Key Difference

• Stationary with an “a” refers to something that is not moving.
• Stationery with an “e” refers to writing materials like paper, pens, and envelopes.

Let’s break it down!

1. Stationary (with an “a”)

• Meaning: This adjective describes something that is still, unmoving, or fixed in place.
• Examples:
  • “The car remained stationary at the red light.”
  • “She held the ladder stationary while he climbed up.”

Think of “stationary” as the state of standing still, like a “station” where things (or people) stay in one place.

1. Stationery (with an “e”)

• Meaning: This noun refers to items used for writing and office work, such as paper, pens, notebooks, and envelopes.
• Examples:
  • “I bought some lovely stationery for writing thank-you notes.”
  • “The office ordered new stationery supplies.”

Remember that stationery often includes anything you’d find in a writing set, like fancy papers and writing instruments.

Quick Tip to Remember the Difference

An easy way to remember is:

• StationAry = stAnd still. (Both “stationary” and “stand” have an “a.”)
• StationEry = Envelopes. (Both “stationery” and “envelopes” have an “e.”)

Practice Time!

Try filling in the blanks with “stationary” or “stationery”:

1. The car remained _________ while we checked the map.
2. She sent him a letter on beautiful floral _________.
3. His bike stayed _________ as he took a break.
4. I love buying new pens and _________ for my desk.

Answers:

1. Stationary
2. Stationery
3. Stationary
4. Stationery