Any Time vs. Anytime | Difference, Examples & Quiz
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. |
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.
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.”
Person B: Any time! I’m always happy to help.
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.
- 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.”
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).
Whitney can give you financial advice anytime you need it.
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.
- We need to hurry. Don’t waste _______.
- I’m always available to babysit. Just drop the kids off _______.
- If you need assistance at _______, please call the reception desk.
- _______ you need to talk, you can call me.
- I’m usually free _______, but I don’t have _______ to go for coffee today.
- We need to hurry. Don’t waste any time.
- “Any time” is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time.”
- I’m always available to babysit. Just drop the kids off anytime.
- “Anytime” is an adverb meaning “whenever” or “at any time.”
- 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.”
- 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).
- 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.
Other interesting language articles
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Confused words
Definitions
US vs. UK spellings
Frequently asked questions
- What is a synonym of “anytime”?
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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”?
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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 April 22, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/commonly-confused-words/any-time-vs-anytime/
