Story is the standard spelling for a tale or narrative, while storey refers to a level or floor in a building (mainly in British English).
You’re writing about a building and pause. Should it be a two-story house or a two-storey house? Or maybe you’re telling a tale and wonder if the spelling changes. This small difference confuses many writers, students, and professionals every day.
People search for “Storey or Story” because the words look similar but mean different things. The confusion grows because one spelling is used for buildings in British English, while American English prefers another form. At the same time, story also means a narrative, which adds to the mix-up.
This article clears the confusion once and for all. You’ll learn the quick difference, the history behind the spellings, and which version to use based on your audience. We’ll also cover common mistakes, real-life examples, usage trends, and practical writing tips.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use storey and when to use story—whether you’re writing emails, articles, academic work, or business content.
Storey or Story – Quick Answer
- Story = A tale, narrative, or account
Example: She told an inspiring story. - Storey = A level or floor of a building (British English)
Example: The building has three storeys. - Story (American English) = A building level
Example: A two-story house.
Simple rule:
- Use story for writing and narratives.
- Use storey for building floors (UK).
- In the US, use story for both meanings.
The Origin of Storey or Story
Both words come from the Old French word estorie, which meant history, account, or narrative. Over time, English adopted the spelling story for tales and written accounts.
The building meaning developed later. In medieval times, buildings often had painted scenes or decorations on each level. These “stories” helped people identify different floors. The term slowly became linked with building levels.
British English later created the spelling storey to separate the building meaning from the narrative meaning. This helped reduce confusion in formal writing.
American English did not adopt this change. Instead, it kept story for both meanings and relied on context to show the difference.
British English vs American English Spelling
The biggest difference appears in building usage.
| Meaning | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative or tale | Story | Story |
| Building level | Storey | Story |
| Example | A five-storey building | A five-story building |
Examples:
UK:
- The hotel is ten storeys tall.
- She wrote a short story.
US:
- The hotel is ten stories tall.
- She wrote a short story.
In British English, the separate spelling improves clarity. In American English, context is enough.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your audience decides the correct choice.
For US readers
- Use story for both meanings.
- Example: A three-story office building.
For UK and Commonwealth readers
- Use storey for building levels.
- Use story for narratives.
For global or international content
- Choose based on your primary audience.
- If unsure, American spelling (story) is widely accepted online.
For academic or professional writing
- Follow your organization’s style guide.
- Consistency matters more than preference.
Common Mistakes with Storey or Story
Mistake 1: Using story for buildings in British writing
❌ A four-story building (UK context)
✔ A four-storey building
Mistake 2: Using storey for narratives
❌ She told a touching storey
✔ She told a touching story
Mistake 3: Mixing both styles in one document
❌ A three-storey building in an American article
✔ Keep spelling consistent with audience
Mistake 4: Confusing plural forms
UK: storeys
US: stories
Storey or Story in Everyday Examples
Emails
- US: The meeting is on the second story.
- UK: The office is on the second storey.
News
- A six-story apartment caught fire. (US)
- A six-storey apartment caught fire. (UK)
Social Media
- Just moved into a two-story house!
- The mall has five storeys and many shops.
Formal Writing
- The building consists of eight storeys.
- The author’s story explores human emotions.
Real Estate Listings
- US: Two-story family home
- UK: Two-storey family home
Storey or Story – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that story is far more common worldwide. This is because:
- It is used for narratives everywhere.
- The US population is large and uses story for building levels.
- Most online content follows American spelling.
Storey is popular mainly in:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Other Commonwealth countries
In construction, architecture, and real estate, the spelling depends heavily on regional standards.
Globally, story dominates general writing, while storey appears mostly in technical or regional contexts.
Comparison Table: Storey vs Story
| Feature | Story | Storey |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Narrative or building level (US) | Building level only |
| Region | Worldwide / US | UK & Commonwealth |
| Narrative use | Yes | No |
| Building use | US standard | UK standard |
| Plural | Stories | Storeys |
| Global usage | Very common | Regional |
FAQs
1. Is storey and story the same?
No. Story means a tale. Storey means a building level in British English.
2. Which spelling is correct for buildings?
US: story
UK: storey
3. Can I use story for both meanings?
Yes, in American English.
4. What is the plural of storey?
Storeys (UK). Stories (US).
5. Which spelling is more common online?
Story is more common globally.
6. Is storey wrong in American English?
It’s not wrong, but it’s uncommon.
7. How do I choose for international writing?
Use American spelling unless your audience is British.
Conclusion
The difference between storey and story is simple once you understand the context and region. Use story for narratives everywhere. When talking about building levels, choose based on your audience. American English uses story for floors, while British English prefers storey.
Most confusion happens when writers mix styles or forget their audience. The best approach is consistency. If your readers are in the US, stick with story. For UK or Commonwealth audiences, use storey for buildings. For global content, American spelling is often the safest choice.
Understanding this difference helps your writing look professional and clear. Small spelling choices matter, especially in business, education, and online content. Now you can use storey and story with confidence, knowing your message will be correct and easy to understand.
Orthopaedic or Orthopedic: Correct Spelling Explained UK vs USA
Samuel A. Whitmore an English language writer and editor , specializes in spelling, grammar, and usage differences between British and American English. Focuses on helping readers avoid common writing mistakes through clear explanations, practical examples, and easy-to-follow comparisons. My work aims to make English spelling rules simple and accessible for students, professionals, and everyday writers.
