People often mix up the words ‘stationery’ and ‘stationary’. This is an understandable mistake, since these words sound exactly the same. They are also spelled almost identically.
However, these words also have very different meanings, so learning which is which is essential to avoiding errors in your academic writing. In this post, we set out their definitions and usage.
The word ‘stationery’, spelled with an ‘e’, is a noun meaning ‘materials and tools used for writing’. This includes everything from pens and pencils to printer paper and hole punches.
The term ‘stationery’ should therefore be used in a sentence like this:
I need to buy some new stationery before the start of term.
The word ‘stationary’, spelled with an ‘a’, is an adjective used to describe something which is not in motion or which is never supposed to move. It should be used in sentences like this:
The car was stationary when the motorbike crashed into it.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
It can also be used to mean unchanging or constant, as in the sentence:
The country has a stationary population.
The vital thing to remember is that stationery (with an ‘e’) is usually a noun, while ‘stationary’ (with an ‘a’) is an adjective. And remember:
Stationery = Writing equipment and office supplies
Stationary = Not moving
If you would like more advice, or to have a 500-word sample of your work proofread for free, upload your document to Proofread My Essay today!
Δ
5-minute read
Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...
6-minute read
If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...
9-minute read
Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...
8-minute read
Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...
7-minute read
Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...
Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....