the company take responsibility for the environmental damage it caused.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

While 'mandare' is the root of 'mandate' and 'command', 'demand' evolved to mean asking for something back that you feel was entrusted or is rightfully yours.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /dɪˈmɑːndz/

US /dɪˈmændz/

Second syllable (de-MANDS)

Rima con

commands expands hands lands stands bands sands strands

Errores comunes

Pronouncing the 'e' as a strong 'ee' sound; it should be a short 'ih' or 'uh'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
In the US, making the 'a' too long like the UK version.
Forgetting to pronounce the 's' at the end when it is plural or third-person singular.
Confusing the 'd' sound at the end with a 't' sound.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

Common in news and literature, easy to recognize.

Escritura 5/5

Requires knowledge of the subjunctive mood in formal contexts.

Expresión oral 4/5

Must be careful with tone to avoid sounding rude.

Escucha 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to hear.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

ask want need tell rule

Aprende después

require insist stipulate mandatory obligation

Avanzado

requisition exaction imperative prerequisite postulate

Gramática que debes saber

Subjunctive Mood

It is essential that he demand (not demands) an explanation.

Transitive Verbs

You cannot just 'demand'; you must demand 'something'.

Plural vs Singular Nouns

Use 'demand' for the economic concept, 'demands' for multiple pressures.

Prepositional Phrases

We place demands 'on' people, but we receive demands 'from' them.

Infinitive Phrases

Demand is often followed by 'to' + verb: 'I demand to know!'

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Ejemplos por nivel

The king demands more gold.

Le roi exige plus d'or.

Simple subject + verb + object.

He demands to see his food.

Il exige de voir sa nourriture.

Demand + to-infinitive.

The boss demands that you work.

Le patron exige que tu travailles.

Demand + that clause.

She demands a big toy.

Elle exige un grand jouet.

Verb with a direct object.

They demand help now.

Ils exigent de l'aide maintenant.

Present tense verb.

My cat demands milk.

Mon chat exige du lait.

Third person singular 's'.

The game demands a fast car.

Le jeu exige une voiture rapide.

Abstract use of demand.

He demands an answer.

Il exige une réponse.

Simple transitive verb.

The teacher demands quiet in the library.

Le professeur exige le calme dans la bibliothèque.

Noun as object.

The demands of the test are high.

Les exigences du test sont élevées.

Plural noun usage.

She demands to know the secret.

Elle exige de connaître le secret.

Demand + to-infinitive.

The job demands early mornings.

Le travail exige des réveils matinaux.

Describing requirements.

He demands a better grade.

Il exige une meilleure note.

Expressing a strong wish.

The plant demands a lot of water.

La plante exige beaucoup d'eau.

Metaphorical demand (requirement).

They demand to stay at the park.

Ils exigent de rester au parc.

Verb followed by an infinitive.

The coach demands hard work.

L'entraîneur exige du travail acharné.

Professional requirement.

The customer demands a full refund for the broken item.

Le client exige un remboursement complet pour l'article cassé.

Expressing a right.

The demands of the new job are very stressful.

Les exigences du nouveau travail sont très stressantes.

Plural noun for pressure.

He demands that the manager speak to him.

Il exige que le directeur lui parle.

Subjunctive mood (speak).

The software demands a lot of memory.

Le logiciel exige beaucoup de mémoire.

Technical requirement.

She finds it hard to meet the demands of her family.

Elle a du mal à répondre aux exigences de sa famille.

Collocation: 'meet the demands'.

The union demands a five percent pay rise.

Le syndicat exige une augmentation de salaire de cinq pour cent.

Collective noun subject.

The situation demands our full attention.

La situation exige toute notre attention.

Abstract requirement.

He demands to be treated with respect.

Il exige d'être traité avec respect.

Passive infinitive after demand.

The public demands that the government take action on climate change.

Le public exige que le gouvernement agisse contre le changement climatique.

Formal subjunctive (take).

The physical demands of professional football are immense.

Les exigences physiques du football professionnel sont immenses.

Adjective + noun collocation.

She demands to know why she was passed over for promotion.

Elle exige de savoir pourquoi elle n'a pas été promue.

Infinitive with a 'why' clause.

The market demands high-quality products at low prices.

Le marché exige des produits de haute qualité à bas prix.

Economic context.

The demands on the healthcare system are increasing every year.

Les pressions sur le système de santé augmentent chaque année.

Preposition 'on' with demands.

He demands that the contract be signed by tomorrow.

Il exige que le contrat soit signé d'ici demain.

Passive subjunctive (be signed).

The role demands a high level of technical expertise.

Le rôle exige un haut niveau d'expertise technique.

Professional requirement.

Protesters are making several demands for social reform.

Les manifestants formulent plusieurs demandes de réforme sociale.

Making demands (collocation).

The complexity of the legal case demands a highly experienced lawyer.

La complexité de l'affaire juridique exige un avocat très expérimenté.

Subject-verb agreement with abstract subject.

He demands that the truth be revealed, no matter the cost.

Il exige que la vérité soit révélée, quel qu'en soit le prix.

Subjunctive mood for emphasis.

The demands of the modern economy require constant upskilling.

Les exigences de l'économie moderne nécessitent une montée en compétences constante.

Plural noun as subject.

She struggled to balance the conflicting demands of her various roles.

Elle a eu du mal à concilier les exigences contradictoires de ses différents rôles.

Adjective 'conflicting' with demands.

The project demands a level of precision that is rarely achieved.

Le projet exige un niveau de précision rarement atteint.

Relative clause modifying precision.

Justice demands that the victims receive compensation for their suffering.

La justice exige que les victimes reçoivent une compensation pour leurs souffrances.

Abstract personification.

The rising demands for data privacy have led to new regulations.

Les demandes croissantes en matière de confidentialité des données ont conduit à de nouvelles réglementations.

Compound noun phrase.

He demands to be heard by the committee before a decision is made.

Il exige d'être entendu par le comité avant qu'une décision ne soit prise.

Passive infinitive.

The ontological demands of the theory are difficult for many to accept.

Les exigences ontologiques de la théorie sont difficiles à accepter pour beaucoup.

Highly academic context.

The text demands a close reading to uncover its hidden meanings.

Le texte exige une lecture attentive pour en découvrir les significations cachées.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

The sheer scale of the disaster demands a global response.

L'ampleur même de la catastrophe exige une réponse mondiale.

Emphatic subject 'sheer scale'.

He demands that the integrity of the process be maintained at all costs.

Il exige que l'intégrité du processus soit maintenue à tout prix.

Subjunctive mood in formal speech.

The cognitive demands of the task exceeded the participants' abilities.

Les exigences cognitives de la tâche dépassaient les capacités des participants.

Scientific/Psychological terminology.

The situation demands a nuanced approach rather than a simple solution.

La situation exige une approche nuancée plutôt qu'une solution simple.

Contrastive structure.

The environment demands that we reconsider our fundamental values.

L'environnement exige que nous reconsidérions nos valeurs fondamentales.

Philosophical imperative.

The demands of the genre often dictate the structure of the narrative.

Les exigences du genre dictent souvent la structure du récit.

Literary theory context.

Colocaciones comunes

meet the demands

heavy demands

conflicting demands

physical demands

system demands

growing demands

unreasonable demands

satisfy demands

resist demands

popular demands

Frases Comunes

in high demand

— Very popular and wanted by many people.

Software engineers are in high demand right now.

on demand

— Available whenever someone wants it.

You can watch movies on demand with this service.

supply and demand

— The economic model of price determination in a market.

The price of gold is governed by supply and demand.

demand a refund

— To forcefully ask for your money back.

If the product is broken, you should demand a refund.

make demands

— To state a list of things you require.

The kidnappers began to make demands.

demand attention

— To be so important or striking that people must notice it.

The bright colors of the painting demand attention.

demand respect

— To behave in a way that makes others respect you.

His quiet authority demands respect.

place demands on

— To put pressure or requirements on someone or something.

Children place great demands on their parents' energy.

demand an explanation

— To forcefully ask why something happened.

The teacher demanded an explanation for the broken window.

yield to demands

— To give in and do what someone else has demanded.

The company finally yielded to the workers' demands.

Se confunde a menudo con

demands vs command

A command is an official order from a superior; a demand is a forceful request from anyone.

demands vs request

A request is polite and can be refused; a demand is forceful and expects compliance.

demands vs require

Require is more neutral and often based on rules; demand is more personal and forceful.

Modismos y expresiones

"demand the impossible"

— To ask for something that cannot be done.

Asking me to finish this in an hour is demanding the impossible.

Informal

"the demands of the hour"

— The urgent needs of a specific current situation.

We must rise to the demands of the hour.

Formal

"at someone's beck and call"

— Always ready to obey someone's demands immediately.

I'm not at your beck and call!

Informal

"lay claim to"

— To demand that something belongs to you.

He laid claim to the abandoned property.

Formal

"call the shots"

— To be the person who makes the demands and decisions.

In this office, the manager calls the shots.

Informal

"stand one's ground"

— To refuse to yield to someone else's demands.

She stood her ground and refused to sign the paper.

Neutral

"put someone through their paces"

— To make high demands on someone to see what they can do.

The coach put the new players through their paces.

Informal

"hammer out"

— To work hard to reach an agreement on demands.

They managed to hammer out a deal.

Informal

"drive a hard bargain"

— To be very demanding during a negotiation.

He drives a hard bargain, but he's fair.

Informal

"take a toll"

— When the demands of a situation cause damage or exhaustion.

The demands of the job are taking a toll on his health.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

demands vs Demanding

It's the adjective form.

Demands is the action or the thing; demanding describes a person or task that is difficult.

He is a demanding boss who makes many demands.

demands vs Command

Similar meaning of authority.

Commands are usually formal (military/computers); demands are more general and can be emotional.

The general gave a command; the soldier made a demand for better food.

demands vs Claim

Used in legal contexts.

To claim is to say something is yours; to demand is to ask for it forcefully.

He claimed the prize and demanded his money.

demands vs Insist

Both are forceful.

Insist focuses on not giving up; demand focuses on the requirement itself.

I insist you stay; I demand you stay.

demands vs Order

Both tell people what to do.

Order implies a hierarchy; demand can come from anyone.

The judge ordered silence; the crowd demanded justice.

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + demands + noun

The king demands gold.

Subject + demands + to + verb

She demands to play.

The demands of + noun + are + adjective

The demands of the job are high.

Subject + demands + that + subject + base verb

He demands that she be here.

Noun + demands + a + noun + approach

The crisis demands a unified approach.

Passive: Much is demanded of + noun

Much is demanded of the modern scholar.

Noun + in high demand

Fresh water is in high demand.

Place demands on + noun

Stress places demands on the heart.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

demand

demander

demandingness

Verbos

demand

Adjetivos

demanding

undemanding

Relacionado

requirement

necessity

pressure

claim

order

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English.

Errores comunes

I demand for a coffee. → I demand a coffee.
The verb 'demand' is transitive and does not need 'for'.
The demands of the job is high. → The demands of the job are high.
The subject 'demands' is plural, so the verb must be 'are'.
I demand that he stays. → I demand that he stay.
In formal English, use the subjunctive (base form) after 'demand that'.
He is a very demands person. → He is a very demanding person.
Use the adjective 'demanding' to describe a person's character.
The demand on oil is rising. → The demand for oil is rising.
Use 'for' when talking about economic desire for a product.

Consejos

Be Careful with Tone

Using 'demand' with peers can damage relationships. Use 'request' or 'ask' unless you are in a position of authority.

Subjunctive Alert

In formal writing, remember to use the base verb: 'They demand that he *go*' (not goes).

Manage Expectations

When a client makes 'unreasonable demands,' it is better to use the word 'requirements' when negotiating with them.

Use Synonyms

To avoid repetition, use 'requirements,' 'pressures,' or 'expectations' when talking about the noun form.

Singular vs Plural

Use the singular 'demand' when talking about the market: 'The demand for housing is high.'

Softening the Blow

If you must make a demand, start with 'I'm afraid the situation demands...' to sound less personally aggressive.

Context Clues

If you hear 'demands' in a news report, look for the 'who' and the 'what' to understand the power struggle.

Active Voice

Using 'demands' in the active voice ('The public demands...') is much more powerful than the passive voice.

Hardware Specs

When buying a computer, check the 'system demands' to ensure your favorite games will run smoothly.

Self-Care

Recognize the 'demands' you place on yourself; sometimes they are more 'unreasonable' than those from others.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'DE-MAN' (The Man) making 'DEMANDS'. The boss (The Man) tells you what you MUST do.

Asociación visual

Imagine a judge banging a gavel while shouting 'I demand order!' The gavel represents the force of the word.

Word Web

Authority Pressure Requirement Urgency Economics Rights Workload Orders

Desafío

Try to use 'demands' in three different ways today: once for a work task, once for a computer's needs, and once for a social right.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old French word 'demander', which comes from the Medieval Latin 'demandare'.

Significado original: The Latin 'demandare' meant 'to entrust' or 'to hand over', from 'de-' (completely) + 'mandare' (to commit to one's charge).

Indo-European (Italic -> Romance -> Germanic influence via French).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when describing a person as 'demanding,' as it can sometimes carry gendered or negative biases.

Using 'I demand' in a restaurant is a quick way to get bad service. Use 'Could I please have' instead.

'I demand a recount!' (Common political phrase) The economic law of 'Supply and Demand' The Rolling Stones song 'You Can't Always Get What You Want' (often about demands vs needs)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Workplace

meet the demands
workplace demands
demand a promotion
heavy workload demands

Economics

supply and demand
market demand
high demand
consumer demand

Technology

system demands
hardware demands
on-demand service
processing demands

Legal/Rights

demand a refund
demand letter
make demands
legal demands

Personal Life

demanding schedule
family demands
demand attention
emotional demands

Inicios de conversación

"What are the most difficult demands of your current job?"

"Do you think people today make too many demands on the government?"

"How do you handle it when someone makes unreasonable demands on your time?"

"What kind of products do you think will be in high demand in the next ten years?"

"Have you ever had to demand a refund for something you bought?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time when you had to demand something that was rightfully yours. How did it feel?

Reflect on the physical and mental demands of your favorite hobby or sport.

Write about how you balance the conflicting demands of your professional and personal life.

If you were a leader, what three demands would you make to improve the world?

How do the demands of modern technology affect your daily stress levels?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it can be neutral in economics (supply and demand) or technology (system demands). However, in social contexts, it often sounds aggressive.

As a noun, 'demand' (singular) often refers to economic desire, while 'demands' (plural) refers to specific requirements or pressures.

No, 'demand' as a verb does not take the preposition 'for'. You should say 'I demand a refund'.

Usually not. It often means a person is difficult to please, though a 'demanding job' can imply it is prestigious and challenging.

In formal English, use the base form of the verb after 'that': 'I demand that he *be* quiet' instead of 'is quiet'.

It means that many people want to buy or have something, making it very popular or valuable.

Yes, metaphorically. We say a software 'demands' 8GB of RAM, meaning it requires it to function.

Generally, yes. 'Demand' implies you have the right or power to get what you want, while 'insist' is more about your own persistence.

It is a formal letter, often from a lawyer, demanding that someone pay money or fulfill a legal obligation.

You meet demands by fulfilling all the requirements or doing all the work that is expected of you.

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