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Any Time vs. Anytime | Difference, Examples & Quiz

Published on March 29, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

Any time and anytime are pronounced the same, but they have different grammatical functions.

  • Any time (two words) is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time.” It can also be used as part of the prepositional phrase “at any time” (meaning “whenever”).
  • Anytime (one word) is an adverb meaning “whenever” or “at any time.” It can also be used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a dependent clause.
Examples: Any time in a sentence Examples: Anytime in a sentence
Hal doesn’t have any time for a meeting. I can help you move anytime except next weekend.
The stock price might drop at any time. Anytime I call, you’re busy.

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What does any time mean?

Any time is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time.” In some instances, a determiner (e.g., “more,” “less,” “other”) can be placed between the two words to further modify the noun.

Examples: How to use “any time”
Do we have any time to spare before the train arrives?

I don’t have any time to discuss the exam today.

Let me know if you need any more time.

Any time can also be used in informal contexts to mean “you’re welcome.”

Examples: “Any time” to mean “you’re welcome”
Person A: Thanks for driving me to the airport.

Person B: Any time! I’m always happy to help.

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At any time

The prepositional phrase at any time (meaning “whenever”) is always written using the two-word phrase “any time.” “At anytime” is never correct.

Examples: “At any time” in a sentence
  • You can cancel your subscription at anytime.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time.
  • Feel free to touch base at anytime.
  • Feel free to touch base at any time.

What does anytime mean?

Anytime is an adverb meaning “at any time” or “whenever.”

Examples: How to use “anytime”
You are welcome here anytime!

I’m available to meet up anywhere, anytime.

Joan’s neighbor said she could borrow their lawnmover anytime.

Anytime can also be used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a dependent clause (i.e., a clause that contains a subject and a verb but can’t act as a standalone sentence).

Examples: “Anytime” as a subordinating conjunction
Anytime Inez is in town, she meets Dave for coffee.

Whitney can give you financial advice anytime you need it.

Note
“Anytime” is considered somewhat informal, so it’s best not to use it in academic writing or other formal contexts. Use “whenever” instead, adding more words if needed (e.g., “whenever it is convenient for you”).

Worksheet: Anytime vs. any time

You can test your understanding of the difference between “anytime” and “any time” with the worksheet below. Fill in either “anytime” or “any time” in each sentence.

      1. We need to hurry. Don’t waste _______.
      2. I’m always available to babysit. Just drop the kids off _______.
      3. If you need assistance at _______, please call the reception desk.
      4. _______ you need to talk, you can call me.
      5. I’m usually free _______, but I don’t have _______ to go for coffee today.
      1. We need to hurry. Don’t waste any time.
        • “Any time” is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time.”
      1. I’m always available to babysit. Just drop the kids off anytime.
        • “Anytime” is an adverb meaning “whenever” or “at any time.”
      1. If you need assistance at any time, please call the reception desk.
        • “Any time” is correct here. The prepositional phrase at any time is always written using the two-word phrase “any time.”
      1. Anytime you need to talk, you can call me.
        • “Anytime” can also be used as a subordinating conjunction to introduce a dependent clause (i.e., a clause that contains a subject and a verb but can’t act as a standalone sentence).
      1. I’m usually free anytime, but I don’t have any time to go for coffee today.
        • In the first instance “anytime” (meaning “whenever”) is correct. In the second instance, “any time” (meaning “any amount of time”) is correct.

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        Other interesting language articles

        If you want to know more about commonly confused words, definitions, and differences between US and UK spellings, make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

        Confused words

        Definitions

        US vs. UK spellings

        Frequently asked questions

        What is a synonym of “anytime”?

        There are numerous synonyms and near synonyms for the two meanings of anytime:

        Whenever You’re welcome
        At any time My pleasure
        On any occasion No problem
        What is a synonym of “whenever”?

        Some synonyms and near synonyms for “whenever” include:

        • Anytime
        • At any time
        • On any occasion

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        Ryan, E. (2023, March 29). Any Time vs. Anytime | Difference, Examples & Quiz. Scribbr. Retrieved January 8, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/commonly-confused-words/any-time-vs-anytime/

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        Eoghan Ryan

        Eoghan has a lot of experience with theses and dissertations at bachelor's, MA, and PhD level. He has taught university English courses, helping students to improve their research and writing.

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