“Anymore” and “any more” are commonly confused in English, but they have different meanings and grammar functions. While “anymore” is an adverb meaning “no longer,” used in negative sentences, on the other hand, “any more” is a determiner phrase that refers to an additional amount or quantity of something.
In this article, you’ll learn the difference between “anymore” and “any more,” including clear explanations, example sentences, and grammar tips. By the end, you’ll be able to use both correctly in everyday English writing and conversation.
What Does “Anymore” Mean?
Anymore is an adverb that means “no longer” or “not now”. It is used to show that something was true in the past but is not true anymore. It typically appears in negative sentences and often comes at the end of a sentence.
This form is more common in American English. In British English, “any more” (two words) is often used instead, even when the meaning is the same.
Examples:
- He doesn’t watch TV anymore.
- I don’t live there anymore.
- She doesn’t eat meat anymore.
- They aren’t friends anymore.
What Does “Any More” Mean?
Any more is a two-word phrase used to talk about additional quantity or amount of something. It can refer to extra items, a greater number, or more of something, and it is followed by a noun (countable or uncountable).
It can appear in positive, negative, or question sentences. This form is used in both American and British English.
Examples:
- Is there any more information available?
- Do you have any more sugar?
- I don’t want any more coffee.
- We didn’t buy any more clothes.
British vs. American Usage
In American English, there is a clear distinction between “anymore” and “any more”, both in meaning and usage:
- “Anymore” is an adverb meaning “no longer”, usually in negative sentences.
Example: I don’t live here anymore. - “Any more” means an additional amount of something.
Example: Do you want any more tea?
In British English, “any more” is commonly used for both meanings, even where American English uses “anymore.” For example, a British speaker might write:
- I don’t go there any more.
… instead of “I don’t go there anymore.”
This is simply a regional spelling difference, not a grammar error.
Quiz: Anymore vs. Any more
1. I used to go jogging every morning, but I don’t have the energy ____.
a) anymore
b) any more
2. Could you let me know if there are ____ seats available in the back row?
a) anymore
b) any more
3. We don’t talk on the phone very often ____, even though we used to.
a) anymore
b) any more
4. I’ve had enough coffee for today — I don’t need ____.
a) anymore
b) any more
5. He doesn’t work late at the office ____ now that he changed departments.
a) anymore
b) any more
6. Do we need to buy ____ milk before the store closes?
a) anymore
b) any more
7. I don’t enjoy watching horror movies ____; they make me too anxious.
a) anymore
b) any more
8. Thanks, but I can’t carry ____ boxes — my arms are already full.
a) anymore
b) any more
9. She used to visit every weekend, but she doesn’t come around ____.
a) anymore
b) any more
10. Before we leave, is there ____ work we need to finish?
a) anymore
b) any more
Quiz Answers
1) anymore
2) any more
3) anymore
4) any more
5) anymore
6) any more
7) anymore
8) any more
9) anymore
10) any more
