Any time or Anytime: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: The correct choice depends on your sentence structure. Use the single word anytime as an adverb meaning whenever. However, you must write the two-word phrase any time when it follows a preposition or acts as a noun phrase in your writing.
The Short Answer
Anytime is an adverb that means at any time or whenever, while you should use the two-word phrase any time after a preposition or as a noun phrase.
People often confuse these forms because they sound identical when spoken aloud. The distinction lies entirely in their grammatical roles within a sentence, requiring writers to pause and analyze the surrounding words to choose correctly.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| anytime | Adverb | Describing when an action can happen, replacing the phrase at any time. |
| any time | Noun phrase | Following a preposition like at, for, or during, or as the object of a verb. |
| anytime | Correct | Standing alone to modify a verb without preceding prepositions. |
| any time | Correct | Referring to a specific duration or moment as a distinct concept. |
Correct Example Sentences
- You can submit your application anytime before the deadline.
- Do you have any time to review this document today?
- The store is open anytime for quick pickups.
- I do not have any time left in my schedule.
- Feel free to call me anytime you need help.
- She saved any time she could for her hobby.
- You may leave anytime after lunch is served.
- We wasted any time remaining on trivial tasks.
- The system works anytime without manual input.
- Please give me any time to finish this project.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- I can meet you at anytime.
- I can meet you at any time.
- Do you have anytime to chat?
- Do you have any time to chat?
- Call me anytime you want.
- Call me anytime you want.
- I have no anytime to spare.
- I have no any time to spare.
- The door is open for anytime.
- The door is open for any time.
- You can leave anytime you wish.
- You can leave anytime you wish.
A Quick Test You Can Use
Try substituting the phrase at any time into your sentence. If it fits naturally as a standalone modifier for the verb, use the single word anytime. If you need the words to function as a noun or follow a preposition, keep them separate as any time.
Related Word Pairs
- alot vs a lot
- Use a lot as two words; alot is not a standard word.
- then vs than
- Use then for time sequences and than for comparisons.
- your vs you're
- Use your for possession and you're as a contraction for you are.
- its vs it's
- Use its for possession and it's as a contraction for it is.
- effect vs affect
- Use effect as a noun for result and affect as a verb for action.
More Example Sentences
- The museum is open anytime after noon.
- You can choose any time that suits your schedule.
- She visits the park anytime the weather is nice.
- Pick any time between nine and five for the meeting.
- The software updates anytime it detects a new version.
- We have any time left over from our last appointment.
- He arrives at the office anytime before eight.
- Select any time slot that appears available.
- The cafe serves coffee anytime during the day.
- There is any time remaining in the exam period.
Quick Practice
You may exit the building you wish.
anytime
Please suggest for our next interview.
any time
The garden hose works without leaks.
anytime
Does work for you on Friday?
any time
I appreciate you helping I need support.
anytime
We must find to discuss the budget.
any time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anytime one word or two words?
Anytime is correctly written as one word when used as an adverb. However, you must write it as two words, any time, when it follows a preposition or acts as a noun phrase in your sentence.
Can I use anytime in formal writing?
Yes, anytime is acceptable in formal writing when used correctly as an adverb. Just ensure you switch to the two-word form any time when grammar requires a noun phrase or a prepositional object.
What is the difference between at any time and anytime?
At any time uses the two-word noun phrase after a preposition. Anytime is a single adverb that means the same thing but does not need a preposition. You can replace at any time with anytime.
Do I say any time or anytime for free time?
You should always say any time when referring to a quantity of free time. In this context, time is a noun, so the two-word phrase is correct. Never use the single word anytime for this meaning.
