“Ask” vs. “Demand”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “ask” and “demand”

  • The main difference between asking and demanding is the tone and level of politeness involved.
  • Asking is generally seen as a more respectful and courteous way of making a request, while demanding can be seen as aggressive or confrontational.
  • Asking allows for negotiation and compromise, while demanding may not leave room for discussion.
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What is the definition of “ask” and “demand”?

Ask
  • To ask means to request information or something from someone.
  • It is a polite way of seeking something from someone.
  • Asking is usually followed by a question or a request for help.
Demand
  • To demand means to ask forcefully or with authority for something to be done or for someone to do something.
  • It is an assertive way of seeking something from someone.
  • A demand can be followed with consequences if the other party does not comply.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Ask” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Ask
3,450,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Can I ask you a question about your research project?
  2. I asked my boss for a day off next week to attend my sister's wedding.
  3. She asked if we could postpone the meeting until next week.
Demand
1,510,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The protesters demanded justice for the victim of police brutality.
  2. The customer demanded a refund after receiving a faulty product.
  3. The teacher demanded that the students submit their assignments on time.
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