The difference between stationary and stationery (grammar lesson)


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'Stationary' means 'not moving'. 'Stationery' is writing or office supplies (e.g., paper, pens).

The words 'stationary' and 'stationery' sound almost identical, but they are very different in meaning.

Stationary

The word 'stationary' means 'not moving' or 'still'. (It can used an an adjective or an adverb.)

Examples:

We had to wait patiently in a stationary position for the school
shop to open.

(Stationary is an adjective in this example.)

We had to wait stationary for the school shop to open.

(Stationary is an adverb in this example.)

The hostages were ordered to remain stationary.

Stationery

The word 'stationery' (with an e) means writing and office supplies (e.g., writing paper, envelopes, pens). (It can used an an adjective or a noun.)

Examples:

The office junior is in charge of ordering our stationery.

(Stationery is a noun in this example.)

The office junior is in charge of filling the stationery cupboard.

(Stationery is an adjective in this example.)

Save 50% on all office stationery.

Select the correct version:

STATIONERY IS THE CULPRIT

The most common error associated with this pairing is writing 'stationary' instead of 'stationery'. It is very rare to see it the other way round.

This error occurs because many are not aware that the word 'stationery' exists.

E IS FOR ENVELOPE

Use the 'e' in 'stationery' to remind you of envelope.