My friend texted me Sunday afternoon: “Come over anytime you want.”
I started typing back. Paused. Stared at my phone.
Is it “anytime” or “any time”? One word or two?
I’ve seen it both ways. Used it both ways. Never really thought about whether there’s a difference.
Turns out there is a difference. And it matters. Sometimes.
Anytime (one word) = whenever, at any point. It’s an adverb.
Any time (two words) = any amount of time, or can replace “anytime” in formal writing.
But here’s the confusing part: they’re often interchangeable in casual usage. The rules are fuzzy. Style guides disagree.
This isn’t like “everyday” vs “every day” where there’s a crystal-clear distinction. This is messy. Welcome to English.
Anytime or Any Time: What The Grammar Books Actually Say
Traditional grammar says there’s a difference:
Anytime (one word) works as an adverb meaning “at any time” or “whenever.”
“Come over anytime.” = Come over whenever you want.
“Call me anytime.” = Call me whenever.
“Available anytime.” = Available at any point.
Any time (two words) is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time” or works in formal contexts where you’d use “at any time.”
“I don’t have any time today.” = I don’t have any amount of time.
“Do you have any time free?” = Do you have any amount of time available?
“You can call at any time.” = More formal than “Call anytime.”
That’s the traditional distinction. One word = adverb. Two words = noun phrase or formal usage.
But modern usage has blurred these lines significantly. More on that in a minute.
My English teacher in high school taught the traditional rule. My college professor said both are acceptable in most contexts now.
Who’s right? Depends on how strict you want to be about grammar rules.
The Quick Reference You’ll Actually Use
Here’s the breakdown in table form because I know you’re skimming:
| Form | Use | Example | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anytime (1 word) | Whenever, at any point | Call me anytime | Casual, common |
| Any time (2 words) | Any amount of time | I don’t have any time | Neutral |
| Any time (2 words) | More formal version | Come at any time | Formal |
| At any time (3 words) | Most formal version | Available at any time | Very formal |
When Anytime Is Definitely Right
Meaning “whenever”:
“You can visit anytime.” = whenever you want
“Anytime you need help, call me.” = whenever you need help
“I’m ready to leave anytime.” = I’m ready whenever
At the start of responses:
“Anytime!” as a reply to “thank you” = You’re welcome, happy to help whenever
In casual conversation and texting:
“Wanna grab coffee anytime this week?”
“Free anytime after 3pm”
These all use anytime (one word) and nobody will correct you. It’s standard, accepted, normal usage.
My coworker texts “anytime” constantly. “Meet up anytime.” “Available anytime.” All one word. All fine.
This is probably the most common usage in modern English. One word. Meaning whenever.
When Any Time Is Definitely Right
Meaning “any amount of time”:
“I don’t have any time for this.” = no amount of time
“Do you have any time free?” = any amount of time available
“She doesn’t waste any time.” = doesn’t waste any amount of time
With “at” before it:
“Come at any time.” = More formal, but common
“Available at any time.” = Professional, formal
“Call at any time.” = More formal than “Call anytime”
After “not” or “no”:
“We don’t have any time left.” = no amount of time
“There isn’t any time to waste.” = isn’t any amount of time
These use two words because you’re talking about an amount or quantity of time, not just “whenever.”
My boss always writes “at any time” in formal emails. Two words. More professional sounding than “anytime.”
The Gray Area Where Both Work
Here’s where it gets messy. In many contexts, both forms are acceptable:
| Context | One Word | Two Words | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual invitation | “Come over anytime” ✓ | “Come over any time” ✓ | Both fine |
| Availability | “Available anytime” ✓ | “Available any time” ✓ | Both work |
| Permission | “Call anytime” ✓ | “Call any time” ✓ | Interchangeable |
| Whenever meaning | “Anytime you want” ✓ | “Any time you want” ✓ | Same meaning |
In these cases, choose based on:
- Formality level (two words = slightly more formal)
- Personal preference
- House style if you’re following one
My friend Sarah writes “anytime” for everything. Her editor sister writes “any time” for everything. Both are right. Or both are wrong. Depends who you ask.
This ambiguity drives grammar nerds crazy. But it’s reality.
What Major Style Guides Say
Let’s see what the authorities think:
AP Stylebook: Prefers “any time” (two words) in most cases. Accepts “anytime” as one word only as an adverb meaning “at any time.”
Chicago Manual of Style: Says “anytime” (one word) is fine as an adverb. Prefers “any time” when it’s a noun phrase.
Merriam-Webster: Lists “anytime” as an adverb. Accepts it’s commonly used more broadly than strict grammar suggests.
Oxford Dictionary: Recognizes “anytime” as standard. Notes it’s mainly North American usage. British English often prefers “any time.”
Garner’s Modern English Usage: Calls “anytime” acceptable but notes “any time” is more traditional.
So… nobody fully agrees. Great.
For professional writing, “any time” (two words) is safer. More formal. More traditional.
For casual writing, “anytime” (one word) is fine and increasingly standard.
When in doubt, use two words. You’ll never be wrong that way.
Real Examples From Actual Usage
Let me show you how this plays out in real writing:
Magazine articles:
- “Visit our website anytime for more information.” ✓
- “Come back any time you’d like.” ✓
Business emails:
- “Feel free to call at any time.” (Formal, professional)
- “Happy to help anytime.” (Less formal, friendly)
Text messages:
- “Free anytime tonight” (Super casual, one word)
- “Let me know any time” (Also works, slightly more formal)
Academic writing:
- “Data can be accessed at any time.” (Formal, two words preferred)
All of these are correct in their contexts. The formality and medium matter more than a hard rule.
The American vs British Difference
American English loves “anytime” (one word). It’s everywhere. Texts, emails, advertisements, casual writing.
British English traditionally prefers “any time” (two words). Though younger British writers use “anytime” more now.
British newspapers and formal publications still lean toward “any time” or “at any time.”
American publications use “anytime” liberally.
My friend Emma from London: “Americans write ‘anytime’ for everything. We were taught ‘any time’ is proper. But I see ‘anytime’ more on British social media now too.”
Language changes. American usage influences global English. The one-word version is spreading.
But if you’re writing for a British audience or publication, default to two words to be safe.
Mistakes People Actually Make
Here are the real errors (not just style preferences):
Wrong: “I don’t have anytime for this.”
Should be: “I don’t have any time for this.”
Why: You’re talking about an amount of time, not “whenever.” Needs two words.
Wrong: “She never has anytime free.”
Should be: “She never has any time free.”
Why: Same issue. Amount of time, not “whenever.”
Wrong: “Any time is fine with me” when you mean scheduling
This is actually correct! You’re saying any particular time works for you.
But “Anytime is fine with me” also works and is more common in casual speech.
See? Messy.
The Table Of Right vs Wrong
Let me make this clearer with actual mistakes vs corrections:
| Wrong ❌ | Right ✓ | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t have anytime left | I don’t have any time left | Refers to amount of time |
| There isn’t anytime to waste | There isn’t any time to waste | Quantity of time, not “whenever” |
| We need anytime we can get | We need any time we can get | Talking about quantity needed |
| Anytime you have would help | Any time you have would help | Refers to time amount available |
| She wastes anytime she has | She wastes any time she has | Wasting an amount, not “whenever” |
These are actual errors, not style choices. The context demands two words.
When “At Any Time” Is The Right Choice
Adding “at” makes it three words and changes the feel completely:
“Call at any time.” = More formal than “Call anytime.”
“Available at any time.” = Professional, official.
“Come at any time.” = Polite, formal invitation.
The “at any time” version is most formal. Use it for:
- Professional correspondence
- Formal invitations
- Official announcements
- Academic writing
- Legal documents
My boss uses “at any time” in client emails. “Please reach out at any time with questions.”
Sounds more professional than “reach out anytime.”
Both convey the same information. The three-word version feels more formal and respectful.
How Texting Culture Changed Everything
Text messages made “anytime” (one word) dominant in casual communication.
“Free anytime” – Quick, casual, efficient.
“Anytime after 5” – Short, to the point.
“Anytime works” – Standard response to scheduling.
Nobody texts “any time” with two words. Too formal. Too much effort. One word flows better.
Social media followed the same pattern. “DM me anytime” not “DM me any time.”
This casual usage then bleeds into emails, blog posts, and other writing.
My nephew texts exclusively “anytime” – one word, always. Never seen him use two words.
Younger generations default to one word. Older, more formal writers stick with two.
Language evolves through usage. “Anytime” (one word) is winning through sheer frequency.
Professional Settings Need Two Words
Despite casual trends, professional writing still prefers “any time” or “at any time.”
Business correspondence: “Please contact us at any time with concerns.”
Academic papers: “Data can be accessed at any time through the portal.”
Formal presentations: “Questions are welcome at any time during the session.”
Legal documents: “The contract may be terminated at any time by either party.”
The two-word or three-word versions convey professionalism and formality.
Using “anytime” in these contexts isn’t wrong exactly. Just less formal. Less polished.
I edit corporate content. Always change “anytime” to “any time” or “at any time” in formal pieces.
Maintains the professional tone. Matches style guide standards. Looks more polished.
Testing Which One You Need
Here’s a foolproof test:
Try replacing with “any amount of time”:
If it works → use “any time” (two words)
“I don’t have any time” → “I don’t have any amount of time” ✓ Two words correct.
“Call me anytime” → “Call me any amount of time” ✗ Doesn’t work. One word correct.
Try replacing with “whenever”:
If it works → “anytime” (one word) is fine, though “any time” also works
“Come over anytime” → “Come over whenever” ✓ One word works.
“I need any time I can get” → “I need whenever I can get” ✗ Doesn’t work. Two words needed.
This test catches the genuine errors where only one form is correct.
Common Phrases And Their Correct Forms
| Phrase | Correct Form | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t have ___ | any time | Refers to amount |
| Call ___ | anytime OR any time | Both work, one word more casual |
| Available ___ | anytime OR any time | Both acceptable |
| At ___ | any time | After “at,” always two words |
| Waste ___ | any time | Refers to amount of time |
| Come over ___ | anytime OR any time | Both work |
| Free ___ | anytime OR any time | Both acceptable |
| Anytime soon | anytime (one word) | Fixed phrase, always one word |
| Need ___ I can get | any time | Refers to amount |
The “Anytime Soon” Exception
“Anytime soon” is always one word for “anytime.”
“Will this be finished anytime soon?” ✓
“Will this be finished any time soon?” Less common, but technically okay.
“Anytime soon” has become a fixed phrase. Most people write it as one word without thinking.
This phrase meaning “in the near future” or “within a reasonable timeframe” defaults to one word in standard usage.
Nobody says “any time soon” in conversation. It’s always “anytime soon.”
My coworker always asks “Will you be done anytime soon?” One word. Natural. Normal.
Memory Tricks For This Confusing Pair
Amount test: If you’re talking about an amount of time, use two words (any time).
Whenever test: If you can replace it with “whenever,” one word (anytime) works fine.
Formality test: When in doubt, two words is more formal and always safe.
The “at” rule: If you’re using “at” before it, always write “any time” (two words).
My daughter uses this: “If there’s space in the conversation (formal), put space in the word (any time).”
Not perfect. But helps her remember two words = more formal.
Social Media Destroyed The Distinction
Instagram captions: “DM anytime” – always one word.
Twitter posts: “Available anytime” – one word dominates.
Facebook updates: “Visit anytime” – one word standard.
TikTok videos: “Comment anytime” – consistently one word.
Social media culture defaults to one word. Faster. Easier. More casual.
This usage has normalized “anytime” to the point where many people don’t know “any time” exists as an alternative.
My nephew didn’t know it could be two words until I told him. “I’ve always written ‘anytime.’ Didn’t know there was another way.”
The one-word version is winning through sheer usage frequency.
But formal writing still maintains the distinction. Professional contexts still prefer two words in many cases.
When Both Are Genuinely Interchangeable
In these contexts, pick whichever you prefer:
“Call anytime” = “Call any time” (same meaning, both fine)
“Come over anytime” = “Come over any time” (identical)
“Available anytime” = “Available any time” (no difference)
“Help you anytime” = “Help you any time” (interchangeable)
Choose based on:
- How formal you want to sound (two words = slightly more formal)
- Your personal preference
- Whatever style guide you’re following
- Consistency with your other writing
I tend toward one word in casual contexts, two words in professional contexts. But that’s personal preference.
My editor friend does the opposite. Writes “any time” for everything. Also fine.
No grammar police will arrest you for either choice in these cases.
The British English Resistance
British publications still heavily favor “any time” (two words).
The Guardian, The Telegraph, BBC – mostly use two words.
British academic writing strongly prefers two words or “at any time.”
“Anytime” in British English is seen as American, informal, or sloppy.
My friend Emma from London: “If I wrote ‘anytime’ in a university paper, my professor would mark it as too casual. We’re taught ‘any time’ is proper English.”
Interesting cultural distinction. American English adopted the one-word version more readily.
If writing for British audiences, default to two words. You’ll sound more native.
Bottom Line: What You Actually Need To Know
For most casual writing – texts, social media, friendly emails: “Anytime” (one word) is totally fine.
For professional or formal writing: “Any time” (two words) or “at any time” (three words) is safer.
When referring to an amount of time: Always use “any time” (two words).
When you mean “whenever”: Either works, but “anytime” (one word) is more common in American English.
After the word “at”: Always “any time” (two words).
When in doubt: Two words is never wrong. One word might be considered too casual.
This isn’t like everyday/every day where the meanings are completely different. This is more about formality and style preference.
Both versions often work. So, in between Anytime or Any Time choose based on your audience and context.
And honestly? Most people won’t notice or care which you use as long as you’re consistent.
Questions Everyone’s Asking
Both are correct, but used differently. “Anytime” (one word) is an adverb meaning “whenever” and is more casual. “Any time” (two words) is a noun phrase meaning “any amount of time” and is more formal. In many cases they’re interchangeable, but two words is safer in professional writing.
“Any time” (two words) is more formal. “At any time” (three words) is most formal. “Anytime” (one word) is casual and conversational. For business writing, academic papers, or professional correspondence, use two or three words. For texts and casual communication, one word is fine.
Yes. American English commonly uses “anytime” (one word) in casual and even semi-formal writing. British English traditionally prefers “any time” (two words) and considers “anytime” too American or informal. British publications and academic writing strongly favor the two-word version.
“Anytime” is casual and conversational. “At any time” is formal and professional. They mean the same thing (whenever), but “at any time” sounds more polished and respectful. Use “at any time” in business emails, formal invitations, and professional contexts.
No. This is wrong. It should be “I don’t have any time” (two words). When referring to an amount or quantity of time, you must use two words. “Anytime” (one word) means “whenever,” not an amount. This is one case where the distinction matters and only two words is correct.
Yes, “Anytime!” as a response to “thank you” is perfectly acceptable. It means “You’re welcome, happy to help whenever.” For other sentence starts like “Anytime you need help, call me,” both “Anytime” and “Any time” work, though two words is slightly more formal.
About Grayson
Grayson is a professional English language teacher and the founder of WordEncyclo. With years of teaching experience, he specializes in vocabulary development, etymology, and word usage. His mission is to make English words and their meanings accessible to learners at all levels through clear, accurate, and well-researched content.