One word or two
Anytime vs. Any time
Anytime is an adverb that means whenever or at any time, as in Call me anytime. Any time, as two words, is needed after a preposition (at any time) and when you mean an amount of time.
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| anytime | adverb | at whatever time you like; whenever |
| any time | phrase | used after a preposition, or to mean any amount of time at all |
Anytime
adverb: at whatever time you like; whenever
- Feel free to stop by the office anytime this week.
- The package could arrive anytime between noon and five.
Any time
phrase: used after a preposition, or to mean any amount of time at all
- You can cancel the plan at any time without a fee.
- Do you have any time to help me move on Saturday?
How to remember the difference
If you could use whenever instead, anytime is fine. If at comes before it, or you mean time to spare, use two words: at any time, any time to talk.
Good to know
Some editors prefer two words in every use, and any time is never wrong, so it is the safe choice when you are unsure. Anytime is also a casual reply to thanks, as in Thanks for the ride. Anytime.
Spot the mistake
Do you have
anytimeany time to look over my essay tonight?Correct: Do you have any time to look over my essay tonight?
Returns are accepted at
anytimeany time within thirty days.Correct: Returns are accepted at any time within thirty days.
Check yourself
Pick the word that fits each sentence.
1. The coach said we could text her with questions.
Answer: anytime. The meaning is whenever, with no preposition before it, so the one word anytime fits.
2. I won't have to cook until the weekend.
Answer: any time. The meaning is an amount of time, so it must be the two words any time.