Key Difference

• Stationary means not moving or staying still.
• Stationery refers to writing materials, like paper, pens, and envelopes.

Let’s break it down a little more.

1. Stationary (adjective)

This word is used to describe something that stays in one place or isn’t moving.

• Meaning: Not moving, fixed in one position.
• Examples:
  • “The car remained stationary at the traffic light.” 🚦
  • “During the meeting, we all had to stay stationary at our desks.” 🪑

2. Stationery (noun)

This word is used for materials related to writing and office supplies.

• Meaning: Writing materials like paper, pens, and envelopes.
• Examples:
  • “I bought new stationery for my office, including some lovely notebooks.” 📓
  • “She wrote a letter using her personalized stationery.” ✉️

🎭 Analogy

Think of it this way: Stationary is related to staying in one place, while stationery helps you write things down.

Common Mistake

Since both words sound the same (they’re homophones), people often write one when they mean the other.

• ❌ Incorrect: “I left my stationary on the desk.” (unless you mean something that doesn’t move!)
• ✅ Correct: “I left my stationery on the desk.” (referring to pens, papers, etc.)

Practice Time

Fill in the blanks with either stationary or stationery:

1. The bicycle remained __________ because it was chained to the pole.
2. I need to buy more __________ for my writing project.
3. The soldiers were ordered to stay __________ until further instructions.
4. She has beautiful personalized __________ for sending letters.

✅ Answers:

1. The bicycle remained stationary because it was chained to the pole.
2. I need to buy more stationery for my writing project.
3. The soldiers were ordered to stay stationary until further instructions.
4. She has beautiful personalized stationery for sending letters.

💡 Pro Tip:

To remember the difference, think:

• “StationAry” means staying stAtill (both have an “A”).
• “StationEry” is for writing matErials (both have an “E”).