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Understanding the difference between commonly confused words will help you avoid making errors in English usage. Let’s examine the difference between the following:
stationary
Stationary is an adjective meaning standing still, fixed in place, or not moving.
Timothy was embarrassed to have collided with a stationary, parked vehicle while driving in broad daylight.
stationery
Stationery is a noun referring to writing paper and office materials, especially paper with matching envelopes.
Jacqueline was pleased with her husband’s gift to her of stationery with her initials monogrammed on it.
☛ Here’s a trick to help you remember how to spell these words correctly. The word stationary contains an a like the terms standing in place or static, which describe what stationary means. The word stationery (meaning writing materials), contains the letters er, as do letter and paper.
Remember, a car is never “stationery” unless it’s made out of writing paper!
Photo credits:
Photo 1: Photo by James Maloney on Flickr CC BY-2.0
Photo 2: Photo by Jelene Morris on Flickr CC BY-2.0