Anytime vs Any Time: Which is Correct & What’s the Difference?
Confused about “anytime” vs “any time”? Learn the difference, meanings, grammar rules, and examples to use both correctly.
You’ve probably seen both “anytime” and “any time” in everyday writing. They look almost identical, but that small space changes the grammar and meaning. So which one is correct? Can you use them interchangeably?
The quick answer: Both “anytime” and “any time” are correct, but they have different uses. “Anytime” (one word) is an adverb meaning “whenever.” “Any time” (two words) is a noun phrase referring to an amount of time.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what each form means, how to use them correctly, and how to avoid common mistakes. You’ll also see examples, grammar rules, and an easy trick to remember the difference.
Meaning of “Anytime”
The word “anytime” means whenever or at any time. It is a single-word adverb that tells you that something can happen at no fixed time or on any occasion.
In short: Anytime = whenever or at any moment.
Examples:
- You can call me anytime.
- Come over anytime you want.
- Anytime I see him, he’s smiling.
In each example, “anytime” acts like an adverb. It modifies the verb by showing when something can happen. It doesn’t refer to a specific amount of time, it means “whenever.”
You can often replace “anytime” with “whenever” without changing the meaning:
- You can visit anytime → You can visit whenever.
If that substitution makes sense, the one-word form is correct.
As an Adverb
“Anytime” most often functions as an adverb of time. It describes when something can occur. You’ll see it in sentences without a preposition before it.
Examples:
- Call me anytime.
- We can start anytime after noon.
- The shop is open anytime during the day.
It gives flexibility and openness, with no specific limit on when something may happen.
As a Conjunction
Sometimes “anytime” also works as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause. In this case, it means whenever.
Examples:
- Anytime I travel, I pack light.
- He calls me anytime he needs advice.
- Anytime you’re ready, we can go.
In each example, “anytime” links two parts of a sentence, just like “when” or “whenever.”
As an Adjective (Informal)
In casual English, you might see “anytime” used as an adjective before a noun, usually in phrases like “an anytime snack” or “an anytime meal.” This use is informal and mostly appears in marketing or everyday speech.
Example:
- It’s an anytime drink, perfect for morning or night.
Although grammatically acceptable in casual writing, avoid it in formal contexts.
Meaning of “Any Time”
“Any time” means any amount or period of time. The two-word version, “any time,” is a noun phrase. It combines the determiner “any” with the noun “time.” Together, they refer to an amount of time or no specific time.
In short: Any time = any amount or period of time.
Examples:
- Do you have any time to talk?
- I don’t have any time to rest.
- You can visit at any time.
Here, “time” acts as a noun. “Any” modifies it to mean whatever time or no particular time.
As a Noun Phrase
“Any time” appears after prepositions such as at, in, or during — places where nouns belong grammatically.
Examples:
- You can call at any time.
- We can meet at any time tomorrow.
- The store is open at any time of day.
Because prepositions require a noun object, “any time” fits naturally. The one-word “anytime” does not.
Talking About Amounts or Duration
Use “any time” when referring to how much time is available or needed.
Examples:
- I don’t have any time to waste.
- She didn’t spend any time studying.
- Do you have any time this weekend?
If the focus is on quantity or duration, the two-word form is always correct.
The Grammatical Difference
The difference between “anytime” and “any time” comes down to part of speech.
| Form | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime | Adverb or conjunction | Whenever / at any moment | Call me anytime. |
| Any time | Noun phrase | Any amount or period of time | I don’t have any time to rest. |
In simple terms:
- “Anytime” modifies verbs (like when something happens).
- “Any time” is a noun phrase (something you can have, spend, or lose).
Examples in Sentences
Use these sentences to see how “anytime” and “any time” change meaning depending on whether you’re describing when something happens or how much time you have.
Anytime
- You can call me anytime.
- Anytime you need advice, I’m here.
- Come over anytime this week.
- Anytime she smiles, I feel better.
- The door is open anytime for you.
Any Time
- I don’t have any time to relax.
- Can we meet at any time on Monday?
- I’ll help you if I find any time.
- You can leave at any time.
- Do you have any time to spare?
Notice how “anytime” works without a preposition, while “any time” often appears with one.
Grammar Rules for Correct Use
These simple grammar rules will help you choose between “anytime” and “any time” with confidence in every context.
1. Use “anytime” when it means “whenever”
If you can swap it with “whenever” and the sentence still works, use the one-word form.
✅ Correct: Anytime you need help, call me.
✅ Also correct: You can come anytime.
Test: “You can come whenever.” (Yes — sounds fine!) So “anytime” fits.
2. Use “any time” after prepositions
Prepositions such as at, in, and during must be followed by a noun or noun phrase. Since “any time” contains the noun “time,” it fits. “Anytime” does not.
✅ Correct: You can call me at any time.
❌ Incorrect: You can call me at anytime.
3. Use “any time” for quantities or duration
When referring to how much time you have, spend, or need, always use the two-word form.
✅ Correct: I don’t have any time to spare.
✅ Correct: Did you spend any time in Paris?
Here, “time” means a measurable amount.
4. Use “any time” in formal writing
Although “anytime” is common in everyday writing, many style guides recommend using “any time” in academic or formal contexts.
✅ Better for formal use: “You may contact me at any time.” Avoid: “You may contact me anytime.” (too informal for reports or essays)
5. If unsure, use “any time”
Because “any time” is always grammatically correct, it’s a safe choice when you’re not sure which form to use.
Common Mistakes With “Anytime” and “Any Time”
Even with these clear rules, many writers still make small errors with ‘anytime’ and ‘any time.’ Let’s look at the most common ones.
1. Writing “at anytime”
This is the most common mistake. The preposition “at” needs a noun, so the correct phrase is “at any time.”
❌ Wrong: You can come at anytime.
✅ Right: You can come at any time.
2. Using “anytime” for durations
“Anytime” can’t refer to amounts of time. It’s an adverb, not a noun phrase.
❌ Wrong: I don’t have anytime to eat.
✅ Right: I don’t have any time to eat.
3. Mixing styles in formal writing
In essays, reports, or official letters, stick with “any time.” It’s more traditional and always acceptable.
4. Assuming both are interchangeable
They overlap in meaning, but grammar determines the choice. Think about what role the word plays, noun or adverb.
Memory Trick to Remember the Difference
Here’s an easy rule:
- If you can replace the word with “whenever,” use “anytime.”
- If you can count, measure, or add “the amount of,” use “any time.”
Try it:
- “You can call me anytime.” → “You can call me whenever.” ✅
- “I don’t have any time to rest.” → “I don’t have whenever to rest.” ❌
Simple and reliable!
Comparison Table
| Use | Anytime | Any Time |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Whenever, at any moment | Any amount or period of time |
| Part of Speech | Adverb or conjunction | Noun phrase |
| Follows Prepositions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Example | “Call me anytime.” | “Call me at any time.” |
| Formal Writing | Less formal | Preferred |
| Replace With “Whenever”? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Idioms and Expressions With “Anytime”
“Anytime” also appears naturally in everyday speech and idioms and expressions.
1. “Thanks.” — “Anytime!”
This friendly response means you’re welcome or I’m happy to help whenever you need.
Example:
– Thanks for the ride!
– Anytime!
2. “Anytime soon”
This phrase means in the near future.
Example: He’s not coming back anytime soon.
3. “An anytime snack”
A casual expression for something suitable at any moment of the day.
Example: Granola bars make a great anytime snack.
These informal uses show how “anytime” fits naturally in conversation, while “any time” remains more formal.
The Origin of “Anytime”
The word “anytime” evolved from the two-word phrase “any time.” Like “anywhere,” “sometime,” and “nowhere,” it became a compound over centuries of English use.
In early English, writers separated them: “any time.” Over time, speech patterns made the single form “anytime” more natural in informal writing. By the 20th century, the single word “anytime” had become standard in both American and British English for adverbial use. Today, both appear in dictionaries, but with distinct grammatical roles.
Language evolves to favor simplicity. Still, grammar rules help you choose the right form depending on how you use the word.
Several other English words follow this same pattern, where one form acts as an adverb and the two-word version serves as a noun phrase.
Related Words
“Anytime” belongs to a family of compound adverbs that describe time or place. These follow the same one-word vs. two-word rule:
| Correct Form | Incorrect Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime | any time (when used incorrectly as adverb) | whenever |
| Sometime | some time (when used to mean “at an unspecified time”) | at an unspecified time |
| Somewhere | some where | in some place |
| Nowhere | no where | in no place |
Important note: “Some where” and “no where” are always incorrect in English but you can use “any time” and “some time.”
“Any time” (two words) is a noun phrase. Use it when referring to an amount or quantity of time.
- Example: I don’t have any time to rest.
“Some time” (two words) is also a noun phrase. Use it when referring to a period or duration of time.
- Example: It took some time to finish the project.
Notice that the single-word versions act as adverbs, while the two-word versions serve as noun phrases.
Quick Recap
Let’s summarize what you’ve learned:
✅ “Anytime” means “whenever” or “at any moment.”
✅ “Any time” means “any amount or period of time.”
✅ “Anytime” is an adverb or conjunction.
✅ “Any time” is a noun phrase.
✅ Use “any time” after prepositions.
✅ Replace with “whenever” to test for “anytime.”
✅ In formal writing, prefer “any time.”
Final Thoughts
Both “anytime” and “any time” are correct, but they’re not the same.
- When you write “anytime,” you’re talking about when something happens.
- When you write “any time,” you’re talking about how much time you have or need.
Remember:
“Anytime” = whenever.
“Any time” = an amount of time.
Keep that simple rule in mind, and your writing will be clear, correct, and confident, anytime!
FAQs About “Anytime” vs “Any Time”
Is “anytime” one word or two?
Both are correct, but they serve different purposes. “Anytime” (one word) is an adverb meaning whenever. “Any time” (two words) is a noun phrase meaning an amount or period of time.
Can you say “at anytime”?
No. The preposition “at” must be followed by a noun, so the correct form is “at any time.”
✅ Correct: You can call me at any time.
❌ Incorrect: You can call me at anytime.
Is “anytime” formal or informal?
“Anytime” is acceptable in casual and conversational English, but “any time” is preferred in formal or academic writing.
Can “any time” act as an adverb?
Not exactly. “Any time” is a noun phrase that can function adverbially in meaning, but grammatically it remains a noun. Only “anytime” is a true adverb.
What’s the difference between “anytime” and “whenever”?
They often mean the same thing. You can usually replace “anytime” with “whenever” without changing the meaning.
✅ You can visit anytime → You can visit whenever.
Which form should I use if I’m unsure?
Use “any time.” It’s always grammatically correct, even in formal writing, whereas “anytime” is better for casual contexts.
