Anymore or Any More? Learn the Correct Usage Easily
Do you ever stop while writing and wonder whether to use anymore or any more? If yes, you are not alone. In fact, many English learners and native speakers search for “anymore or any more” because the difference is small but important.
At first glance, both forms look almost the same. However, their meanings and usage are different. As a result, using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence. Therefore, people often feel confused, especially in writing emails, essays, or social media posts.
Moreover, this confusion grows because both forms are correct—but only in specific situations. While one is an adverb, the other is a phrase. Consequently, understanding context becomes the key.
In this article, you will get a quick answer, clear rules, real examples, and professional advice. By the end, you will confidently know when to use anymore and when to use any more, without second-guessing yourself.
Anymore or Any More – Quick Answer
- Anymore (one word) → Used as an adverb, mostly in negative sentences.
- Example: I don’t live there anymore.
- Any more (two words) → “Any” modifies “more” and refers to quantity or degree.
- Example: Do you have any more water?
👉 Simply put, anymore talks about time, while any more talks about amount.
The Origin of “Anymore” and “Any More”
Originally, any more came from Old English, where “any” meant “at all” and “more” meant “additional.” Over time, people started using the phrase frequently in speech. As a result, the words slowly merged into anymore in certain contexts.
However, the merging did not happen everywhere. Therefore, English kept both forms. One became an adverb (anymore), while the other stayed a phrase (any more).
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English accept anymore and any more. However, usage patterns are mostly the same.
| Context | British English | American English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time / negative meaning | anymore | anymore | I don’t smoke anymore. |
| Quantity / amount | any more | any more | Do you need any more help? |
So, unlike other spelling differences, the rules stay consistent across regions.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Use “anymore” when talking about time or something that no longer happens.
- Use “any more” when talking about quantity or number.
- For global audiences, follow grammar rules carefully, because meaning matters more than style.
Therefore, choosing the right form depends on context, not location.
Common Mistakes with “Anymore or Any More”
- ❌ Do you want anymore cake?
✅ Do you want any more cake? - ❌ I don’t talk to him any more. (when meaning time)
✅ I don’t talk to him anymore. - ❌ Mixing both forms in one article
✅ Stay consistent and context-based
“Anymore or Any More” in Everyday Examples
- Emails: I am not available anymore.
- News: The city does not allow plastic bags anymore.
- Social Media: I can’t wait anymore!
- Formal Writing: The system does not support this feature anymore.
Meanwhile:
- Is there any more information available?
Anymore or Any More – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows that:
- “Anymore” is searched more in emotional and personal contexts.
- “Any more” is popular in shopping, help, and question-based searches.
| Country | More Popular Form | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| USA | anymore | Statements |
| UK | both equal | Mixed use |
| India | any more | Questions |
| Australia | both | General writing |
Comparison Table: Anymore vs Any More
| Form | Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| anymore | Adverb | No longer | I don’t work here anymore. |
| any more | Phrase | Additional amount | Do you want any more tea? |
FAQs
1. Is “anymore” one word or two?
Both are correct, but usage depends on meaning.
2. Can I use “anymore” in positive sentences?
Usually no. It is mainly used in negative sentences.
3. Is “any more” about quantity?
Yes. It refers to amount or number.
4. Do British and American English use it differently?
No. The rules are mostly the same.
5. Which one is better for formal writing?
Both are fine, as long as the context is correct.
6. Why is this mistake so common?
Because both forms sound the same when spoken.
7. Can I replace “anymore” with “no longer”?
Yes. In many cases, they mean the same.
Conclusion
The confusion between anymore or any more is very common. However, once you understand the difference, it becomes simple. Anymore talks about time and change, while any more talks about quantity. Therefore, context is everything.
Moreover, both forms are correct in British and American English, which makes learning easier. Still, mistakes happen when writers ignore meaning and focus only on spelling. As a result, sentences can sound unclear or incorrect.
To avoid errors, ask yourself one question: Am I talking about time or amount? If it’s time, use anymore. If it’s amount, use any more.
Finally, when in doubt, rewrite the sentence using “no longer” or “additional.” This trick often makes the correct choice obvious. With this approach, you will write with confidence and clarity every time.
