Meaning: Used to describe something that could maybe be right and maybe be wrong, depending on the situation. Usually used with “There is/There’s.”

Examples:

It’s against the law to speed but of course there’s a gray area. What if there’s a wild elephant chasing you?

Usually it’s bad to lie but in some situations there’s a gray area.

There is no gray area when it comes to cheating on a test. It’s never okay.

Pop Quiz:

If someone says “There’s a gray area,” they’re telling you that they think…

A.  Something is definitely bad.

B.  Something is maybe bad, but not always.

C.  Something is not bad at all.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

The correct answer is B. If there’s a gray area, that means in some situations it’s unclear what’s good or what’s bad, what’s right or what’s wrong – and there’s no gray area about that!