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:
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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.
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Easily Confused Words
