“Anytime” vs. “any time”
Is there a difference between anytime and any time? As it happens in English, even a small space between words can impact their use and meaning. Keep reading to understand the difference between these frequently confused words.
Is “anytime” one word or two?
- Anytime (one word) is an adverb and compound that combines any + time. The meaning of anytime as a compound and adverb is similar to “whenever”, or “at any time” (e.g., “you’re welcome here anytime!“; “I can help you move anytime this week“.
- 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“.
How to use “any time” vs. “anytime”
If the preposition at is used before any time, make sure to use the two-worded version: any time. For example, ‘I’m free to talk today at any time,’ or ‘The package is due to arrive at any time.’ In these sentences, any time is a prepositional phrase.
Anytime is also 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 see whether to use the adverb, noun or adverbial phrase, if the word ‘whenever’ can be used in the same sentence without making other revisions, then the adverb and single word anytime is okay. That said, if there’s a worry about being a grammar stickler, then the best option is again to stick to the two words (especially in academic and formal writing.)
Examples of sentences with anytime
1. Anytime you want to go for a walk, call me!
2. We should hear back from the committee anytime this week.
3. My cat thinks anytime I go to the cupboard, I’m bringing her food.
4. Anytime you’re around, call me and we’ll hang out.
5. Anytime I see Kate, she’s reading a book.
6. My new bicycle allows me to go anywhere, anytime.
7. My dog wags his tail anytime I say his name.
8. We can watch sports anytime we want with the new streaming service.
Sentences with the noun phrase “any time”
1. When I said you could drop by at any time I didn’t mean 3 a.m. in the morning!
2. Seriously, she can drink coffee at any time and still be able to sleep throughout the night with hardly any trouble.
3. You may hear kids playing at any time of day now that summer vacation has started.
4. If you need help, call this number at any time.
5. Dave: “Thanks for helping me with the repairs.” Sarah: “Any time! I enjoy it.”
6. You can call me at any time of the day, even at night.
7. Do you have any time to speak with us today?
8. At any time a gust of wind could send the car over the cliff.
9. You’re welcome to use the pool any time you want.
10. She looked him over again, certain he could escape any time he wanted.
Synonyms for “anytime”
- anytime
- at your convenience
- whenever works best for you
- let me know when works
- whenever works
- at any moment
- whenever
- you’re welcome whenever
Other commonly confused compound words
The English language is riddled with exceptions. Many common words are treated as compound words when most often they’re either single words, or might be a compound depending on the context. Take a look at these other commonly confused as-a-compound words:
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.
Every time vs everytime: every time is two words every time.
Everyday vs every day: Most often, the two-worded version, every day, is correct English. Despite this, the compound and single word, everyday, is often used in its place.
Altogether vs all together: Altogether is a contraction that combines all and together. Both altogether and all together are correct English words, but they have different meanings and should be used in different contexts.
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.
Sources
- Anytime vs any time
- Anytime on thoughtco
- Noun phrases
- Casualism
