Anytime vs. Any Time—What’s the Difference?

A century ago, it was standard to write any time as two words in all contexts. But it’s now perfectly acceptable to write anytime as one word when you’re using it as an adverb. However, some readers still consider it a casualism, so you may want to stick to the two-word version for extremely formal writing.

• When in doubt, write

  any time

  as two words. It might look a little old-fashioned, but it won’t be wrong.

• Anytime

  is an adverb that means “whenever” or “at any time.” You can use it like you would any other adverb:

  Call me anytime. Call me often. Call me quickly.

• You can’t use

  anytime

  with a preposition like

  at

  . If you have a preposition, you need the two-word version:

  They could call at any time

  .

• You also need the two-word version when you’re talking about an

  amount

  of time:

  Do you have any time to speak to us today?

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When is

anytime

one word?

You can write anytime as one word or as two words when you are using it as an adverb.

I am available anytime if you’d like me to help you with your novel.

I am available any time if you’d like me to help you with your novel.

My new bicycle allows me to go anywhere, anytime.

My new bicycle allows me to go anywhere, any time.

If you’re not sure whether you’re using anytime as an adverb, try substituting some other adverb like “quickly” or “loudly.” My new bicycle allows me to go anywhere quickly. If the adverb works, then it’s OK to make anytime one word. You can also make it two words, but to some readers it will look old-fashioned or more formal.

You can also use anytime (or any time) as a conjunction.

Anytime the sun went down, we’d go for a night-swim.

Any time the sun went down, we’d go for a night-swim.

There’s no difference in meaning.

When is

any time

two words?

There are a couple of cases where you have to make any time two words.

Any time has to be two words when you use it with a preposition like “at.”

You can call me at any time of the day, even at night.

You can call me at anytime of the day, even at night.

You also have to make any time two words when you’re talking about an amount of time.

Do you have any time to speak with us today?

Do you have anytime to speak with us today?