Anytime Soon or Any Time Soon – Which Is Correct?

“Anytime soon” and “any time soon” are both adverbial phrases. It would help to know more about using anytime soon in a sentence. This article will explain the two phrases and whether you need to know any differences between them.

Anytime Soon or Any Time Soon – Which Is Correct?

“Any time soon” and “anytime soon” are both correct. You should use them to refer to an unspecified event or time that might happen “soon.” The two-word variation (any time) is more common in formal writing. Keeping the words separate shows it is an adverbial phrase.

Anytime Soon or Any Time Soon

Here is a quick example to show you how to use “anytime soon” in a sentence:

  • I don’t need it anytime soon. Whenever you get around to it works for me.

And here’s how to use “any time soon” in a sentence:

  • I won’t discuss it with them any time soon. I don’t think it’s wise to talk to them yet.

In most written cases, “anytime soon” and “any time soon” are synonymous. Native speakers won’t often point out a distinct difference between them, meaning they can be used for the same purpose.

In formal writing, “any time” should be used. This is because “any time” is always correct (as both a noun phrase and an adverbial phrase). “Anytime” is only correct as an adverbial phrase, which is why it’s not always the appropriate choice.

What Does “Anytime Soon” Mean?

“Anytime soon” is correct when referring to an unspecified time. It means that you expect something to happen (or not) at an uncertain time. You cannot give an exact time when using “anytime soon.”

  • I’m not sure this will happen anytime soon. I’m worried that you might be let down.
  • It’s not anytime soon. You won’t have to worry about it for at least a few weeks.

You’ll find that “anytime soon” works best informally. It’s very useful when you want to show that something will happen “soon.” You might not be able to confirm when something will happen, but you are certain that it won’t be too far in the future.

What Does “Any Time Soon” Mean?

“Any time soon” means a time in the future that might occur “soon.” Using the space between “any” and “time” may also suggest a more specific time that will definitely happen “soon.”

“Any time soon” and “anytime soon” are almost always synonymous. You can use them in the same way to refer to the same times coming “soon.”

  • You shouldn’t worry about this any time soon. I’m sure we’ll figure out some better ways to do things.
  • Have you got any time soon when you might be free? I’d like to find out when we can do this.

The only time when “any time soon” might mean something different is if you provide specific times. For example:

  • I can do Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Any time soon, really.

Here, you have given someone more specific times. It’s still a general term as it refers to something that happens “soon,” but you can use it when you’re confident that something will happen at a more specific interval.

Conclusion

“Anytime soon” and “any time soon” are both correct as adverbial phrases.

You can use “anytime soon” informally to refer to an unspecified time when something occurs. It only works for general times.

“Any time soon” works in the same way, but it can be more specific. You can use “any time soon” to refer to specific times if you’ve provided someone with a general list of times that work for something.