Cool MateDemand vs Require
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Demand
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Require
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
| Demand | Require | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈmɑːnd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈmænd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈkwaɪə(r)/","/rɪˈkwaɪəz/","/rɪˈkwaɪəd/","/rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈkwaɪər/","/rɪˈkwaɪərz/","/rɪˈkwaɪərd/","/rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To ask for something forcefully. | to need something or someone for a purpose |
| Example | The demand for organic food has been steadily increasing over the past few years. | The project will require a significant amount of time to complete. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Collocations | legitimate, realistic, reasonable, issue, make, present, on demand, demand for, demand from, considerable, enormous, excessive, impose, make, place, demand on, demand upon, big, buoyant, considerable, level, accommodate, cope with, fulfil/fulfill, grow, increase, rise, in demand, demand among, demand for, supply and demand | urgently, reasonably, generally, urgently, reasonably, generally |
| Antonyms | surrender, yield, give | deny, refuse, forbid |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'require' — 'demand' is stronger than 'require'., Using 'demand' without an object — it needs something to demand., Mixing it up with 'request' — 'request' is more polite. | 'Require' is sometimes confused with 'request'; they have different meanings., Learners might use 'require' without an object, which is incorrect., 'Require' is often mixed up with 'want', but 'require' implies necessity. |
| Usage notes | Use 'demand' when you want something with urgency or authority. It's neutral but can be seen as aggressive in casual situations. Avoid using it when making polite requests. | Use 'require' when talking about needs in formal settings, such as requirements for a job or project. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing responsibilities. |
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Frequently asked questions: Demand vs Require
What's the difference between Demand and Require?
Demand: To ask for something forcefully. Require: to need something or someone for a purpose
Which is more advanced: Demand and Require?
Demand is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Demand and Require the same CEFR level?
Demand: B2, Require: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Demand and Require?
Demand: noun, Require: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Demand: The demand for organic food has been steadily increasing over the past few years. Require: The project will require a significant amount of time to complete.
Can I use Demand and Require interchangeably?
Not always. Demand and Require are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.