Grey vs Gray
What’s the difference between them?
Grey
Meaning:
Grey is a color that is a shade between black and white, typically a mix of black and white or of all neutral colors. It may also be used to describe a mood or an atmosphere.
Examples:
1. She wore a light grey sweater on the cold winter day.
2. The grey clouds looming in the sky indicated rain was coming.
3. He was surprised by the grey streaks in his once dark hair.
Gray
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in American English.
Examples:
1. The sky was a dull gray on the day of the funeral.
2. The gray squirrels were scurrying around the park.
3. She was wearing a gray dress to the formal dinner.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grey
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Gray
There are no direct synonyms for this word.
There are no direct antonyms for this word.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Grey", "Gray".
1. 'Gray' is used in American English. Remember: a for America.
2. 'Grey' is used in British English. Remember: e for England.
3. 'Gray': Think of 'Gray's Anatomy,' the classic American medical textbook (or the American TV show 'Grey's Anatomy,' which interestingly uses the British spelling in its title).
4. 'Grey': Think of Earl Grey tea, a famous British tea blend.
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Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word 'Grey'?
The word 'grey' is primarily used in British English and is also the preferred spelling in Canada and AustraliIt is most commonly used to refer to the colour between black and white. For example, 'Her eyes were a bright shade of grey.'
When to use the second word 'Gray'?
The word 'gray' is primarily used in American English. It is most commonly used to refer to the colour between black and white. For example, 'The sky was a dark shade of gray.'
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, both words are pronounced the same. The only difference is the spelling, which is determined by which variety of English is being used.
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Grey' and 'Gray'?
The most common mistake is using the wrong spelling depending on the variety of English being spoken. For example, using 'Grey' in American English or 'Gray' in British English. Additionally, another common mistake is spelling the words with an 'e' instead of an 'a', e.g. 'Greye' or 'Graye'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The sky is very ______ today, it looks like it might rain.
2. In the United States, ______ is spelled with an a.
3. Elephants are often a ______ color, which helps them blend into their natural habitat.
4. In the UK, ______ is spelled with an e.
5. The old man had a full head of ______ hair.
6. The artist chose a ______ palette to convey the somber mood of the scene.
1. Answer: gray or grey
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both gray and grey are acceptable answers.
2. Answer: gray
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning the United States and giving an example of American English spelling (color), which indicates that the American English spelling, gray, should be used.
3. Answer: gray or grey
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both gray and grey are acceptable answers.
4. Answer: grey
Explanation: The sentence provides a clue by mentioning in the UK and giving an example of British English spelling (colour), which indicates that the British English spelling, grey, should be used.
5. Answer: gray or grey
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both gray and grey are acceptable answers.
6. Answer: gray or grey
Explanation: There is no specific clue in the sentence to indicate whether American or British English should be used, so both gray and grey are acceptable answers.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.