The spelling of the color gray (or grey) in American and British English has been the source of some confusion and debate over the years. Though both spellings have long been accepted and used interchangeably, there are some differences to be aware of. This article will examine the history and usage guidelines of gray vs. grey to help determine which spelling is preferred or advisable in various contexts.
Background
Like many inconsistencies between American and British spelling, the issue of gray vs. grey dates back hundreds of years. Up through the 18th century, both spellings were commonly used in England. However, in the early 1800s, there was a push towards standardizing English spelling. Both the spellings “gray” and “grey” were considered acceptable, but dictionaries began promoting “gray” as the preferred version in American English. In British English, “grey” remained the more dominant spelling.
So in summary:
– Gray = standard spelling in American English
– Grey = standard spelling in British English
Both spellings are technically correct and have long histories of usage on both sides of the Atlantic. Over the centuries though, “gray” became the conventional spelling in America while “grey” remained more popular in Britain.
Usage Guidelines
When choosing between gray and grey, here are some basic usage guidelines:
– **In American English, always use “gray”**. This is the standard spelling you’ll find in American dictionaries, publications, and media. The only exception would be when quoting or referring to a British source that uses “grey.”
– **In British English, use “grey”** for common meanings related to color. However, “gray” is sometimes used in specialized British terms like “gray matter” (brain tissue), so check
British reference works for guidance if unsure.
– **Use “gray” for proper names**. For example, Gray Mountain, Graybridge University, Bob Gray. “Grey” would be highly unusual in a proper name in American English.
– **Be Consistent**. Pick “gray” or “grey” and stick with it within a given document, article, or other text. Mixing the two is generally seen as
confusing and unprofessional in formal writing.
So in most cases:
– “Gray” for American English
– “Grey” for British English
Easy enough! However, there are still some exceptions and situations where the choice can become more complex.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Although the basic guidelines are straightforward, gray vs. grey can get tricky in certain contexts:
– **Proper names** – While uncommon, there are some people and places that use “Grey” in proper names even in American English. Use the spelling that matches their preferred usage.
– **Cultural/business names** – Some brands choose “Grey” to give a British flair even in the US, like Earl Grey tea. Respect their chosen spelling.
– **Scientific names** – Some animal/plant names are standardized with “grey” for international consistency, like the gray wolf (*Canis lupus*)
– **Internet/tech** – Domains and programming languages may use “grey” to avoid conflicts with common words like “grayscale.”
– **Shared US/British texts** – Style guides may recommend “grey” as a more inclusive option when a text has an international audience.
– **Internal style guides** – Some formal styles like those at universities or corporations can mandate exceptions from the general rules.
So while the common spellings for everyday use are straightforward, there are many cases where checking an authoritative reference may be advisable if you are unsure. When in doubt, look up terms related to your specialty in a relevant style manual or dictionary to confirm accepted spellings.
Regional Differences
There are also some interesting regional quirks in the spelling of gray/grey within certain dialects of English:
– In **Canadian English**, both spellings are common although “grey” is more frequent.
– In **Australian English**, “gray” is more typical despite British leanings in other spellings.
– In **Irish English**, “grey” is the preferred choice.
So the guidelines can vary even within a given national variety of English. Local conventions are often influenced by a mix of American, British, and other English dialects. Therefore it’s wise to consult a reference for Australia/Canada/Ireland if writing for those specific audiences.
Connotations and Associations
Some sources claim that beyond just national origin, the choice of gray vs. grey carries subtle connotations:
– **Gray** – Neutral/technical/scientific
– **Grey** – Soft/muted/artistic
However, there is limited evidence that these associations reliably apply across all contexts. They appear to be based more on subjective perceptions of the spelling variations rather than objective analysis of real usage.
It’s safest to assume the spellings are truly interchangeable outside of dialect/style guidelines. Only in very informal settings like marketing or literary writing might a writer intentionally use “grey” to craft a certainmood or tone. But in formal writing, it’s best to follow conventions.
Statistics on Usage
Statistics from Google Ngram Viewer help quantify the prevalence of “gray” vs. “grey” in published works:
| Year | “gray” Usage | “grey” Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 54% | 46% |
| 1950 | 67% | 33% |
| 2000 | 79% | 21% |
As you can see, “gray” has been the dominant spelling in publications for over a century and its lead has increased over time. By the year 2000, it appeared about 4 times as often as “grey” in Google’s English corpus. This reflects its status as the conventional spelling in modern American English.
However, the corpus combines American and British English sources so “grey” maintains a significant minority share. In exclusively British texts, its relative frequency would likely be higher. But when writing for an international readership, “gray” is a safer default choice in most contexts.
Style Guide Recommendations
The major English style manuals provide the following guidance on choosing gray vs. grey:
– **AP Style** – Use “gray” in all cases. Allows “grey” only in proper names where it is the official spelling.
– **Chicago Manual of Style** – Allows both spellings, recommends following conventions of locale/publisher.
– **MLA Style** – Treats spellings as interchangeable options, no preference stated.
– **APA Style** – Uses “gray” in all instances with no exceptions.
So style guides allow some flexibility, but most emphasize following established conventions. The safest approach for formal writing is to default to “gray” in American English and “grey” in British English contexts.
Conclusion
The use of “gray” vs. “grey” ultimately comes down to dialect and stylistic conventions rather than objective rules. While some sources claim subtle distinctions in their meanings, they appear interchangeable in most writing contexts. The best practice is simply to learn the standard usage in your locality or field and remain internally consistent. Both spellings have a long pedigree in the English language, so neither can be considered incorrect. But adhering to accepted guidelines gives your writing an authoritative consistency.
So be aware of how the spelling differs between American and British English. Consult reference works if uncertain what’s preferred for a specific term, audience or publication. But when in doubt, sticking with “gray” is usually a safe choice in modern writing.