No longer, any longer, anymore

No longer, any longer, anymore

We use the phrases no longer, any longer, and anymore to talk about something that happened or was true in the past but doesn’t happen or isn’t true now. Although their meanings are the same, the way we use them is not. No longer is also slightly more formal than any longer and anymore.

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No longer

Unlike any longer and anymore, no longer is only used in positive sentences as it makes a sentence negative. Its position is different, too, as it is typically used in the mid position. The mid position is between the subject and the verb.

• I no longer eat meat.
• He no longer plays football.

With the verb to be, however, the mid position is after the verb.

• We are no longer friends.
• He is no longer a footballer.

With modal or auxiliary verbs, the mid position is after the modal verb.

• Jim will no longer attend his lessons.
• We can no longer bring phones to school.

In questions, the mid position is after the subject.

• Do you no longer want to play?
• Is he no longer happy?

Any longer, anymore

Any longer and anymore are only used in negative statements or questions. Both expressions are synonyms and can be used interchangeably. They are always placed at the end of a statement or question.

Any longer is slightly more formal than anymore.

• We don’t live there any longer/anymore.
• We aren’t friends any longer/anymore.
• Why don’t you visit us any longer/anymore? 

Anymore vs any more

Anymore (one word) is often confused with any more (two words), and though the two may look similar, their meanings are completely different.

Anymore is an adverb referring to time; it means ‘not now like before’. For example, “I don’t eat pizza anymore” means ‘I used to eat pizza in the past, but I don’t eat pizza now’.

On the other hand, any more is a determiner used to describe quantity; it means ‘additional’ or ‘more than what we have now’. For example, “Do you have any more candy?” means ‘Do you have additional candy (or more candy than what you gave me)?’

• I don’t eat chicken anymore.
• I don’t eat chicken any more.
• Do you want any more chicken?
• Do you want anymore chicken?