anytime but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anytime but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a specific time is not acceptable, while other times are. Example: "I can meet you for coffee anytime but 3 PM, as I have another appointment then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Needless text is bad anytime, but is especially bad on the Web.

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"You can learn anytime, but when you're young, your fear isn't as big," she said.

The New York Times

"We'll sit down with the company anytime, but they don't want to".

The New York Times

"I can see the Williamses anytime, but I've got to cheer for my man Jan-Michael".

The New York Times - Sports

Settlement discussions could begin anytime, but the N.B.A. has yet to reach out the players' legal team, Boies said.

The New York Times - Sports

CBS has made clear to her producers that she is welcome back to broadcast syndication anytime, but there are no indications she will return.

The New York Times

Not only does consumption occur anywhere, anytime, but the tools and resources to create and capture value are more broadly distributed too.

The Economist

Students can watch the videos anytime, but if they watch them at class time, they can participate in forums with other students and teaching assistants.

The New York Times

New York is a great place for it anytime, but especially in the fall, especially when it starts to get cold.

The New Yorker

That tendency can be a problem anytime, but it is disastrous in a crisis, when people need straightforward information and companies need to show that they care.

The New York Times

I'd keep him on my island anytime, but the woman who broke the thing without telling me, she'd have to leave for sure".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "anytime but", ensure the exception is clearly defined. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings. For example, "I'm available anytime but during my lunch break" is more effective than "I'm available anytime but then".

Common error

Avoid vague exceptions. Saying "anytime but later" isn't specific enough. Clearly state the timeframe you're excluding, such as "anytime but after 5 PM".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anytime but" functions as a conjunction phrase, specifically serving to introduce an exception or limitation to a general statement of availability. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI, which finds the usage correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "anytime but" functions as a common and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to express general availability while explicitly excluding certain times or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from diverse sources like news outlets and academic papers underscore its widespread application. It's crucial to ensure clarity when specifying the exception to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "anytime except" or "anytime other than" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in formality. When composing your message ensure that, when using "anytime but", the exception is as clear as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anytime except

Replaces "but" with "except", providing a direct synonym with similar implications. It maintains a neutral tone and straightforward meaning.

anytime excluding

Replaces "but" with "excluding", directly stating that a particular time is not included.

anytime other than

Uses a more formal structure with "other than", suitable for professional contexts where precision is preferred.

anytime aside from

Similar to "except" but slightly more emphatic, suggesting a clearer exclusion of the specified time.

anytime with the exception of

A lengthier and more formal alternative, emphasizing the exception clearly.

whenever except

Uses "whenever" for a broader sense of time, still excluding a specific instance.

whenever other than

Combines "whenever" with the formality of "other than", broadening the availability while maintaining a precise exception.

anytime outside of

Indicates availability outside a certain timeframe, providing a different perspective on the exclusion.

anytime save for

Uses "save for" to indicate the exception, offering a slightly more old-fashioned or literary tone.

anytime barring

Uses "barring" to introduce the exception, suggesting a conditional restriction.

FAQs

How can I use "anytime but" in a sentence?

Use "anytime but" to express availability with a specific exclusion, such as "You can call me "anytime but" after 9 PM" or "I can meet "anytime but" on Tuesdays".

What are some alternatives to "anytime but"?

Alternatives include "anytime except", "anytime other than", or "anytime excluding", depending on the desired level of formality and clarity.

Is there a difference between "anytime except" and "anytime but"?

The phrases "anytime except" and "anytime but" are largely interchangeable. However, "anytime except" might be perceived as slightly more formal or precise.

Which is correct, "anytime but" or "any time, but"?

"Anytime but" is correct when used as a conjunction phrase. "Any time, but" implies a pause or contrast between two separate thoughts about any given moment, which is a different meaning altogether.