demanded that he return vs demanded that he returns

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Demanded that he return' is the correct form when using the subjunctive mood after 'demanded that.' 'Demanded that he returns' is incorrect because 'returns' does not follow the rules of the subjunctive mood in this context.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 1161 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when using the subjunctive mood after 'demanded that.'

"demanded that he return"

This phrase is used when expressing a demand or request in the past that the action be done in the present or future. It follows the rules of the subjunctive mood.

Examples:

She demanded that he return the book immediately.
The teacher demanded that he be quiet during the exam.
The boss demanded that he finish the report by the end of the day.

Show examples from the web [+]

Yesterday, Mr President, the leader of the NPD, a neo-fascist party, appeared on Germany's public television channel, ARD, and demanded that Poland immediately return Pomerania and Silesia to Germany.
Lieutenant colonel sumner intercepted him, and demanded his immediate return.
In particular, Tibetans in all parts of China... jubilantly celebrated the news... and demanded their return to the motherland.
The embassy demanded the body's return before an autopsy could be performed.
They demanded the Dignity return to Larnaca, but the vessel did not have enough fuel aboard.
He promised you order, he promised you peace and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent.
considering that Australian Special Air Services (SAS) troops stormed the ship and demanded its return to international waters which the captain refused,
Since WestLB's owners demanded a return on their capital that was clearly below the normal level, WestLB could offer its services at below cost ('dumping').
The additional interest on the outside funds - up to the amount of the risk-free interest rate - should therefore be deducted in full from the return demanded by the Land as an investor.
How many times has the Commission refused to grant Community aid to businesses that have failed to comply with the contracts they have signed, or demanded the return of that aid?
On our return from Malta, we demanded that the very principle of the Dublin system be questioned.
He demanded that his insomnia be financed, obliging himself, in return, to tear any illusion and to preserve for us the unaltered memory of nihility.
We never demanded that diplomacy depend on releasing democrats like Egypt's Ayman Nour; or, in Asia, on the right to a free return to his country for opposition leader Sam Rainsy, now in exile while we fund the dictatorship of Hun Sen.
DPÚK demanded that the situation be rectified and that it be allowed to take over buses and employees from the current illegally selected operators and to return to fulfilling the originally imposed public service obligations which were only due to expire in 2011.
Rights groups have demanded that mercenaries...
I immediately demanded that the facts be published.
I engaged the suspect, demanded that he drop his weapon.
I demanded that he not proceed with one.
Carl demanded that I apologize to them for being rude, and I refused.
But his superiors demanded that he sign off.

Alternatives:

demanded that he returns
asked that he return
insisted that he return
required that he return
ordered that he return

This phrase is incorrect because 'returns' does not follow the rules of the subjunctive mood after 'demanded that.'

"demanded that he returns"

Show examples from the web [+]

Yesterday, Mr President, the leader of the NPD, a neo-fascist party, appeared on Germany's public television channel, ARD, and demanded that Poland immediately return Pomerania and Silesia to Germany.
Lieutenant colonel sumner intercepted him, and demanded his immediate return.
In particular, Tibetans in all parts of China... jubilantly celebrated the news... and demanded their return to the motherland.
The embassy demanded the body's return before an autopsy could be performed.
They demanded the Dignity return to Larnaca, but the vessel did not have enough fuel aboard.
He promised you order, he promised you peace and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent.
considering that Australian Special Air Services (SAS) troops stormed the ship and demanded its return to international waters which the captain refused,
Since WestLB's owners demanded a return on their capital that was clearly below the normal level, WestLB could offer its services at below cost ('dumping').
The additional interest on the outside funds - up to the amount of the risk-free interest rate - should therefore be deducted in full from the return demanded by the Land as an investor.
How many times has the Commission refused to grant Community aid to businesses that have failed to comply with the contracts they have signed, or demanded the return of that aid?
On our return from Malta, we demanded that the very principle of the Dublin system be questioned.
He demanded that his insomnia be financed, obliging himself, in return, to tear any illusion and to preserve for us the unaltered memory of nihility.
We never demanded that diplomacy depend on releasing democrats like Egypt's Ayman Nour; or, in Asia, on the right to a free return to his country for opposition leader Sam Rainsy, now in exile while we fund the dictatorship of Hun Sen.
DPÚK demanded that the situation be rectified and that it be allowed to take over buses and employees from the current illegally selected operators and to return to fulfilling the originally imposed public service obligations which were only due to expire in 2011.
Rights groups have demanded that mercenaries...
I immediately demanded that the facts be published.
I engaged the suspect, demanded that he drop his weapon.
I demanded that he not proceed with one.
Carl demanded that I apologize to them for being rude, and I refused.
But his superiors demanded that he sign off.

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demanded that he return vs demanded that he returns