Difference between any more or anymore

In the quest to master the English language, distinguishing between seemingly similar terms like any more and anymore is crucial for both native speakers and learners. While they might appear to be interchangeable at a glance, any more and anymore have distinct grammatical roles and usage contexts that enrich the language’s nuance and precision.

Quick Facts Table

Difference Between “Any more” OR “Anymore”

Definition of Any more

Any more, as a two-word phrase, refers to an additional amount or quantity of something. It can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns to indicate a desire or need for extra quantities.

Definition of Anymore

Anymore, an adverb, is used to describe a continuation of some action or state up to the present moment or a time specified, often used in negative constructions to indicate that something no longer happens.

Origin of Any more

Any more originated from the combination of the word “any,” which dates back to Old English, and “more,” which also has Old English roots. Together, they have been used to signify additional amounts since Middle English.

Origin of Anymore

Anymore evolved from any more as language use shifted over time. It became a single word in the 19th century in American English to specifically denote a temporal sense, distinguishing it from the quantitative sense of any more.

Pronunciation

• Any more: /ˈɛni mɔːr/
• Anymore: /ənɪˈmɔːr/

Comparing Any more and Anymore

While any more and anymore stem from the same linguistic roots, their usage in modern English serves different purposes:

• Any more applies to quantities, asking or negating the need for additional amounts.
• Anymore is used to indicate a change in habit or state over time, typically in the negative form.

Comparison Table

Usage in Sentences with Explanations

Use of Any more in Sentences

1. Do you want any more cake?
   • Asking if additional cake is desired.
2. I can’t carry any more books.
   • Stating incapacity to add more to the quantity being carried.
3. Are there any more tickets available?
   • Inquiring about the availability of additional tickets.
4. We don’t sell that product any more.
   • Indicating cessation of selling more of that product, focusing on quantity.
5. I don’t have any more patience for this.
   • Expressing a limit reached in patience.

Use of Anymore in Sentences

1. I don’t watch TV anymore.
   • Indicating a change from past behavior regarding watching TV.
2. Does he not live here anymore?
   • Questioning a change in someone’s living situation.
3. You don’t call me anymore.
   • Noting the cessation of phone calls, reflecting a change in habit.
4. It doesn’t seem funny anymore.
   • Observing a change in perception over time.
5. She doesn’t work here anymore.
   • Stating someone’s employment status as no longer current.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between any more and anymore is key to mastering the nuances of English grammar. Any more addresses quantities, while anymore focuses on temporal changes, often with a negative connotation. Recognizing and applying these distinctions enriches communication and clarity in English.

Commonly Asked Questions

• When should I use “any more” instead of “anymore”?
  • Use “any more” when referring to additional quantities. Use “anymore” to indicate that something no longer happens or is no longer true.
• Can “anymore” be used in positive sentences?
  • It is rare and often sounds unnatural. “Anymore” is typically used in negative sentences or questions.
• Is “anymore” acceptable in formal writing?
  • Yes, but its use is more common in informal contexts. Ensure clarity by choosing the correct term based on the sentence’s meaning.
• Are “any more” and “anymore” interchangeable?
  • No, they serve different grammatical functions and convey different meanings.
• How can I remember the difference between “any more” and “anymore”?
  • Think of “any more” for quantity (more of something) and “anymore” for time (no longer).