Both any time and anytime are correct English. The choice between them depends on how the word functions in your sentence.
The Quick Answer
- Anytime (one word) is an adverb meaning “at any time” or “whenever.”
- Any time (two words) is a noun phrase referring to an amount of time.
If you can replace the word with “whenever” and the sentence still makes sense, use anytime. If you can replace it with “any amount of time,” use any time.
When to Use Anytime
Anytime as one word is an adverb. It modifies a verb and answers the question “when?”
Examples:
- You can call me anytime.
- She’s welcome to visit anytime she likes.
- Anytime works for me.
In each case, anytime could be replaced by “whenever” or “at any time” without changing the meaning.
When to Use Any Time
Any time as two words functions as a noun phrase, often following a preposition like at or in.
Examples:
- Do you have any time to meet this week?
- I don’t have any time left today.
- She couldn’t spare any time for the project.
Here, any time refers to a quantity or amount of time — it’s not describing when something happens. You could substitute “any amount of time” and the sentence would still read naturally.
The Preposition Test
A reliable way to choose: if a preposition comes before the word, use two words.
- “at any time” ✓
- “in any time” ✓
- “at anytime” ✗
When anytime follows a preposition, it almost always needs to be split into two words.
Where Any Time vs. Anytime Gets Blurry
In casual writing, many people use anytime in both roles, and readers understand them perfectly. The two-word form (any time) also works in every situation where anytime would appear — it’s always safe. So if you’re unsure, two words is the conservative choice.
That said, in formal or professional writing, keeping the distinction is worth the effort. Using anytime as a noun phrase (“I don’t have anytime”) is the one combination most editors would flag.
Any Time vs. Anytime Side-by-Side Examples
| Sentence | Correct form | Why |
| Call me ___ you need help. | anytime | Adverb; replaceable with “whenever” |
| Do you have ___ to talk? | any time | Noun phrase; refers to an amount of time |
| She can leave ___. | anytime | Adverb describing when |
| We don’t have ___ to waste. | any time | Refers to a quantity of time |
| ___ is fine with me. | Anytime | Adverb used as a standalone reply |
A Note on “Anytime” as a Standalone Reply
Anytime by itself is commonly used as a casual response to “thank you,” similar to “no problem” or “you’re welcome.” In this use, it’s always one word.
- “Thanks for your help!” → “Anytime!”
The Practical Rule
Use anytime (one word) when it means “whenever” or describes when something happens.
Use any time (two words) when it follows a preposition or refers to an amount of time.
When in doubt, two words is never wrong.
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