Which Is Correct: Anymore Or Any More
Published by at February 12th, 2024 , Revised On February 27, 2024
The words “anymore” and “any more” may sound the same, but they have distinct meanings and functions in your writing. Choosing the wrong, confusing words can lead to uncertainty and undermine your message.
Let’s start by breaking down each term individually before we explore their differences.
Anymore
“Anymore” is commonly used as an adverb, indicating a shift in the state of affairs or expressing a negative change over time. It is often employed in negative sentences or questions to convey that a situation or action that was true in the past is no longer the case.
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Change in Behaviour | She does not visit us anymore. |
| Cessation of Action | They do not play tennis together anymore. |
| Negative Evolution | I do not enjoy spicy food anymore. |
| Lack of Trust | She does not trust him anymore after the incident. |
In all examples, “anymore” emphasises a change or cessation of a previous habit or condition.
Any More
On the other hand, “any more” is a combination of the determiner “any” and the adverb “more.” It is used to refer to a greater quantity or additional amount of something.
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Additional Quantity | Do you want any more coffee? |
| Absence of Quantity | We do not have any more time. |
| Lack of Items | We do not have any more cookies; they are all gone. |
| Exhaustion of Options | We do not need any more help; we have got it covered. |
In these examples, “any more” is asking about an additional quantity of coffee or expressing a lack of additional time.
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Differentiating Usage
Now that we have clarified the basic definitions, let us explore the main differences in their usage.
Time And Frequency
When dealing with the concept of time or frequency, “anymore” is the appropriate choice. It is used to indicate a change in the frequency of an action or event over time.
Example: They used to play tennis every weekend, but they do not play anymore.
In this instance, “anymore” signals the cessation of a previous regular activity.
Quantity And Amount
When referring to quantity or amount, “any more” is the correct term. It is used to discuss additional amounts or lack thereof.
Example: We do not have any more cookies; they are all gone.
Here, “any more” communicates the absence of an additional quantity of cookies.
Negative Connotations
While both terms are often associated with negation, their negative connotations differ. “Anymore” is linked to a negative change in circumstances or behaviour, as demonstrated in the following example:
Example: She does not trust him anymore after the incident.
In contrast, “any more” is related to the absence of additional quantity or amount, as seen in this example:
Example: We do not need any more help; we have got it covered.
Regional Variations
It is worth noting that the usage of “anymore” and “any more” can vary regionally. In some English-speaking regions, such as parts of the United States, “anymore” is commonly used in positive constructions, indicating a shift in meaning from its traditional negative connotation.
Example: I do not eat ice cream anymore.
In this context, “anymore” suggests a change in behaviour towards a positive outcome, deviating from its more standard negative usage.
Common Mistakes
Despite the distinctions outlined above, it’s not uncommon for these terms to be misused. One common mistake is using “anymore” when “any more” is the correct choice, and vice versa. Let us examine a couple of instances:
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- Incorrect: We do not have anymore milk.
-
- Correct: We do not have any more milk.
In this case, “any more” should be used to denote the absence of additional milk.
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- Incorrect: I do not see her any more.
-
- Correct: I do not see her anymore.
Here, “anymore” is the appropriate choice, indicating a change in the frequency of seeing the person.
-
- Incorrect: I don’t want to eat this food anymore.
-
- Correct: I don’t want to eat this food any more.
-
- Incorrect: Is there any more sugar in the pantry?
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- Correct: Is there any more sugar in the pantry? (This is correct if you are asking about additional sugar.)
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference lies in usage and meaning. “Anymore” is an adverb indicating a change over time or cessation of a previous state, often used in negative contexts. “Any more” is a determiner and adverb combination referring to additional quantity or the absence thereof, commonly used in questions or negatives.
The correct phrase is “any more problems.” “Anymore” is an adverb indicating a change over time, while “any more” refers to additional quantity or absence thereof. In this context, you are asking about the presence or absence of additional problems, making “any more problems” grammatically accurate.
No, “anymore” and “any longer” have distinct grammatical roles. “Anymore” is an adverb indicating a change over time or cessation. “Any longer” is used to discuss a duration or extension of time. So, while both relate to time, their usage differs, and they are not interchangeable in every context.
Use “anymore” as an adverb to indicate a change over time or cessation, often in negative contexts (e.g., “I don’t visit anymore”). Use “any more” when referring to additional quantity or the lack thereof (e.g., “Do you want any more coffee?”). The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.
