Have you ever stopped while typing and wondered, “Is it grateful or greatful?” You’re not alone.
This is one of the most searched spelling questions because the word “great” makes many people think “greatful” should be correct.
The truth is simple: only grateful is the right spelling. People look up this keyword to avoid mistakes in emails, resumes, social posts, and professional writing.
A small error can hurt clarity, so users want quick, reliable guidance.
In this guide, you’ll learn the correct spelling, word origin, common mistakes, usage examples, and clear rules to help you choose the right form every time.
Grateful or Greatful – Quick Answer
The correct spelling is: grateful
Incorrect spelling: greatful
Even though “great” has the letters g-r-e-a-t, the word grateful comes from “gratitude,” not “great.”
Correct Examples
- I am grateful for your support.
- We feel grateful to be here today.
Incorrect Examples
- ✘ I am greatful for your support.
- ✘ She felt greatful for the help.
The Origin of “Grateful”
The word grateful comes from the Latin word “gratus,” meaning pleasing, thankful, or showing gratitude.
It later moved into Middle English as “grate,” related to gracious and gratitude.
Because of this origin, the correct vowel sound is gra- (like gratitude)—not great.
Why the Confusion?
- “Great” is a common word, so people assume “greatful” should exist.
- The pronunciation of “grateful” feels similar to “great.”
- English spelling rules don’t always match pronunciation.
But historically and grammatically, “greatful” has never been a correct word.
British English vs American English Spelling
Here’s the good news:
British and American English both use the same spelling — grateful.
There is no spelling difference between regions.
Examples
| Region | Correct Spelling | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| American English | grateful | I’m grateful for your help. |
| British English | grateful | We are grateful for the opportunity. |
| Canadian English | grateful | She felt grateful for the support. |
| Australian English | grateful | They are grateful to be included. |
Since the word comes from gratitude, all varieties of English keep the same spelling.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Use grateful in every situation:
- US audience: Use grateful
- UK/Commonwealth: Use grateful
- Global writing: Use grateful
There is only one accepted spelling, so you don’t need to adjust based on region.
Common Mistakes with “Grateful”
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|
| greatful | Based on “great,” not “gratitude” | grateful |
| gratefull | Double “l” not needed | grateful |
| grate ful | Incorrect spacing | grateful |
| Using “thankful” instead of “grateful” | The meanings differ | Depends on context |
Quick Tip
If you remember gratitude → grateful, you’ll never misspell it again.
“Grateful” in Everyday Examples
- “I’m truly grateful for your quick response.”
- “We are grateful for your partnership.”
Social Media
- “Feeling so grateful today!”
- “Forever grateful for these memories.”
News Writing
- “Residents are grateful for the support offered by the community.”
Formal Writing
- “We are grateful for your consideration of this request.”
Grateful – Google Trends & Usage Data
Google Trends shows a clear pattern:
- “Grateful” is searched far more often than “greatful.”
- “Greatful” spikes around holidays because people send messages of thanks and doubt the spelling.
- Countries with higher search volume:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Canada
- Australia
Most searches happen when users write:
- emails of appreciation
- thank-you notes
- holiday greetings
- social media posts
This proves people want fast spelling confirmation before sending an important message.
Keyword Comparison Table
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| grateful | ✅ Yes | Feeling thankful | “I’m grateful for your help.” |
| greatful | ❌ No | Not a real word | None |
| gratitude | ✅ Yes | The quality of being thankful | “She showed her gratitude.” |
| great | ✅ Yes | Very good; large | “It was a great day.” |
FAQs
1. Is it grateful or greatful?
The correct spelling is grateful.
2. Why is “greatful” wrong?
Because the word comes from gratitude, not “great.”
3. Is grateful spelled the same in the UK and US?
Yes. Both use grateful.
4. How do I remember the correct spelling?
Think: gratitude → grateful (same root word).
5. Is “grateful” formal or casual?
Both. It works in emails, essays, messages, and everyday writing.
6. Is “grateful” and “thankful” the same?
They’re similar, but thankful is emotional relief, while grateful is deeper appreciation.
7. Can I use “grateful” in business writing?
Yes. It sounds polite and professional.
Conclusion
The confusion between grateful and greatful is common, but the rule is easy: only grateful is correct.
It comes from gratitude, not great, and the spelling is the same in both American and British English.
Whether you’re writing an email, message, or formal note, grateful is always the right choice.
By knowing the word’s origin, common mistakes, and real examples, you can write with confidence.
Whenever you want to express thanks, you’ll know the correct spelling. Just remember: gratitude leads to grateful — never greatful.
I’m Emma Collins, a grammar expert and author at Grammarnestly.com. I love helping readers master English with simple, practical grammar guides.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, coffee, and exploring the beauty of language.
