Grey vs. Gray
The English language is spoken in many countries throughout the world, and sometimes differences in spelling of words is a matter of preference from one location to the next. Words that mean exactly the same thing-and that are used in exactly the same manner-are spelled differently in different parts of the world. Gray and grey are an example of this phenomenon.
Gray and grey are both words that can function as adjectives, verbs, or nouns. In all cases, they have to do with a color-a mix of black and white; the color of ashes. When used as an adjective, these words are used to describe something of this color. When used as a noun, they refer to the color. When used as a verb, they denote the act of turning this color.
1. The sky was a dark gray/grey color, foreshadowing the approaching storm.
2. I really like the gray/grey walls and lavender bedding in your room.
3. Can I borrow some gray/grey from your color wheel?
4. The gray/grey contrasts nicely with the orange.
5. My hair really began to gray/grey after I had children.
As you can see, these words are interchangeable. So, is one considered more correct than the other? No. The spelling gray seems to be more common in the United States, while grey is more common elsewhere. However, both spellings have been used for many years, and they are both considered equally correct. Feel free to use both with confidence!
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