Is It Gray or Grey (Color)? | Spelling & Examples
Gray and grey are two ways of spelling the same word, used to describe the shade between black and white. It’s used as an adjective to describe something of that color, as a noun to refer to the color itself, or as a verb to describe the act of becoming that color.
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English:
The spelling depends on whether you use British English or American English:
- In American English, “gray” is correct.
- In British English, “grey” is the usual spelling.
Examples: Gray or grey in a sentence
The gray/grey skies forebode an impending rainstorm.
The artist mixed various shades of gray/grey to create a monochromatic painting.
Paul’s hair started to gray/grey when he was only 21.
The gray/grey skies forebode an impending rainstorm.
The artist mixed various shades of gray/grey to create a monochromatic painting.
Paul’s hair started to gray/grey when he was only 21.
In some cases, the spelling of gray or grey is fixed, no matter the version of English. This is true for proper nouns such as the tea blend Earl Grey (never “Earl Gray”) and for the name of the dog breed the greyhound (never “grayhound”).
Grays or greys
The plural noun form of gray or grey is grays or greys, which refers to multiple gray hairs or multiple shades of gray. This is also the third person singular verb form (e.g., “he grays/greys”). The same spelling difference applies:
- In American English, “grays” is correct for both the noun and verb.
- In British English, “greys” is correct for both the noun and verb.
Examples: Grays or greys in a sentence
My grays/greys are starting to show so I want to start dyeing my hair.
His hair grays/greys very slowly, just like his father’s.
Which of the grays/greys is your favorite?
My grays/greys are starting to show so I want to start dyeing my hair.
His hair grays/greys very slowly, just like his father’s.
Which of the grays/greys is your favorite?
Graying or greying
The spelling difference also applies to the present participle forms of the verb, which is also used as an adjective literally to mean becoming gray or euphemistically to mean “ageing.”
- In American English, “graying” is correct.
- In British English, “greying” is most common.
Examples: Graying or greying in a sentence
Your dad didn’t start graying/greying until his late fifties!
The graying/greying population is a significant demographic trend in many countries.
I don’t mind the graying/greying, but I dislike my wrinkles.
Your dad didn’t start graying/greying until his late fifties!
The graying/greying population is a significant demographic trend in many countries.
I don’t mind the graying/greying, but I dislike my wrinkles.
Grayed or greyed
The spelling difference is also true for the past tense or past participle forms of the verb.
- In American English, “grayed” is correct.
- In British English, “greyed” is the usual spelling.
Examples: Grayed or greyed in a sentence
The dog’s face grayed/greyed slightly as he grew older.
The sky grayed/greyed as the storm clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun.
The old white walls of the house had grayed/greyed with time and weathering.
The dog’s face grayed/greyed slightly as he grew older.
The sky grayed/greyed as the storm clouds rolled in, obscuring the sun.
The old white walls of the house had grayed/greyed with time and weathering.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Five important differences are:
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Frequently asked questions about gray or grey
Is it grayed out or greyed out?
Gray and grey are two spellings of the same noun, adjective, or verb. The spelling depends on the type of English:
- In American English, you use “gray,” so grayed out is correct.
- In British English, you use “grey,” so greyed out is correct.
The adjective grayed out or grayed out refers to something like a menu item or button on a computer screen that’s not highlighted, indicating that it’s inactive.
It's important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Is it gray area or grey area?
Gray and grey are two spellings of the same noun, adjective, or verb. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you use “gray,” so gray area is correct.
- In British English, you use “grey,” so grey area is correct.
Gray area or grey area refers to a difficult (moral) dilemma or a situation with unknown rules.
It's important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.