Anytime and any time are both correct, but they do different jobs in a sentence. Use anytime as an adverb when you mean “whenever,” while any time keeps time as a noun. You will often see the two-word form after a preposition such as at or when someone is talking about having or using a certain amount of time.
Quick Answer:
Anytime = “whenever”
Call me anytime.
Any time = any + time
Call me at any time.
Do you have any time?
Easy rule: anytime = adverb; any time = noun phrase.
Anytime vs. Any Time
| Form | Main Use | Example |
| Anytime | Adverb meaning “whenever” | Come by anytime. |
| Any time | Noun phrase, especially after a preposition or for an amount of time | Call me at any time. |
When to Use Anytime
Use anytime when it tells you when something can happen. In many sentences, you can replace it with whenever:
Stop by anytime.
Anytime you need help, give me a call.
This one-word form is standard and especially common in everyday American English.
When to Use Any Time
Use any time when time is acting as a noun.
Do you have any time to talk today?
I don’t have any time for another meeting.
The two-word form is also required after a preposition such as at:
You can contact us at any time.
So at anytime is not the standard form.
Common Mistakes
1. Using “anytime” after “at”
❌ Contact us at anytime.
✅ Contact us at any time.
2. Using “anytime” for an amount of time
❌ Do you have anytime to talk?
✅ Do you have any time to talk?
3. Assuming one form is always correct
Neither form is always right. The choice depends on how time functions in the sentence.
Pronunciation
Anytime and any time are pronounced the same way. The difference is in the written form and grammatical use.
6 Examples
- You can call me anytime you need help.
- Feel free to visit us anytime this weekend.
- We’re available at any time during business hours.
- Do you have any time for a quick meeting?
- Anytime the weather is nice, we eat outside.
- I don’t have any time to finish another task today.
Memory Trick
Anytime = whenever
Any time = any + time
Remember: at any time, not at anytime.
Mini Quiz
1. Which sentence is correct?
A. Call me anytime you need help.
B. Call me at anytime you need help.
C. Call me anytimes you need help.
D. Call me at anytimes you need help.
2. Which form normally follows “at”?
A. Anytime
B. Any time
C. Anytimes
D. Any-time
3. Which sentence uses “any time” as a noun phrase?
A. Come anytime.
B. Call anytime you like.
C. I don’t have any time today.
D. Visit anytime tomorrow.
4. Which sentence is correct?
A. We can meet at anytime.
B. We can meet at any time.
C. We can meet at anytimes.
D. We can meet at any-time.
5. What determines whether to write “anytime” or “any time”?
A. Pronunciation
B. Sentence length
C. Grammatical use
D. Number of syllables
Answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-B, 5-C
FAQs
Is “anytime” one word or two?
Both forms are correct. Anytime is the one-word adverb, while any time is used when time functions as a noun.
Is “anytime” formal English?
Yes. Anytime is standard English, although some writers may prefer any time in more formal contexts.
Is “at anytime” correct?
Use at any time. After a preposition such as at, the two-word form is standard.
Are “anytime” and “any time” pronounced differently?
No. They are pronounced the same. Only the spelling and grammatical use change.
Conclusion
Anytime and any time are both correct. Use anytime when it means “whenever,” and use any time when time functions as a noun, especially after a preposition or when referring to an amount of time. Remember: anytime = whenever; any time = any + time.
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William Strunk is a respected authority on English grammar, usage, and writing style, known for his influential work The Elements of Style. At EduNexxa, his focus is on clear, concise, and effective English.
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