Ask and Demand
2020-04-18
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1This week we answer a question from Nangatoum, from Chad.
2I would like to know the difference between "ask" and "demand" and when to use each of them. - Nangatoum, Chad
3Dear Nangatoum,
4Thanks for "asking" this question - and not "demanding" an answer.
5These words can be used in similar situations.
6The difference between them is in the force of the words.
7When you think you would like something, you may "ask" for it.
8But if you think you have a right to something, you are more likely to "demand" it.
9"Ask" and "demand" are both verbs.
10We often use "demand" as a noun, but rarely use "ask" as a noun. Here are examples:
11You should ask the office for technical support.
12The workers gave their supervisor a list of demands.
13We usually use "ask" in request of something.
14Let me ask you a question.
15Did you ask your friend to come to the party?
16"Demand" has a much stronger feel than "ask."
17A person who leads an effort, like a teacher or employer, would be more likely to make demands.
18The teacher demanded an answer to the question.
19The police demanded that I show my identification.
20Notice the word "that" after "demand" in our example.
21The part of the sentence following "demand that" must have the simple form of a verb. For example,
22Our town is demanding that everyone stay at home.
23The verb "stay" is the simple form of the verb.
24It does not change when the subject is plural:
25The governor demanded that all citizens stay inside.
26Another way we use "demand" these days is in talking about the "on-demand economy."
27That is the term used for internet-based businesses such as ride-sharing, meal delivery and online shopping which connect purchasers immediately and directly with goods and services.
28When you "demand" an Uber or Lyft car, it comes to you.
29To review, when someone "asks" you to do something, you usually have a choice: You can do it or not do it.
30When someone "demands" that you do something you might not be able to refuse.
31And now, I will ask you to do something.
32Please send your questions about English to us by email: learningenglish@voanews.com.
33And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.
34I'm Jill Robbins.
1This week we answer a question from Nangatoum, from Chad. 2Question: 3I would like to know the difference between "ask" and "demand" and when to use each of them. - Nangatoum, Chad 4Answer: 5Dear Nangatoum, 6Thanks for "asking" this question - and not "demanding" an answer. These words can be used in similar situations. The difference between them is in the force of the words. When you think you would like something, you may "ask" for it. But if you think you have a right to something, you are more likely to "demand" it. 7"Ask" and "demand" are both verbs. We often use "demand" as a noun, but rarely use "ask" as a noun. Here are examples: 8You should ask the office for technical support. 9The workers gave their supervisor a list of demands. 10Ask 11We usually use "ask" in request of something. 12Let me ask you a question. 13Did you ask your friend to come to the party? 14Demand 15"Demand" has a much stronger feel than "ask." A person who leads an effort, like a teacher or employer, would be more likely to make demands. 16The teacher demanded an answer to the question. 17The police demanded that I show my identification. 18Notice the word "that" after "demand" in our example. The part of the sentence following "demand that" must have the simple form of a verb. For example, 19Our town is demanding that everyone stay at home. 20The verb "stay" is the simple form of the verb. It does not change when the subject is plural: 21The governor demanded that all citizens stay inside. 22Another way we use "demand" these days is in talking about the "on-demand economy." That is the term used for internet-based businesses such as ride-sharing, meal delivery and online shopping which connect purchasers immediately and directly with goods and services. When you "demand" an Uber or Lyft car, it comes to you. 23Choices 24To review, when someone "asks" you to do something, you usually have a choice: You can do it or not do it. When someone "demands" that you do something you might not be able to refuse. 25And now, I will ask you to do something. Please send your questions about English to us by email: learningenglish@voanews.com. 26And that's Ask a Teacher for this week. 27I'm Jill Robbins. 28Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. 29_________________________________________________________________ 30Words in This Story 31review - n. an act of carefully looking at or examining the quality or condition of something or someone 32shopping - n. the activity of visiting places where goods are sold in order to look at and buy things such as food and clothing 33Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or email us.