A lot of people use the two words anytime and at any time interchangeably. However, they have different meanings and are used in different situations.
It is important to understand the difference between these two terms in order to avoid ambiguity and confusion. Anytime is an informal contraction of the phrase at any time and functions as an adverb. It should be avoided in formal contexts, where the grammatically correct form is at any time.
The One-Word Version
In casual and informal settings, anytime can be used as a one-word contraction, similar to words like everyone or anywhere. However, it is highly discouraged in formal writing. Unless it is used directly after a preposition, it should always be two words.
If you aren’t sure whether to use the one-word or two-word version, a good rule of thumb is to see if it can be replaced with another adverb that would give the same meaning. For example, if you could replace it with at any time or any hour, you should use the two-word version. It may sound more formal or old-fashioned to your audience, but it will be the correct way to use the word. It is also possible that a publication will have their own style guide and may require the two-word version in all instances. This is especially true for academic writing. Nevertheless, some publications allow for the one-word version in casual settings.
The Two-Word Version
Understanding when to use the two-word phrase any time versus the one-word adverb anytime can be tricky. The key to choosing which one to use is determining the context of your sentence. If your sentence is discussing that something or someone is available whenever you want it, then the adverb anytime should be used.
However, if your sentence is discussing that something will occur at a non-specified time, then the noun phrase any time should be used. This will ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and understandable by all audiences.
While the noun phrase any time may sound formal or old-fashioned to some, it is the preferred option in most writing and speech. For example, you should never say “at any time” instead of “anytime,” as the latter is not a valid word when following a preposition or describing a duration of time. At any time is, however, acceptable when modifying a noun or noun phrase.
The Formal Version
In more formal writing, you should stick with the two-word version of anytime. It is a bit old-fashioned, but it is also very proper and makes your work sound more professional. If you’re submitting a piece for publication, it might be a good idea to check their style guide to see what they recommend.
The one-word version of any time is acceptable in some situations. However, it is not appropriate after a preposition or when referring to a particular amount of time. If you’re not sure whether to use the one-word or the two-word version, try substituting each in your sentence and seeing which works best. This will help you decide when to use each and avoid confusion. If you’re still not sure, it might be worth looking up a grammar guide for writers to find out more about the correct usage of any time vs. at any time. This can save you from making a mistake that could have a negative impact on your writing.
The Informal Version
It’s easy to get confused by two words that look identical but have different meanings and functions. The difference between anytime and any time lies in the way they are spelled and used, but also in the sentence context.
As an adverb, it’s acceptable to use anytime as one word, but it should never be used as a noun phrase (as in the example “feel free to call us any time”). As an adjective, it must come directly before the noun it is modifying, for instance, “I love running any time it’s sunny.”
It’s also important to note that anytime may sound informal or slang to some readers and should be reserved for casual writing. It’s best to stick with the two-word version for formal writing. Grammarly can help you avoid these mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear and accurate. Try it for free today!