Anymore and Any More: Definition and Synonyms
Anymore and Any More – Definition and Part of Speech
The phrase anymore generally functions as an adverb in English. It signifies that a situation or condition no longer applies, often conveying a sense of change from the past to the present. For example, “I don’t smoke anymore” suggests that smoking was once part of the person’s habit but is not anymore.
On the other hand, any more is a combination of two words used when asking for an additional quantity or amount of something. It typically follows verbs and forms questions or requests such as, “Do you want any more coffee?” Here, it suggests that the speaker might receive an additional serving.
Both phrases can be tricky because their usage varies significantly depending on context.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| No longer | Indicates that a situation has ceased to exist. | “She no longer attends the meetings.” | Formal, Casual |
| Still | Used in negative constructions to imply cessation. | “He doesn’t work there still.” | Informal |
| Yet | In questions/negatives to suggest something hasn’t occurred again. | “Isn’t it true yet?” | Academic, Business |
| Further | Asks for more or additional quantity of something. | “Would you like any further assistance?” | Formal, Business |
Usage Notes
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No longer: This synonym is often used in both formal and informal contexts to denote the end of an action, behavior, or state. It’s suitable when providing clear statements about change over time.
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Business Writing: “The company no longer offers that service.”
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Academic Papers: “Researchers no longer support this theory with recent evidence.”
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Still: Commonly used in informal speech and writing, especially in negative constructions to express something that has ceased. It’s less formal than “no longer” but widely understood.
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Casual Speech: “I still don’t like broccoli.”
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Creative Writing: “He couldn’t believe she wasn’t there anymore, still feeling her presence everywhere.”
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Yet: Often used in questions and negative sentences to suggest the possibility of change or continuation. It’s more common in formal contexts, such as business communications or academic writing.
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Business Communications: “Has the report been finalized yet?”
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Academic Writing: “The study has not been peer-reviewed yet.”
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Further: This is a polite and formal way to inquire about additional requests or needs. It’s typically used in professional or business contexts.
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Business Meetings: “Is there any further discussion needed on this topic?”
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Customer Service: “Would you like any further help with your order today?”
Common Pitfalls
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Anymore vs Any More: A common mistake is using ‘anymore’ to request more of something, which should be done with ‘any more.’ Confusion can arise due to their similar pronunciation and spelling.
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Incorrect: “Can I have any more cookies anymore?”
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Correct: “Can I have any more cookies?”
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No Longer vs Still: These phrases are often confused in negative sentences. Remember that “no longer” indicates cessation, whereas “still” implies continuation (even if used negatively).
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Incorrect: “He no longer goes to the gym still.”
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Correct: “He doesn’t go to the gym anymore.” / “He still goes to the gym.”
Final Recap
To summarize, anymore and any more have distinct uses—one indicating cessation of an action or state, the other asking for additional quantities. Their synonyms like “no longer,” “still,” “yet,” and “further” help convey similar meanings with subtle nuances suited to different contexts and registers.
Practicing these terms in various sentences will enhance your understanding and application:
- Formal: “She no longer participates in the annual conference.”
- Informal: “He still hasn’t finished his homework.”
Feel free to incorporate these synonyms into your writing or speech, paying attention to context and nuance to improve clarity and precision.