‘Gray’ vs. ‘Grey’: Why is Grey Spelled Two Ways?

Spelling Difference between Gray and Grey: Gray and grey are both common spellings of the color (black and white). Essentially, Gray is more frequent used in American English, whereas grey is mostly used in British English. The Main varying usages of both grey and gray specialized in terms of animal species like gray or grey whale and scientific terms like gray or grey matter). Greyhound is an exception, which has a different derivation than the color.

Is it grey hair or gray paint? Can you tell the difference between “Gray” and “Grey”? Most of us do not. You may spell it correctly but the same spelling may be wrong at other geographical locations. So it might be possible that a word may be spelled differently and you have always thought one of the spellings is incorrect. As a matter of fact, there are certain words that can be spelled in multiple ways. The color between Black and White is called Grey or Gray.

Let’s understand the difference between ‘Grey’ and ‘Gray’ Beyond Color.

Gray vs Grey: What is the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between Gray and Grey?

There is always one question that comes to our mind while using “Gray” or “Grey” when to use “a” or “e” as the vowel. So, to be aware of when to use which spelling, we have to understand the similarity and differences between them.

The difference between the words is their spellings but the meaning is the same. So, the difference between the spellings depends on where you are at the moment.If you live in America, most of the time you will find its spelling “Gray”. However, if you are in any other English-speaking nation other than America, the spelling “Grey” will be preferred.

And the second and last difference is its usage of Proper nouns.

If something is named “Grey” it won’t get changed as per the geographical location as the name remains as it is and it does not change per the geographical location.

Moreover, there are some words wherein “Grey or Gray” is used. For eg. “Greyhound”, is a dog breed and its spelling will remain this only irrespective of the geographical location of the dog.

‘Grey’ vs. ‘Gray’ Difference Beyond Color

The Clolor which fall between black and white can be spelled gray or grey. This is one of the quried by the users about words in English when it comes to spelling, because both spellings are quit close enough to seem familiar. In general gray occurs is more frequently used in American English, on the other hand grey has historically been the spelling preferred by British English publications. It derives from the Old English grǣg.

Gray as Parts of Speech

Gray as an Adjective

Here, gray as an adjective indicates a colour between black and white.

Gray also means uninteresting, and colourless. 

Example:  In a couple of years, you can start finding a few grey hairs on your beard.

I don’t like gray colour trouser as it looks dull and unattractive.  

The house is grey, formidable, and not at all charming.

Here, in this, though the word “Grey” as an adjective is used, it is not to indicate colour between black and white, but “Grey” is also used to indicate “dull, dry and boring”, i.e. something which is not lively or vibrant. 

Gray as a Noun

Gray as a noun indicates gray clothes or material.

Example: The boy in gray => indicates the boy in grey clothes.

His hair is starting to show tinges of grey. => we know after prepositions only nouns and pronouns can come, and “grey” is definitely not a pronoun, thus, “Grey” is used as a noun here, though it is used as a noun, still it is giving more information about “hair” which is mentioned at the beginning of the sentence, so working as an adjective as well. 

Gray as a Verb

Gray as a verb means to become hair grey due to age.

Example: After you turn 30, you may grey somewhat => It means after you turn 30, your hair may start to turn grey. 

Why are grey and gray spelt differently?

The word “Grey” or “gray” originated from the word “Greig” which with time, changed to “greie” “greye” and “graye”. And finally the “Gray” and “Grey” became the most popular. They are now spelt differently just due to geographical customs. Both spellings are commonly used in the English-speaking world. The United States prefers “Gray”, whereas the rest of the world stays with “Grey”.

When to Use Gray vs. Grey

It can be used interchangeably. Though, when used in formal writing “Grey” should be preferred as “Grey” is written in British English, globally accepted as formal English.  

Eg. 

Due to overwork, she has turned quite grey recently.  Here the spelling of “Grey” is written in British English and in nations other than America, but if the same statement is to be written in American English then in that the spelling of Grey will be “Gray”. 

Conclusion

Gray and Grey are interchangeable. It has two different spellings American English prefers “Gray” and British English along with other English Speaking countries “Grey”. But make sure not to interchange if it is used in Proper nouns as Proper nouns remain the same irrespective of the geographical locations. It is because Proper Nouns are the name of persons or things and the name remains the same and does not get change with locations or territories. 

‘Gray’ vs. ‘Grey’ Difference – FAQs

1. Is grey incorrect?

No, both “Gray” and “Grey” are equally acceptable. 

2. Why are there 2 spellings for gray? 

It is just a matter of geographical custom.

3. Is hair grey or gray?

It is both Gray and Grey as it means the same colour between Black and White.

4. Does Crayola spell gray or grey?

It will spell “Gray” as Crayola US-made pencil colours, thus to refer to “Gray” colour in American English, “Gray” will be used.

5. ‘Gray’ vs. ‘Grey’: What is the Difference?

‘Gray’ vs. ‘Grey’: Gray is more frequent in American English, whereas grey is more common in British English.

6. Which is correct grey or gray?

Both are correct it only depends on the person you are asking from. Gray is essentially preferred spelling in American English, whereas grey is how this word is spelled in British English.

7. How do you spell grey in India?

 India who primarily use British English. Hence we spell the grey like British English.