Any Time or Anytime: Which One Is Correct?

Is it any time or anytime? Both forms are correct, but they are not always used in the same way. The difference depends on how the words function in a sentence.

Use anytime as an adverb meaning “whenever” or “at any time.” For example, “You can call me anytime.”

Use any time when talking about an amount of time or when the phrase follows a preposition such as at. For example, “Do you have any time to talk?” and “You can call me at any time.”

These expressions sound the same, which makes them easy to confuse. However, a simple grammar rule can help you choose the right form.

In this guide, you will learn the difference between any time and anytime, see examples of each, understand common mistakes, and test your knowledge with a short quiz.

Quick Answer: Any Time or Anytime?

Both are correct. Use anytime when it means “whenever.” Use any time when referring to an amount of time or after a preposition such as at.

Form	When to Use It	Example
Anytime	As an adverb meaning whenever	You can visit anytime.
Any time	After a preposition such as at	You can visit at any time.
Any time	To mean an amount of time	I don’t have any time today.
Any time	When referring to a particular time	Any time after lunch works for me.
Any time!	As a casual response to thanks	“Thanks for helping!” “Any time!”

Easy rule: Write at any time, not at anytime, in standard edited English. When you are unsure, any time is often a safe choice, but the sentence still needs to be grammatically correct.

According to Grammarly’s guide to anytime vs. any time, the one-word form is commonly used as an adverb, while the two-word form is needed in certain noun phrases, including those following a preposition such as at.

What Does Anytime Mean?

Anytime is an adverb that means “whenever” or “at any time.” It refers to an unspecified time rather than a particular hour or date.

Use anytime when you want to say that something can happen whenever a person chooses or whenever a situation occurs.

Examples of Anytime in a Sentence

You can call me anytime.
Come over anytime you like.
I can help you anytime.
We can discuss the problem anytime tomorrow.
The package should arrive anytime now.
You can listen to this lesson anytime.
Anytime I visit my grandmother, she makes tea.
Let me know anytime you need assistance.

In these examples, anytime indicates an unspecified time or introduces a clause meaning “whenever.”

When Should You Use Anytime?

Use anytime when it works naturally as an adverb.

For example:

Correct: You can contact me anytime.

Here, anytime means “whenever you want to contact me.”

Correct: I don’t expect the situation to change anytime soon.

In this sentence, anytime soon means at any unspecified time in the near future. The expression is commonly used to talk about something that is not expected to happen soon.

You can also use anytime in sentences beginning with the word:

Anytime I visit, the shop is busy.

Here, anytime means “whenever I visit.”

Is Anytime One Word?

Yes. Anytime is a standard one-word spelling when it functions as an adverb.

For example:

Call me anytime.
Visit anytime you are in town.
We can start anytime.

However, do not assume that the one-word form works in every sentence. The two-word form is necessary when time functions as a noun in expressions such as “at any time” or “do you have any time?”

What Does Any Time Mean?

Any time is a two-word phrase in which time functions as a noun. It can refer to an amount of time, an available period, or an unspecified point in time.

You commonly use it when asking whether someone has enough time for something or when describing when an event may happen.

Examples of Any Time in a Sentence

Do you have any time to talk?
I don’t have any time to waste.
We can meet at any time tomorrow.
She can leave at any time.
Any time after three o’clock is fine.
I would appreciate any time you can spare.
The appointment may be scheduled at any time.
Is there any time available this afternoon?

In these examples, time acts as a noun. It may refer to an amount of time or a point when something can happen.

When Should You Use Any Time?

Use any time in these situations.

1. After a preposition such as at

Call me at any time.
You may arrive at any time of day.
The alarm could sound at any time.

In standard edited English, write at any time, not at anytime.

2. When talking about an amount of time

I don’t have any time today.
Do you have any time for a quick meeting?
We need any time you can spare.

The word time is a noun in these examples.

3. When time is the subject of a sentence

Any time is a good time for coffee.
Any time you can give us will be appreciated.

Here, the phrase refers to time itself, rather than simply modifying a verb as an adverb.

4. When another word comes between any and time

I don’t have much time today.
We need some extra time.
Do you have enough time to finish?

These are not examples of the exact phrase any time, but they help show why time often remains a separate noun.

Any Time vs Anytime: Key Differences

The main difference is grammatical, not pronunciation. Both forms sound the same, but their roles in a sentence can differ.

Feature	Any Time	Anytime
Number of words	Two	One
Main grammatical role	Noun phrase	Adverb
Meaning	An amount or point of time	Whenever or at an unspecified time
Used after at	Yes	Not in standard edited English
Example	Do you have any time?	Call me anytime.
Example with soon	It could happen at any time soon.	It could happen anytime soon.

Both forms can sometimes communicate the same general idea. For instance, “Call me anytime” and “Call me any time” are both accepted in many contexts when the phrase means “whenever you want to call.”

However, “Call me at any time” is the standard construction when at is included.

Can You Write “Any Time” as Two Words When It Means Whenever?

Yes. The two-word form is also used as an adverbial expression meaning “whenever” or “at any time.”

For example:

You can call me any time.
You can call me anytime.

Both are acceptable in this context.

However, when writing for school, work, or a formal publication, make sure you follow the relevant style guide. Some editors prefer any time in certain contexts, while others accept anytime as a natural adverb.

The important point is not to treat the two-word form as incorrect everywhere. It has valid uses beyond sentences with at.

Any Time or Anytime in American and British English

Both forms are understood in American and British English, although preferences can vary by dictionary, publication, and writing style.

Context	American English	British English
Adverb meaning whenever	Anytime is common	Anytime and any time are used
After at	At any time	At any time
Amount of time	Any time	Any time
Formal writing	Follow the chosen style guide	Follow the chosen style guide

The Cambridge Dictionary lists anytime as an adverb and notes any time as a British variant in this use. This shows that regional and editorial preferences can differ.

For international audiences, the clearest approach is to use anytime as an adverb when appropriate and keep any time after prepositions such as at or when referring to an amount of time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Writing “At Anytime”

Incorrect in standard edited English: You can call me at anytime.

Correct: You can call me at any time.

The preposition at should be followed by the noun phrase any time in this construction.

You can also remove at and write:

“You can call me anytime.”

2. Using Anytime to Mean an Amount of Time

Incorrect: I don’t have anytime to finish this task.

Correct: I don’t have any time to finish this task.

Here, time is a noun referring to an amount of available time.

3. Assuming Any Time Is Always Wrong

Incorrect belief: Anytime is the only correct spelling.

Correct rule: Both forms are correct, depending on the sentence.

For example, “Call me anytime” is correct, and “Call me at any time” is also correct.

4. Assuming Anytime Is Always Wrong in Formal Writing

Anytime is a standard adverb, not simply a spelling mistake or slang term. Still, some formal contexts may favor any time for stylistic reasons.

When writing for a school, employer, or publication, follow its preferred style.

5. Forgetting the Difference Between “Anytime” and “Any Time”

Compare these examples:

Anytime: You may visit whenever you like.
Any time: Do you have any time to spare?
At any time: You may leave at any time.

Each sentence is correct because the words perform different grammatical jobs.

Easy Tricks to Remember the Difference

Here are three simple ways to choose the correct form.

Trick 1: Use “At Any Time”

If your sentence includes at, use any time as two words.

Call me at any time.
You can arrive at any time of day.
The meeting may end at any time.

This is the easiest rule to remember.

Trick 2: Try Replacing Anytime With Whenever

If you can replace anytime with whenever and the sentence still makes sense, the one-word form is often appropriate.

For example:

“You can call me anytime.”

Try replacing it:

“You can call me whenever you want.”

The meaning remains similar, so anytime works.

Trick 3: Ask Whether You Mean an Amount of Time

If you are talking about how much time someone has, use any time.

Do you have any time?
I don’t have any time.
Please give me any time you can spare.

Remember: time is a noun in these examples.

Quick Practice Quiz: Any Time or Anytime?

Choose the correct answer for each sentence.

1. You can visit me _____ you like.

A. any time
B. anytime

2. Please call me _____ any time of the day.

A. at
B. anytime

3. I don’t have _____ to finish this today.

A. anytime
B. any time

4. The train should arrive _____ soon.

A. anytime
B. at anytime

5. Do you have _____ to talk after work?

A. any time
B. anytime

Answers and Explanations

B — anytime. It means “whenever you like.” “Any time” can also work in this adverbial use.
A — at. The correct phrase is “at any time of the day.”
B — any time. The sentence refers to an amount of time.
A — anytime. “Anytime soon” is a common expression.
A — any time. The question asks whether the person has time available.

FAQs

1. Is it any time or anytime?

Both are correct. Use anytime as an adverb meaning “whenever.” Use any time when referring to an amount of time or after a preposition such as at.

2. Is anytime one word?

Yes. Anytime is a standard one-word adverb meaning “whenever” or “at an unspecified time.”

3. Is “at anytime” correct?

In standard edited English, use at any time. For example, “You can contact us at any time.”

4. Is “any time” two words?

Yes. Any time is a two-word noun phrase. For example, “Do you have any time to help me?”

5. Is “call me anytime” grammatically correct?

Yes. “Call me anytime” is correct because anytime means “whenever you want to call.”

6. Can I write “call me any time”?

Yes. “Call me any time” is also accepted when it means “whenever you want to call.” The one-word form is common, especially in American English.

7. What does “anytime soon” mean?

Anytime soon refers to an unspecified time in the near future. For example, “The weather isn’t expected to improve anytime soon.”

8. Is anytime formal or informal?

Anytime is a standard word, although some editors may prefer any time in certain formal contexts. Follow your publication’s style guide when one is provided.

9. Does “any time” mean whenever?

It can. In sentences such as “You can visit any time,” the phrase means “whenever you want.” It can also refer to an amount of time, as in “I don’t have any time.”

10. How do I remember the difference between any time and anytime?

Remember that at any time uses two words. Use anytime when it means “whenever,” and use any time when referring to an amount of time.

Conclusion

The difference between any time or anytime depends on how the words are used in a sentence. Anytime is a one-word adverb that means “whenever” or “at an unspecified time.” Any time is a two-word phrase used for an amount of time and in constructions such as “at any time.”

For example, “Call me anytime” is correct, while “Call me at any time” is also correct. However, “Do you have any time?” needs the two-word form because it refers to an amount of time.

Remember the simple rule: use at any time, use any time for an amount of time, and use anytime when it naturally means “whenever.”