at any time

USAGE SUMMARY

"at any time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to indicate a timeframe or a point in time, such as when discussing availability or deadlines. For example, "Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At any time".

The New York Times

That's true at any time.

The Economist

Anyone's communications at any time.

The New York Times

"At any time, did Pfc.

Independent

Wittenberg could leave at any time.

The New York Times - Sports

"You can stop it at any time".

The New Yorker

"I could be killed at any time".

The New York Times

You can leave at any time.

The New York Times - Tech

"I can get killed at any time".

The New York Times

So it could happen at any time.

Independent

"Anything could happen at any time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at any time" to clearly indicate round-the-clock availability, such as for customer service or access to online resources.

Common error

Avoid using "at any time" when a specific deadline is intended. State the exact date or time for clarity to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at any time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase of time. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate when an action can occur or a state can exist. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in specifying temporal flexibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at any time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate unrestricted temporal availability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of writing contexts, as demonstrated by the numerous examples from news, scientific, and general sources. While generally neutral in register, writers should be mindful of the specific context and choose alternative phrasing if greater formality is required. Remember to clarify specific deadlines instead of using "at any time" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at any moment

Focuses on immediacy and the potential for something to occur very soon.

whenever

Implies conditionality; the action happens each time the condition is met, less about specific time.

at all times

Emphasizes continuity or persistence; implies a constant state, not just a single instance.

on any occasion

Highlights the possibility of something happening during specific instances or events.

regardless of the hour

Specifically addresses time of day, suitable when that's a relevant factor.

without prior notice

Focuses on lack of warning, emphasizing spontaneity or surprise.

at one's convenience

Highlights the freedom of choice regarding when something is done.

when one chooses

Emphasizes personal choice and autonomy in timing.

as needed

Suggests that the action should occur only when it is necessary or required.

upon request

Indicates that the action will happen only when someone asks for it.

FAQs

How can I use "at any time" in a sentence?

You can use "at any time" to indicate that something is possible or available without restrictions on timing. For example, "You can submit your application "at any time" before the deadline".

What are some alternatives to "at any time"?

Some alternatives to "at any time" include "whenever", "at any moment", or "at all times", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at any time" and "at all times"?

"At any time" suggests availability or possibility at any point, while "at all times" implies a continuous or constant state. For example, "You can access the data "at any time"" means it's available whenever you need it. "Security must be maintained "at all times"" means continuously.

Can "at any time" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "at any time" is appropriate for formal writing to indicate availability or possibility without temporal restrictions. However, ensure it fits the context and consider more formal alternatives if needed.