demand

demand — verb

1. to tell someone firmly that you want or expect them to give you something or do

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to tell someone firmly that you want or expect them to give you something or do something, especially when you believe you have the right to get it.

例句

The protesters gathered outside the city hall to demand better wages and working conditions.

demand + noun phrase (wages, conditions)

Apinya demanded to speak to the manager after her order arrived with the wrong items.

demand + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • insist

    focuses on refusing to change or give up your position; 'insist on something' vs 'demand something'

  • require

    more neutral and often used for rules or formal needs rather than personal requests

  • claim

    suggests you believe something is rightfully yours, often used with rights or compensation

反義詞
  • request

    polite and less forceful; implies the other person can say no

  • plead

    implies asking with emotion or desperation rather than authority

文法句型

demand + noun phrase

demand + that-clause

demand + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Not as strong as 'ultimatum' but stronger than 'request'. Common in political, consumer, and workplace contexts where someone expects to be taken seriously.

常見錯誤

I demanded my friend to help me with the dishes.
I asked my friend to help me with the dishes.
💡'Demand' is too strong for casual requests between equals; use 'ask'.
She demanded me to leave.
She demanded that I leave.' or 'She told me to leave.
💡'Demand' cannot take a person as direct object followed by to-infinitive.

2. to require a large amount of a particular resource — for example time, energy, s

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to require a large amount of a particular resource — for example time, energy, skill, or a personal quality — for a task or situation to be done well.

例句

Learning to play the piano well demands a great deal of patience and daily practice.

demand + noun phrase (patience, practice)

Caio's role as head nurse demands long hours and staying calm under pressure.

demand + noun phrase (hours, ability)

同義詞
  • require

    more neutral and slightly weaker; 'require' can apply to minor needs as well

  • call for

    slightly less formal; often used in British English

文法句型

demand + noun phrase (time, effort, quality)

用法筆記

Subject is usually an abstract noun referring to an activity, situation, or role (e.g. job, sport, relationship). Not typically used for basic physical needs — use 'need' instead.

常見錯誤

This plant demands water every day.
This plant needs water every day.
💡For everyday physical needs, 'need' sounds more natural; 'demand' is reserved for significant effort or quality requirements.

demand — noun