demand
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
To ask for something forcefully or claim as a right.
A forceful request or requirement; an economic principle describing the desire and ability to purchase goods/services.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries an implication of expectation, authority, or urgency, distinguishing it from a simple request.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical. In business contexts, 'on demand' is equally common. No significant syntactic differences.
Connotations
Similar connotations of authority/urgency. 'To demand of' someone is slightly more formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in business, economics, and legal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
demand sth (from/of sb)demand that clausedemand to do sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in demand”
- “on demand”
- “by popular demand”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The report shows a surge in consumer demand for electric vehicles.
Academic
The theory posits that price is a function of supply and demand.
Everyday
She demanded an explanation for the broken window.
Technical
The software allows for video streaming on demand.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The union is demanding a pay rise of five percent.
- I must demand that you leave the premises immediately.
American English
- The protesters are demanding the mayor's resignation.
- The contract demands completion within six months.
adjective
British English
- It's a demand-led service.
- He works in demand-side economics.
American English
- They offer demand-based pricing.
- It's a high-demand skill.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The customer demanded to see the manager.
- There is a big demand for coffee here.
- Teachers are demanding higher salaries.
- The product is in high demand this Christmas.
- The lawyer demanded that all evidence be presented.
- A sudden drop in demand caused prices to fall.
- The role demands a high level of emotional resilience.
- He arrogantly demanded of the committee that they reconsider.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a manager pounding a desk, saying 'I DEMAND it!' – linking forcefulness to the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DEMAND IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'the demands pressed down on him', 'a wave of demands').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'требовать' in overly polite contexts where 'ask for' is better.
- The noun 'demand' (спрос) is specifically economic; 'requirement' is лучше for 'требование'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'demand' + infinitive (e.g., 'He demanded to know' is correct; 'He demanded me to know' is incorrect).
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'ask' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural collocation with 'demand' in an economic context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it implies forcefulness, it is neutral in contexts like economics ('consumer demand') or technology ('on-demand service').
'Demand' implies an expectation of compliance and often authority or urgency, while 'request' is more polite and neutral.
Yes, but carefully. The structure is 'demand to do something' (He demanded to leave). You cannot say 'demand someone to do something'; use 'demand that someone do something'.
It means 'available whenever requested', commonly used for media streaming (video on demand) or services (pay on demand).
Collections
Part of a collection
Economics Terms
B2 · 50 words · Key vocabulary for economics and financial systems.