These words all mean to say that sb should do or have sth. 以上各词均含要求之义。

• demand to ask for sth very firmly; to say very firmly that sb should have or do sth 指强烈要求、坚决要求：◆She demanded an immediate explanation. 她强烈要求立即作出解释。
• require [often passive] (rather formal) to make sb do or have sth, especially because it is necessary according to a law or set of rules or standards 指要求做（某事）、达到（某水平），尤指根据法规或规定：◆All candidates will be required to take a short test. 所有候选人都要做一个小测验。
• expect to demand that sb should do, have or be sth, especially because it is their duty or responsibility 指要求、认为应得、指望，尤因义务或责任：◆I expect to be paid promptly for the work. 我要求即时付工钱。
• insist to demand that sth happens or that sb agrees to do sth 指坚决要求、坚持：◆I didn't want to go but he insisted. 我并不想去，但他硬要我去。◆We insist on the highest standards at all times. 我们始终坚持最高标准。
• ask to expect or demand sth 指期望、要求：◆You're asking too much of him. 你对他要求过分了。

demand, expect or ask? 用 demand、expect 还是 ask？

• Ask is not as strong as demand or expect, both of which can be more like a command. * ask 不如 demand 和 expect 语气强烈，demand 和 expect 更像命令。

Patterns

• to demand/require/expect/ask sth of/from sb
• to demand/require/expect/insist/ask that…
• to require/expect/ask sb to do sth
• to demand/require/expect/ask a lot/too much/a great deal
• to be too much to expect/ask