“Anytime” vs. “any time”
Is there a difference between anytime and any time? As it often happens in English, even a small space between words can impact their correct use and meaning. Keep reading to learn the difference between these frequently misused words.
You can call me anytime you like.
The train could arrive at any time now.
You can call me any time you like.
The train could arrive at anytime now.
Is “anytime” one word or two?
- Anytime (one word) is an adverb and a compound word that combines any + time. The meaning of anytime as a single word is similar to “whenever”, or “at any time”; e.g., “you’re welcome here anytime!“
- Any time (two words) is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time”. Any time can appear as a prepositional phrase when it follows the preposition “at”; e.g., “we can leave at any time; I’ve been ready“.
When to use “any time” vs. “anytime”
If the word at is correct before any time, make sure to spell any time as two words. For example, ‘I’m free to talk today at any time’, or ‘it should be arriving at any time.’ In these sentences, any time is separated since it’s used as a prepositional phrase.
Anytime is considered a casualism in English writing. Casualisms are informal words that have eventually come to be accepted because of their widespread use and adoption in writing and speech. The single word anytime always functions as an adverb in sentences. As an adverb, anytime means ‘whenever’, or ‘at any point.’ For example, ‘We can leave anytime you’re ready to go.’
A quick trick to determine whether to use the adverb, noun or prepositional phrase is to check if ‘whenever’ can be used in the same sentence. If so, then single word anytime is acceptable. If you’re still unsure, then your best bet is to stick to the two word spelling; it’s more technically correct.
Sentences with “anytime”
| Word Form | Examples |
|---|---|
| Other | anytime at your convenience whenever works best for you let me know when works whenever works at any moment whenever you’re welcome whenever Alright vs all right: alright is a compound of all right. Technically, alright is informal and should be avoided in formal writing. Alot vs a lot: a lot is not a word and should be avoided period. A lot is an idiom that means “very much.” Nevermind vs never mind: the correct way to write ‘never mind’ is as two words. Photo shoot vs photoshoot: the technically correct spelling is two words: photo shoot. |
Read about other commonly confused words
- Is it Elude or Allude?
- When To Use Infer vs. Imply
- What’s the Difference Between Invoke and Evoke?
- Is it Allot, A lot or Alot?
- Which is it: Allusion or Illusion?
- Insure, Ensure or Assure?
- Averse or Adverse?
- “Accept” vs. “Except”: What’s the Difference?
In review
As a rule of thumb, any time is technically correct, so it’s best to stick to the two-worded version, especially in formal or academic writing.Used as an adverb, the single word anytime is accepted.
Worksheet
Which of these sentences uses “anytime” correctly?
Which phrase correctly completes the sentence: “We can leave the party ______.”?
In the sentence “I’m happy to meet you at ______ tomorrow”, which is the correct option?
Which sentence correctly uses the adverbial form of “any time”?
Choose the appropriate phrasing to complete the sentence: “You can reach me ______.”
The train could arrive .
We can visit them .
Call me you are free.
I’ll be available to help you .
We can meet at next week.
FAQs
How do I use “anytime”?
+
When do I use “any time”?
+
What’s the difference between “anytime” and “any time”?
+
Is “anytime” a formal word?
+
What’s the rule for using “any time” with “at”?
+
Yash, D. "Is it Any Time or Anytime? Which Is Correct?." Grammarflex, Jun 25, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/anytime-vs-any-time-which-is-correct-how-to-use-plus-examples/.
Sources
-
Anytime vs any time Anytime on thoughtco Noun phrases Casualism
