Synonyms demand
These words all mean to say that somebody should do or have something.
demand to make a very strong request for something; to say very definitely that somebody should have or do something: She demanded an immediate explanation.
require often passive (rather formal) to make somebody do or have something, especially because it is necessary according to a law or set of rules or standards: All candidates will be required to take a short test.
expect to demand that somebody should do, have or be something, especially because it is their duty or responsibility: I expect to be paid promptly for the work.
insist to demand that something happens or that somebody agrees to do something: I didn’t want to go but he insisted.
We insist on the highest standards at all times.
ask to expect or demand something: You’re asking too much of him.
demand, expect or ask?
Ask is not as strong as demand or expect, both of which can be more like a command.
Patterns
to demand/require/expect/ask something of/from somebody
to demand/require/expect/insist/ask that…
to require/expect/ask somebody to do something
to demand/require/expect/ask a lot/too much/a great deal
to be too much to expect/ask