Stationary vs Stationery at a glance
- stationary
/ˈsteɪʃənri/ · adjective
Not moving.
- The bus hit a stationary car.
- Traffic was stationary for an hour.
- stationery
/ˈsteɪʃənri/ · noun
Things for writing, like paper, pens and envelopes.
- The office ordered more stationery.
- I love browsing in stationery shops.
How to remember it
Stationery with e is for envelopes. Stationary with a means standing still.
Good to know
Stationery is uncountable: some stationery, not a stationery.
Common mistakes
Wrong: We sell books and stationary.
Right: We sell books and stationery.
Wrong: Keep the vehicle stationery while loading.
Right: Keep the vehicle stationary while loading.
Quick quiz
1.The train remained outside the station.
2.Pens and notebooks are in the cupboard.
3.I used a bike at the gym.
Pick the right word for each gap.