Do you know which spelling variation of the word “gray” should be used in your school or college essays? It’s vital to recognize the correct American English spellings so you can improve work quality and showcase that you are familiar with grammar rules.
Read our comprehensive guide and find out when to use grey or gray in your essays or papers. We also discuss if there are any exceptions. Let’s dive right in!
Grey vs. Gray: What’s the Difference?
Before deciding whether to write “grey” or “gray” in your assignments, we need to check the definition of this word. Here’s the Merriam-Webster definition of the word “gray”:
- Gray (noun) – less commonly “grey:”
- Any of a series of neutral colors ranging between black and white.
- Something (such as an animal, garment, cloth, or spot) of a gray color.
So let’s take a closer look at what the dictionary definition says. As you already know, “gray” is a color with many shades between black and white. But note how the dictionary uses the “gray” spelling and labels “grey” less common.
This tells us that American English accepts both “gray” and “grey” as correct spellings of the word. “Gray” is the spelling you should use, but the dictionary confirms that “grey” is still accepted.
The Preferred Spelling of ‘Gray’
The preferred American spelling of the color gray is “gray”. This is regarded in other countries as the American version and is rarely used outside the US.
This spelling extends beyond the color gray, however. It’s the spelling used when discussing a “gray whale” or a “gray wolf,” as well as “gray matter” in science.
If you do choose to adopt the less common spelling of “grey” it is still acceptable. But it’s best to use the preferred spelling of words, especially if you’re writing any type of essay.
What Is the British Spelling of the Word ‘Gray’?
As usual, there is a difference in spelling between American and British spellings of “gray.” The American version of the word is spelled “gray” with an “a” but the British English word for this color is “grey” with an “e.”
It’s not just the British who use the spelling “grey.” Canadians and Australians also follow Britain’s lead in spelling the word their way.
However, the “gray” spelling variation is still accepted in the UK, Canada, and Australia. Just as both spellings are OK to use in America, both variations can be used in other countries.
But whichever spelling conventions you follow, it is best practice for your writing flow to be consistent throughout.
Are There Any Exceptions When Spelling ‘Gray’?
There are some exceptions when spelling the word “gray.” These exceptions are relevant to all countries. Each exception relates to the proper names of something that demands a certain spelling.
Greyhound
The dog breed greyhound must be spelled with the “grey” spelling. This is because the word greyhound is a name. It also doesn’t refer to the dog’s color as “greyhound” comes from Old Norse, describing a female dog.
Grey Goose Vodka
Grey Goose is a vodka brand and therefore a name. You must use the correct spelling in the name of the product.
Earl Grey Tea
Another product name is Earl Grey tea. Hailing from Britain, you need to use “grey” for this product.
Fifty Shade of Grey
E. L. James’ novel ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’ uses the spelling with an “e,” which is the surname of the main character. Interestingly, names on both sides of the Atlantic can be spelled “Gray” or “Grey.”
Gray’s Anatomy
The name of this television show also takes the name of a character, but this time the spelling is “gray” with an “a.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the color gray always spelled ‘grey’ or ‘gray’?
No, there are two ways to spell the color gray and both ways are acceptable in the English-speaking world.
The American dictionary prefers the “gray” spelling for this word, so this variation is better in the US.
Other English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, and Australia prefer the “grey” spelling with an “e.” However, you won’t be incorrect if you use the opposite spelling in any location.
Can I use the two spellings of the word ‘gray’?
Using both spellings of this word is a bit of a gray area! The American preference is “gray” so you should stick to this when following American English.
You won’t be wrong if you alternate between two spellings, although it might appear unprofessional.
Do I change proper nouns featuring the word ‘gray’?
No, proper nouns are an exception. So if someone is called “Gray,” that is their name regardless of the country they are in. Similarly, you can’t change the spelling of Earl Grey tea or Grey Goose vodka.
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Whether writing a book report or a college project, you must spell words correctly. Sometimes that’s not easy when people use different spellings for the same word.
A good example is the past tense spelling of the word “cancel.” Here, you’re faced with two different spellings, “canceled” or “cancelled.” So is “cancelled” or “canceled” the preferred spelling you should use?
Keep reading as we take a deep dive into the differences of British and American spelling.
The Past Tense of the Verb ‘Cancel’
When checking the Noah Webster American dictionary, we find its origin in the following definition of the verb “cancel”.
- Cancel (verb):
- To cross the lines of writing, and deface them; to blot out or obliterate.
- To annul, or destroy; as, to cancel an obligation or a debt.
When we use the past tense of this verb, the spelling we need to use is either “cancelled or canceled.” Your spelling will vary, depending on whether you use British or American English.
Examples of sentences using the past tense of “cancel” include:
- I canceled/cancelled my flight to Hawaii.
- Sierra canceled/cancelled the restaurant reservation.
- The basketball coach canceled/cancelled the game at late notice.
Cancelled or Canceled: American and British English Variations
Despite speaking the same language, there are many spelling differences between American and British English. Understanding the differences will help you to write better sentences.
Spelling “canceled” with one “l” is a common choice in US English. But, don’t worry if you accidentally write a double “l” in your spelling. You can use “cancelation” or “cancellation” when writing in US English. It depends on your preference and your own feelings!
If you need to write in UK English, you have more rules to stick to. British English requires that you use the spelling “cancellation,” complete with a double “l.” There’s no room to maneuver on this so you’ll have to get it right!
British English uses traditional spellings from Samuel Johnson’s A Dictionary of the English Language. Johnson published his in 1755, many years before Webster’s all-American attempt.
Noah Webster and American English
So, why are there spelling differences between American and British English? Well, we have Noah Webster to thank for that!
When writing the first copies of the 1806 American dictionary, Noah Webster used the double “l” spelling. But, by 1828, a further copy of Webster’s dictionary featured an altered spelling, using only one “l.” But why did he do this?
Some think Webster made changes deliberately to make a mark on American English. After all, US English is an eclectic mish-mash of words from different origins, so why not? There’s also an idea that Webster aimed to spell words to match their sounds.
But, other people think Webster missed off the extra “l” accidentally. The word “cancel” comes from the Latin ‘cancellus’, which features the traditional double “l.” To make such a drastic change to the past tense of the verb was probably not intentional.
Cancellable or Cancelable: Which One Is Correct?
So, is it “cancellable” or “cancelable?” It’s the same answer: we spell “cancellable” with a double ‘l’ when using the British English spelling.
But the usual spelling in American English is “cancelable” with one “l.” There’s no rule in US English regarding using a single “l” or a double “l.” You have free reign to decide which spelling difference you want to adopt.
Sure, knowing these spelling tips won’t increase your word count in essays, but you’ll definitely get marks for accuracy!
Is It Cancellation or Cancelation?
Welcome to the one exception you’ll find on this page! American and British English stopped worrying about choosing “cancellation” or “cancelation.” Both countries spell ‘cancellation’ with a double “l.” There’s no two-word variation involved.
This is the recommended spelling in both varieties of English. However, many Americans think that “cancelation” is the correct spelling due to the common pattern in other words.
Why Is There an Exception for Cancelation or Cancellation?
There’s no simple explanation for why there is an exception for the word “cancellation.” Following the same pattern and distinguishing between “cancelation” or ‘cancellation’ would make sense!
Perhaps Noah Webster forgot to include this word in his first dictionary draft in 1806?! Either way, make sure you remember the correct spelling for your descriptive essay.
What About Canadian and Australian Spellings?
Almost all English-speaking countries will follow the traditional double “l” spelling variation. So other countries such as Canada and Australia use “cancelled” and “cancellable” in their writing.
American English is pretty unique when it comes to spelling differences. And it’s all down to Noah Webster’s innovative quirks!
Frequently Asked Questions
What spelling should I use in school?
You’ll learn American English at a US school, so most students will write “canceled” or “cancelable.” But you’ll also learn British literature during your education.
Educators might not mind if you use British English spellings, as the US accepts both variations. But it might be best to check with them individually.
What other spellings follow the same pattern?
There are plenty of spellings with a single “l” in US English and a two “l” difference in UK English. Examples include “counsellor” and “counselor,” ‘”labelled” and “labeled,” “fuelled” and “fueled,” and “modelled” and “modeled.”
Are there any exceptions to the American single ‘l’ rule?
Contrary to popular belief, the recommended spelling of “cancellation” features two “ls” in US English. As this is completely different from other variations of the verb “cancel,” the confusion is understandable.
What about the present participle of the verb?
The present participle of “cancel” adds “-ing” to the final syllable. This creates the word “cancelling” or “canceling” and still follows the same pattern. In US English, you’ll need to write the spelling “canceling.” In UK English, you should opt for the double “l” spelling of “cancelling.”
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