Anytime vs Any Time: Which is Correct? How to Use Plus Examples
Quick Answer
Both anytime and any time are correct — but they are used differently. Use anytime (one word) when you mean “whenever.” Use any time (two words) after “at” or when you mean an amount of time.
One word: Call me anytime. (= Call me whenever.)
Two words: I do not have any time left. (= an amount of time)
Anytime and Any Time — See the Difference
These two look almost the same — just a space between them. But that space changes the meaning. Look at these examples:
You can visit anytime. (= whenever you want)
I am free at any time on Saturday. (after “at” — two words)
Anytime you need help, just ask. (= whenever you need help)
She did not spend any time on her homework. (an amount of time — two words)
Did you see the pattern? When you can say “whenever” instead, use anytime (one word). When you mean “an amount of time” or the word comes after “at,” use any time (two words).
| Form | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Anytime (one word) | When it means “whenever” | Call me anytime. |
| Any time (two words) | After “at” or when it means an amount of time | I am free at any time. |
When to Use Anytime and When to Use Any Time
Use “anytime” (one word) when you mean “whenever”:
- You can call me anytime. (= whenever you want)
- Anytime you feel ready, we can start. (= whenever you feel ready)
- Come over anytime — the door is open. (= whenever)
Use “any time” (two words) after “at” or when talking about an amount of time:
- We can meet at any time that works for you. (after “at”)
- I do not have any time to waste. (an amount of time)
- Did you spend any time reading the book? (an amount of time)
Easy way to remember — the “whenever” test: Try replacing the word with “whenever.” If the sentence still makes sense, write it as one word: anytime. If “whenever” does not fit, write it as two words: any time.
“Call me whenever” — yes, that works. So write: “Call me anytime.”
“I do not have whenever to waste” — no, that sounds strange. So write: “I do not have any time to waste.”
The Rule in One Line: If “whenever” fits, write anytime. If not, write any time.
Real-Life Examples With Anytime and Any Time
Here are sentences you might hear or use in everyday English:
- Feel free to ask me anytime. (whenever you want to ask)
- Anytime it rains, the garden looks beautiful. (whenever it rains)
- I do not have any time for shopping today. (an amount of time)
- The doctor can see you at any time after 3 pm. (after “at”)
- You are welcome here anytime. (whenever you come)
You are doing great. Now let us look at the mistakes many learners make.
Two Mistakes to Avoid With Anytime and Any Time
Even native speakers write these the wrong way sometimes — so if you mix them up, you are not alone.
Mistake 1: Writing “anytime” after “at”
✗ I am free at anytime.
✓ I am free at any time.
After “at,” always use two words. Think of it this way: “at” needs a noun after it, and “any time” (two words) is the noun.
Mistake 2: Writing “any time” when you mean “whenever”
✗ Any time you need me, I am here.
✓ Anytime you need me, I am here.
This one is not a big mistake — many people write it as two words here too. But one word is cleaner when you mean “whenever.”
How to remember: Use the “whenever” test every time. If “whenever” fits, write one word. If not, write two words. And after “at,” always use two words.
Other words that work like this: everyday vs every day, sometime vs some time, anyone vs any one.
Test Yourself: Anytime or Any Time?
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. You can call me _______ you want.
2. I do not have _______ to help right now.
3. We can meet at _______ that works for you.
4. _______ she visits, she brings cake.
5. He did not spend _______ on his homework.
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned when to write anytime and when to write any time. That is one more confusing word pair you will never mix up again.
English has many words like this — words that change meaning depending on whether you write them as one word or two. For example, do you know the difference between every time and everytime? One of them is correct and the other is a common mistake. Can you guess which one?
Next lesson: Every Time vs Everytime: Which Is Correct?
Sources
Any Time or Anytime: What’s the Difference? — ThoughtCo
Anytime vs. Any Time — Dictionary.com
My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
