Word Choice: Any More vs. Anymore

In Australian English, we usually write ‘any more’ as two words. However, in some cases it can be written as ‘anymore’ instead. But when it is written as one word, it has a more specific meaning. What, then, is the difference between ‘any more’ and ‘anymore’? Let us explain.

Any More (Determiner or Adverb)

We can use ‘any more’ in two main situations:

1. As a determiner to indicate an indefinite quantity of something
2. As an adverb to mean ‘any longer’ when referring to a period of time

Typically, this will be when either asking a question or making a negative statement. For example, if we were asking a question, we might say:

• Is there any more cake left over from yesterday?
• Do you not live in Canberra any more?

In the first question, we use ‘any more’ to mean ‘an indefinite quantity’ of cake. In the second, we use it to ask about a period of time that someone lived in Canberra (in particular, whether that period of time has ended).

If we were making a negative statement, on the other hand, we might say:

• I couldn’t eat any more cake if you paid me.
• I don’t live in Canberra any more.

The first sentence above uses ‘any more’ as a determiner to mean ‘even the smallest amount’ of cake would be too much. The second uses it as an adverb to modify the verb ‘live’ (i.e. it shows that they no longer live there). Notice that when used as a determiner, ‘any more’ goes in front of a noun. When used as an adverb, however, ‘any more’ goes at the end of the sentence.

Anymore (Adverb Only)

If we write ‘anymore’ as a single word, it can only be used as an adverb. As such, ‘anymore’ always means ‘no longer’ and refers to a period of time:

Do you not live in Canberra anymore?

I don’t live in Canberra anymore.

Writing ‘anymore’ as a single word is much more common in American English, but it is accepted in modern Australian English as well. The advantage of this is that the reader can immediately see that you are talking about a period of time. However, since we do not use ‘anymore’ when referring to quantities, you need to be careful about writing it this way.

Any More or Anymore?

The key here is to remember that ‘anymore’ has a specific meaning:

• If you write anymore as a single word, it can only mean ‘any longer’.
• Written as two words, any more can mean ‘even the smallest amount’ or ‘an indefinite quantity’ of something, as well as referring to a period of time.

In Australian English, then, you can use ‘any more’ to mean either ‘any longer’ or ‘even the smallest amount’. But you should be careful when using the one-word version of this term.

However, ‘anymore’ is much more common in American English. So if you are writing for an American or international audience, you may want to distinguish between these terms for clarity. If you would like help tailoring your writing for a particular audience like this, moreover, let us know.