Story vs. Storey
“Story” is the ordinary spelling for a narrative. For a level of a building, Cambridge documents US “story” and UK “storey.”
Use “story” for a narrative in all varieties. For a building level, use US “story” and UK “storey.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / region | Choose | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| narrative or account | story | Use “story” in all major varieties. |
| level of a building in US English | story | Use the US spelling for this sense. |
| level of a building in UK English | storey | Use the UK spelling for this sense. |
Quick tests
Sense-first test
Do you mean a narrative rather than a level of a building?
If yes: Use “story,” regardless of UK/US regional style.
If no: For a building level, use US “story” or UK “storey.”
Caveat: The regional spelling difference applies to the building-level sense only; do not change narrative “story” to “storey” in UK English.
Examples
She told a short story about the journey.
A narrative is spelled “story” in both UK and US English.
The office is on the third story.
US English uses “story” for a level of a building.
The office is on the third storey.
UK English uses “storey” for a level of a building.
Further guidance
Core difference
The regional spelling difference applies to the building-level sense, not to the narrative sense.
Fast Test
Identify the intended sense first, then apply the documented regional or domain spelling for that sense.
Variant Boundary
Do not change a narrative “story” to “storey” in UK English.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Story — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Story entry documenting the narrative sense and US story for a building level
- Storey — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Storey entry documenting UK storey and US story for a level of a building