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B1 verb #49 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

demanded

Top 49

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces demanded en 30 secondes

Explication demanded in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use the word 'demanded' very often because it is a bit strong. Instead, you usually learn 'ask' or 'want'. However, you can think of 'demanded' as a very strong 'asked'. Imagine a child who really wants a toy and says 'Give it to me now!' That child 'demanded' the toy. It is a word for when someone is not being polite and really wants something immediately. You might see it in simple stories where a king or a boss tells someone what to do. Just remember: 'ask' is nice, 'demand' is strong and sometimes a little mean.

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For A2 learners, 'demanded' is a useful word to describe actions in stories. It is the past tense of 'demand'. You use it when someone asks for something in a way that shows they are the boss or they are very angry. For example, 'The teacher demanded silence.' This means the teacher didn't just ask for silence; they told the students they must be quiet. It is also used when a situation is hard. 'The long walk demanded a lot of energy.' This means you needed a lot of energy for the walk. It is a more 'serious' word than 'asked for'.

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At the B1 level, you should start using 'demanded' to add variety to your writing and speaking. It is perfect for situations involving rights or strong needs. For example, if you buy something that is broken, you might 'demand a refund'. This shows you know your rights as a customer. Grammatically, remember that we often say 'demanded to [verb]' or 'demanded [noun]'. Be careful not to use it for every request, or you will sound too aggressive. It's a word for high-stakes moments or when you are describing a very difficult task that 'demands' your attention.

B2 learners should be comfortable with the different grammatical structures of 'demanded'. One important structure is the 'that' clause: 'The public demanded that the law be changed.' Notice how 'be' is used—this is the subjunctive mood, which is common after verbs of demanding. You should also recognize the difference between 'demanded' and 'required' or 'insisted'. 'Demanded' implies a more forceful, often external pressure. In professional contexts, you might use it to describe the 'demands' of a job, meaning the high expectations and hard work that the job 'demanded' from you in the past.

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At the C1 level, you can use 'demanded' to convey subtle nuances in tone and authority. You might use it in academic or formal writing to describe the requirements of a theory or a logical proof ('The logic of the argument demanded a new approach'). You should also be aware of its use in the passive voice to describe social or political movements ('A full inquiry was demanded by the victims' families'). At this level, you should also master the negative connotations; describing someone as 'demanding' (the adjective) or saying they 'demanded' something can be a way to critique their behavior as entitled or overbearing.

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For C2 mastery, 'demanded' is used with precision in complex rhetorical contexts. You might use it to discuss the 'demands' of a particular literary genre or the way a historical event 'demanded' a specific response from world leaders. You understand that 'demanded' can imply an inescapable necessity dictated by circumstances, logic, or morality, beyond just a person's will. You are also adept at using it in the subjunctive mood perfectly ('It was demanded of him that he should renounce his claims') and can distinguish it from near-synonyms like 'exacted', 'enjoined', or 'requisitioned' in highly specialized contexts.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

demanded en 30 secondes

Demanded means asking for something very strongly, often as a right.
It is the past tense of demand and is more forceful than 'asked'.
It can also mean that a situation required a specific quality or effort.
Commonly used in legal, political, and high-pressure professional contexts.

The word demanded is the past tense and past participle form of the verb 'demand'. At its core, to demand something is to ask for it with significant force, authority, or insistence. It is not a polite request; rather, it is an expression of a perceived right or an urgent necessity. When someone has demanded something, they have signaled that they will not accept a refusal. This word is frequently used in contexts where there is a power imbalance, a conflict of interest, or a high-stakes situation where immediate action is required. For instance, in a legal setting, a lawyer might have demanded a discovery of evidence, implying that the law entitles them to it. In a personal context, an angry customer might have demanded a refund after receiving a faulty product, expressing their right as a consumer.

The Element of Authority: Demanding often comes from a position of real or perceived power. A general demands obedience from soldiers; a boss demands a report by the end of the day. The word implies that the person asking has the right to expect compliance.
The Element of Necessity: Sometimes, the word refers to what a situation requires. We might say a difficult task demanded all of our attention. Here, the 'demand' isn't coming from a person, but from the nature of the work itself.

The protesters stood outside the capitol and demanded immediate legislative reform to address the housing crisis.

In everyday conversation, demanded can also describe a person's tone. If someone 'demanded' to know where you were, it suggests they were speaking sharply, perhaps with a hint of suspicion or anger. It is a word that carries weight and often signals a turning point in a narrative or a negotiation. It is distinct from 'asked' because 'asked' allows for a 'no', whereas 'demanded' expects a 'yes'.

After the long delay, the passengers demanded to speak with the airline manager about compensation.

Furthermore, the word is used in economics and business to describe market needs. If a product is 'much demanded', it means there is a high level of desire or requirement for it in the marketplace. However, in its verb form 'demanded', it usually refers to the act of making that requirement known. The nuance of the word changes slightly depending on whether the subject is a person (active insistence) or a situation (intrinsic requirement).

The intricate surgery demanded the utmost precision from the entire medical team.

Social Context: In social settings, being described as someone who 'demanded' things can have a negative connotation, suggesting arrogance or a lack of manners. However, in political activism, 'demanding' rights is seen as a sign of strength and conviction.

She demanded an apology for the disrespectful comments made during the meeting.

In summary, demanded is a powerful verb that bridges the gap between a simple request and a command. It conveys a sense of urgency, right, and non-negotiable expectation, whether it is a person insisting on their due or a situation requiring specific resources or skills.

Using demanded correctly requires understanding its grammatical structures. It is a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes an object. You can demand a thing, demand to do something, or demand that someone else do something. Each of these structures carries a slightly different weight and is used in different scenarios.

Structure 1: Demand + Noun Phrase: This is the most direct form. 'The kidnappers demanded a ransom.' Here, the focus is entirely on the object being sought. It is common in news reports and crime dramas.

The union demanded better working conditions and a ten percent pay increase.

Structure 2: Demand + To-Infinitive: This structure is used when the subject wants to perform an action themselves. 'He demanded to see the manager.' It shows a strong desire to take a specific action that requires permission or cooperation.

The suspect demanded to speak with his lawyer before answering any further questions.

Structure 3: Demand + That-Clause (Subjunctive): This is the most formal and grammatically interesting structure. In 'He demanded that she leave,' the verb 'leave' is in the subjunctive mood (it doesn't change for the third person). This is very common in formal writing and legal documents.

The judge demanded that the witness answer the question directly.

When using demanded to describe a situation's requirements, the subject is often an inanimate object or an abstract concept. 'The climb demanded physical strength.' This usage highlights the inherent difficulty or necessity of a task. It personifies the task as something that 'asks' for a certain quality from the person performing it.

Playing the violin at a professional level demanded years of disciplined practice.

In narrative writing, demanded is a great alternative to 'said' when you want to convey the character's emotion and the force of their words. It instantly tells the reader that the character is not just asking, but is perhaps angry, impatient, or authoritative. '"Where is it?" he demanded.' This is much more descriptive than '"Where is it?" he asked.'

"Who gave you permission to enter my office?" the CEO demanded with a scowl.

Finally, consider the passive voice: 'A full investigation was demanded by the public.' This shifts the focus from the people demanding to the thing being demanded, which is common in news headlines and formal reports where the collective voice of a group is being represented.

The word demanded is a staple in several specific environments. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the nuance of the word when you encounter it in the wild. From the evening news to the high-pressure world of corporate business, 'demanded' is a word of action and consequence.

In News and Journalism: You will hear this word constantly in political reporting. 'The opposition party demanded a recount.' 'Protesters demanded the resignation of the prime minister.' In these cases, it signifies a formal, public insistence on change.

The international community demanded an immediate ceasefire in the conflict zone.

In Legal and Judicial Settings: Lawyers 'demand' things as part of the legal process. A 'demand letter' is a formal document sent before a lawsuit. In court, an attorney might have 'demanded' that a piece of evidence be stricken from the record.

The plaintiff's counsel demanded that the defendant produce all relevant financial records.

In Workplace and Professional Life: In high-pressure jobs, you might hear that a project 'demanded' long hours. Or, a manager might have 'demanded' higher standards of performance. It conveys the rigors and expectations of professional excellence.

The CEO demanded total transparency regarding the company's quarterly losses.

In literature and film, demanded is used to heighten drama. A villain might have demanded the hero's surrender. A detective might have demanded an alibi from a suspect. It is a word that creates tension because it sets up a conflict: will the demand be met, or will it be refused? This makes it a very effective tool for storytelling.

"Tell me the truth!" she demanded, her voice trembling with emotion.

You also see it in customer service scenarios, though often as a description of a 'difficult' customer. 'The client demanded a full refund and a personal apology.' In this context, it often implies that the person is being unreasonable or aggressive, highlighting the social friction that the word can represent.

The angry traveler demanded to know why the flight had been canceled without notice.

Lastly, in sports commentary, a coach might be said to have 'demanded' more effort from the players at halftime. This uses the word to show leadership and the setting of high expectations. It frames the coach's words as a necessary requirement for victory.

While demanded is a common word, it has several grammatical and contextual pitfalls that even advanced learners sometimes fall into. Understanding these will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Mistake 1: The 'Object + To-Infinitive' Error: One of the most frequent mistakes is using the pattern 'demanded [someone] to [do something]'. For example, 'He demanded me to leave' is incorrect. Unlike 'ordered' or 'told', 'demanded' does not take this structure. Instead, you should use a 'that' clause: 'He demanded that I leave.'

Incorrect: She demanded him to pay the bill.
Correct: She demanded that he pay the bill.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Subjunctive: When using the 'that' clause, the following verb should be in the base form (subjunctive mood). People often mistakenly add an 's' for the third person. 'He demanded that she stays' is incorrect; it should be 'He demanded that she stay'.

Incorrect: The boss demanded that John finishes the work.
Correct: The boss demanded that John finish the work.

Mistake 3: Overusing it for Polite Requests: Using 'demanded' when you mean 'asked' can make you sound very aggressive or rude. If you are at a restaurant, you shouldn't say 'I demanded a glass of water' unless you have already asked three times and were ignored. Use 'asked for' or 'requested' for normal social interactions.

I demanded a menu from the waiter. (Sounds like you are starting a fight!)

Another subtle mistake is confusing 'demanded' with 'commanded'. While similar, 'commanded' is usually reserved for military or very high-authority contexts (like a king or a general). 'Demanded' is more versatile and can be used by anyone who feels they have a right to something. You demand a refund; you command an army.

The general commanded the troops to advance, while the civilians demanded peace.

Finally, be careful with the preposition 'of'. While you can say 'The task demanded much of him,' you generally don't 'demand something of someone' in modern casual English as much as you 'demand something from someone'. 'From' is much more common when referring to people.

To truly master demanded, you must know its synonyms and how they differ in 'flavor' or register. Choosing the right word can change the entire tone of your sentence.

Demanded vs. Insisted: 'Insisted' is very close but often refers to maintaining a statement or a firm stance. 'He insisted he was innocent.' 'Demanded' is more about the action of asking for something. You can insist on a fact, but you demand an object or an action.

He insisted that he had paid, but the shopkeeper demanded to see the receipt.

Demanded vs. Required: 'Required' is more neutral and often refers to rules or conditions. 'The job requires a degree.' 'Demanded' is more active and forceful. A person demands; a rule requires. However, in the sense of 'necessity', they are often interchangeable: 'The situation demanded/required quick thinking.'

The law requires all drivers to have insurance, but the officer demanded to see the physical card.

Demanded vs. Requested: 'Requested' is the polite, formal version. If you 'request' a refund, you are being professional. If you 'demand' a refund, you are likely upset and using your authority or rights to force the issue.

The guest requested a quiet room, but when the noise continued, he demanded a change of hotels.

Other alternatives include 'claimed' (when you say something is yours by right), 'ordered' (when you have the authority to give commands), and 'called for' (often used for public appeals, e.g., 'The mayor called for/demanded calm').

The situation called for a level of bravery that few possessed.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can use 'demanded' exactly when the situation calls for its specific brand of force and authority, and switch to a softer or more formal word when appropriate.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Originally, 'demand' meant to entrust something to someone, but over time it shifted to mean asking for that thing back with authority.

Guide de prononciation

UK /dɪˈmɑːndɪd/

US /dɪˈmændɪd/

The stress is on the second syllable: di-MAND-ed.

Rime avec

expanded commanded landed handed branded sanded stranded banded

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ed' as 't' (it should be 'id' because the verb ends in 'd').
Using a short 'a' in British English or a long 'a' in American English.
Stress on the first syllable.
Missing the 'n' sound.
Mumbling the final 'ed' syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 5/5

Tricky because of the subjunctive mood and 'that' clauses.

Expression orale 4/5

Requires correct tone so as not to sound accidentally rude.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

ask want need tell order

Apprends ensuite

insist require request command claim

Avancé

requisition enjoin exact stipulate mandate

Grammaire à connaître

Subjunctive Mood

I demanded that he *be* quiet (not *is* quiet).

Transitive Verbs

You must demand *something*.

Past Participle as Adjective

The *much-demanded* features were finally added.

Infinitive after Demand

He demanded *to see* the boss.

Prepositions with Demand

Demand something *from* or *of* someone.

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Exemples par niveau

The king demanded his dinner.

The king asked for his food very strongly.

Subject + Verb (past) + Object

She demanded her toy back.

She strongly asked for her toy.

Simple past tense.

He demanded to know the time.

He asked for the time in a loud way.

Demand + to + infinitive.

The boss demanded the keys.

The boss asked for the keys firmly.

Transitive verb usage.

They demanded more water.

They asked for water because they were very thirsty.

Regular past tense ending in -ed.

The teacher demanded quiet.

The teacher told everyone to be silent.

Abstract noun as object.

He demanded an answer.

He wanted an answer right now.

Common collocation: demand an answer.

The child demanded a cookie.

The child insisted on having a cookie.

Subject + verb + noun.

The customer demanded to see the manager.

The customer was unhappy and wanted to talk to the boss.

Standard phrase for complaints.

The police demanded to see his ID.

The police asked for his identification formally.

Infinitive after demand.

The difficult job demanded all his time.

The job needed all of his time.

Using demand to mean 'require'.

She demanded an apology from her friend.

She wanted her friend to say sorry.

Demand [something] from [someone].

The protesters demanded lower prices.

People in the street asked for cheaper things.

Plural subject.

He demanded that they stop the noise.

He told them they must stop being loud.

Demand + that clause.

The situation demanded a quick decision.

The problem needed a fast answer.

Abstract subject.

They demanded their money back.

They wanted a refund.

Demand [object] + back.

The union demanded a 5% pay increase for all workers.

The group of workers insisted on more money.

Formal context.

The hijackers demanded a plane to fly to another country.

The criminals insisted on having an aircraft.

High-stakes context.

The complexity of the task demanded great concentration.

The hard work needed a lot of focus.

Non-human subject meaning 'require'.

She demanded that the company refund her immediately.

She insisted on getting her money back right away.

Subjunctive 'refund' (no -s).

The judge demanded that the witness tell the truth.

The judge insisted on the truth in court.

Formal legal usage.

He demanded to know why he had been fired.

He insisted on an explanation for losing his job.

Infinitive phrase.

The public demanded more transparency from the government.

People wanted the government to be more honest.

Abstract object 'transparency'.

The coach demanded 100% effort from every player.

The coach insisted that everyone try their best.

Expectation setting.

The environmental group demanded that the factory be closed.

The group insisted on the factory's closure.

Passive subjunctive 'be closed'.

The role demanded a high level of emotional intelligence.

The job required being good with emotions.

Metaphorical demand.

He demanded an explanation for the sudden change in plans.

He wanted to know why things changed so fast.

Demand + explanation.

The kidnappers demanded that the ransom be paid in cash.

They insisted on cash for the release.

Subjunctive passive.

The rigorous training demanded physical and mental stamina.

The training was very hard on the body and mind.

Compound objects.

She demanded to be treated with respect by her colleagues.

She insisted on respectful treatment.

Passive infinitive 'to be treated'.

The treaty demanded that both nations reduce their nuclear arms.

The agreement insisted on fewer weapons.

Formal international context.

The fans demanded an encore after the spectacular performance.

The audience wanted another song.

Cultural context.

The sheer scale of the disaster demanded an international response.

The big problem needed help from many countries.

Abstract necessity.

The defense attorney demanded that the evidence be ruled inadmissible.

The lawyer insisted the evidence shouldn't be used.

Legal terminology.

The project demanded a synthesis of various scientific disciplines.

The work needed many types of science together.

Academic context.

He demanded that his name be cleared of all charges.

He insisted on being proven innocent.

Subjunctive 'be cleared'.

The precarious economic climate demanded fiscal responsibility.

The bad economy meant people had to be careful with money.

Economic context.

She demanded to know the source of the malicious rumors.

She insisted on finding out who started the lies.

Focus on 'source'.

The intricate plot demanded the reader's full attention.

The story was hard and needed focus.

Literary criticism.

The victims demanded justice for the crimes committed against them.

The people who were hurt wanted the law to help.

Moral demand.

The ontological argument demanded a leap of faith from the skeptics.

The philosophy needed people to believe without proof.

Philosophical context.

The king demanded fealty from all the lords of the realm.

The king insisted on loyalty from the noblemen.

Archaic/Historical context.

The gravity of the situation demanded a level of statesmanship rarely seen.

The serious problem needed a very good leader.

High-level political discourse.

The artist's vision demanded a total rejection of traditional forms.

The artist needed to stop using old styles.

Artistic theory.

The rigorous logic of the proof demanded that the hypothesis be rejected.

The math showed the idea was wrong.

Scientific/Mathematical context.

He demanded that the record be set straight regarding his involvement.

He insisted on the truth being told about what he did.

Idiomatic 'set the record straight'.

The evolution of the species demanded an adaptation to the changing environment.

The animals had to change to survive.

Biological context.

The poem demanded to be read aloud to capture its rhythmic nuances.

The poem only sounds good when spoken.

Literary analysis.

Synonymes

insisted required claimed ordered exacted requested called for necessitated

Antonymes

offered granted yielded suggested

Collocations courantes

demanded an explanation

demanded a refund

demanded attention

demanded justice

demanded respect

demanded silence

demanded that

demanded to see

much demanded

physically demanded

Phrases Courantes

demanded an answer

— To insist that someone speaks or provides information immediately.

He stood over her and demanded an answer.

demanded a recount

— To officially ask for votes to be counted again.

The losing candidate demanded a recount of the ballots.

demanded a ransom

— To ask for money in exchange for a kidnapped person.

The criminals demanded a ransom of one million dollars.

demanded satisfaction

— An old-fashioned way to challenge someone to a duel or ask for an apology.

The insulted gentleman demanded satisfaction.

demanded to know

— To ask for information in an aggressive or urgent way.

She demanded to know who had authorized the payment.

demanded action

— To insist that something be done about a problem.

The community demanded action against the rising crime rate.

demanded change

— To insist on new rules or a new way of doing things.

The youth movement demanded change in the political system.

demanded payment

— To insist that money owed be paid immediately.

The landlord demanded payment of the overdue rent.

demanded loyalty

— To insist that someone remains faithful or supportive.

The leader demanded absolute loyalty from his followers.

demanded perfection

— To insist that everything be done without any mistakes.

The director demanded perfection from the actors.

Souvent confondu avec

demanded vs commanded

Commanded is for high authority like generals; demanded is for anyone with a right.

demanded vs asked

Asked is polite and allows for a 'no'; demanded is forceful and expects a 'yes'.

demanded vs requested

Requested is the formal, polite version of demanded.

Expressions idiomatiques

"demand the impossible"

— To ask for something that cannot be done.

You are demanding the impossible if you want this finished by tonight.

Common

"in high demand"

— To be wanted by many people.

Skilled engineers are in high demand right now.

Business

"supply and demand"

— The economic principle of how much of something is available vs how much people want it.

The price is high because of supply and demand.

Academic

"on demand"

— Available whenever you want it.

You can watch movies on demand with this service.

Technology

"demand satisfaction"

— To ask for an apology or a duel (archaic).

He demanded satisfaction after the public insult.

Literary

"a demanding task"

— A task that requires a lot of effort.

Climbing Everest is a demanding task.

General

"meet the demands"

— To do what is required or asked for.

The company struggled to meet the demands of its customers.

Business

"make demands on"

— To require a lot of time or energy from someone.

Her new job makes heavy demands on her time.

General

"popular demand"

— Because many people have asked for it.

The show returned by popular demand.

General

"at a moment's demand"

— Ready to be used or done immediately.

He was ready to leave at a moment's demand.

Formal

Facile à confondre

demanded vs commanded

Both mean giving an order.

Commanded implies a formal hierarchy (army), while demanded implies a personal right or necessity.

The captain commanded the ship, but the crew demanded better food.

demanded vs insisted

Both involve being firm.

Insisted can be about a belief ('He insisted he was right'), while demanded is usually about an action or object.

He insisted he had the ticket, then demanded to be let in.

demanded vs required

Both mean something is needed.

Required is often passive or rule-based; demanded is active and forceful.

The law required a permit, but the official demanded a bribe.

demanded vs ordered

Both are strong requests.

Ordered is a direct instruction to do something; demanded is a claim for something.

He ordered a pizza, but demanded a refund when it was cold.

demanded vs claimed

Both involve rights.

Claimed is saying something is yours; demanded is the act of asking for it forcefully.

She claimed the inheritance and demanded the keys to the house.

Structures de phrases

Subject + demanded + noun.

He demanded water.

Subject + demanded + to + verb.

She demanded to go.

Subject + demanded + noun + from + person.

I demanded an apology from him.

Subject + demanded + that + subject + base verb.

They demanded that he leave.

The [abstract noun] + demanded + [quality].

The situation demanded patience.

Passive voice with demanded.

A full inquiry was demanded by the board.

Demanded + back.

He demanded his money back.

Demanded + to be + past participle.

She demanded to be heard.

Famille de mots

Noms

demand

demander

Verbes

demand

demanded

demanding

Adjectifs

demanding

undemanding

Apparenté

requirement

insistence

necessity

command

order

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in news, literature, and formal complaints.

Erreurs courantes

He demanded me to help. → He demanded that I help.
Demand does not follow the 'verb + object + to-infinitive' pattern.
She demanded that he goes. → She demanded that he go.
The subjunctive mood requires the base form of the verb after 'demanded that'.
I demanded a coffee from the waiter. → I asked the waiter for a coffee.
Using 'demanded' for a simple restaurant order is too aggressive.
The job demanded a lot of me. → The job demanded a lot from me.
While 'of' is possible, 'from' is more common in modern English.
He demand a refund yesterday. → He demanded a refund yesterday.
Don't forget the '-ed' for the past tense.

Astuces

Subjunctive Alert

When using 'demanded that', remember to use the base form of the verb. 'He demanded that she *be* present.'

Context Matters

Use 'demanded' for rights and 'requested' for favors.

Tone Control

If you use 'demanded' in the first person, you will sound very serious. Use it only when you mean it!

Avoid Repetition

Instead of 'demanded' every time, try 'insisted', 'claimed', or 'called for'.

Identify Authority

When you see 'demanded', look for who has the power in the sentence.

Situational Needs

Remember that tasks and situations can 'demand' things too, like effort or time.

No 'to' after person

Never say 'demanded him to'. Use 'demanded that he' instead.

The 'ID' sound

Because demand ends in 'd', the past tense 'ed' must be a full syllable.

Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, demanding is seen as a sign of leadership; in others, it's a sign of poor manners.

Formal Logic

In essays, use 'demanded' to show that one fact makes another fact necessary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'D-MAN' (Demand Man) who is very bossy and always wants things right now.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel and shouting 'I demand the truth!'

Word Web

Ask Force Right Need Boss Law Angry Urgent

Défi

Try to use 'demanded' in three different ways: for a refund, for an explanation, and for a difficult task.

Origine du mot

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

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

Romance / Latinate

Contexte culturel

Be careful using this word to describe people, as calling someone 'demanding' is often a negative personality critique.

In the UK and US, 'demanding' a refund is a standard right, but doing it politely is usually more effective.

The Magna Carta (1215) where barons demanded rights from King John. The song 'Respect' by Aretha Franklin, where she demands respect. Oliver Twist 'demanding' more gruel (though he actually 'asked' for more, it is often remembered as a demand).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Customer Service

I demand a refund.
I demand to see the manager.
I demand an apology.
I demand a replacement.

Politics

The people demanded change.
They demanded a recount.
The opposition demanded a resignation.
Protesters demanded justice.

Legal

The lawyer demanded evidence.
He demanded a trial.
The court demanded documents.
She demanded her rights.

Workplace

The boss demanded the report.
The job demanded long hours.
They demanded a raise.
He demanded transparency.

Personal Conflict

She demanded the truth.
He demanded to know where she was.
They demanded an explanation.
I demanded my keys back.

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever demanded a refund for something you bought?"

"What is a job that you think demanded too much from you?"

"In what situations is it okay to be very demanding?"

"If you were a leader, what would you have demanded from your team?"

"Do you think people today are more demanding than they used to be?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time when you demanded something and got it. How did it feel?

Write about a difficult task that demanded all of your focus and energy.

Should citizens have the right to demand anything they want from their government?

Reflect on a time when someone was too demanding with you. How did you react?

Write a fictional story about a character who demanded to know a secret.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not necessarily. In legal or political contexts, it is a standard way to assert rights. However, in casual social situations, it can sound aggressive.

No, that is a common mistake. You should say 'He demanded that I go' or 'He ordered me to go'.

Insisted is about being firm on a point of view or a rule. Demanded is about forcefully asking for an object or an action.

Yes, in formal English: 'I demanded that he *stay*' (not *stays*).

Yes, it means the situation requires it. 'The crisis demanded a quick response.'

It's an adjective meaning someone who expects a lot of time, effort, or attention from others.

It can be neutral or formal. It is very common in news reports and legal documents.

It is pronounced as a separate syllable: /ɪd/.

No, use 'requested' or 'asked for' instead.

Refunds, apologies, explanations, rights, and attention.

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