Any more vs. Anymore
It is amazing that one little space in the English language can mean so much-or can cause controversy amongst grammarians. Let's take a closer look at the word anymore and the phrase any more to see how a little space can cause major divisions!
There are three differing opinions on the words any more and anymore. Some do not even recognize the spelling "anymore" as correct-it is simply not a word.
Others recognize the two different spellings, but consider them to be the same in meaning-whether you use any more or anymore, both function as adverbs meaning "no longer.
1. Clarissa is not in my class any more/anymore.
2. I don't watch that show on television any more/anymore.
Finally, others recognize an important difference between the two, which makes sense in usage.
Any more is a phrase that contains an adverb (any) and an adjective (more).
1. I cannot find any more of the Legos on the floor.
2. Do you have any more rain boots? I need a new pair.
3. While it was delicious, I could not eat any more of the cake.
Anymore is an adverb meaning "no longer."
1. I do not take gymnastics anymore.
2. My little brother does not want to go to school anymore.
3. Mrs. Harrison doesn't teach at this school anymore.
While many recognize the distinction, not all sources do, so you do need to carefully consider your audience when choosing how to use these words. However, in a practical sense, the distinction between any more as a phrase that means something entirely different from the adverb anymore makes sense.
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