Financial Times | September 3, 2023
"Office supply giant reports surge in luxury stationery sales."
Stationary vs. Stationery
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
'Stationary' means not moving or standing still. 'Stationery' refers to writing materials and office supplies.
The bicycle remained stationary while the rider reached into his bag for some stationery.
A Deeper Look
'Stationary' means not moving or fixed in one place. If something is stationary, it's staying right where it is.
Stand still! The photographer needs you to stay stationary.
The car was stationary at the traffic lights.
'Stationery' means paper, pens, envelopes and other materials you use for writing or in an office.
We need to order more stationery - we're running out of printer paper.
She bought new stationery for school: notebooks, pens and folders.
Common Usage Patterns
Stationary
Common phrases: stationary bike, stationary object, remain stationary, stationary position, stationary phase
Stationery
Common phrases: office stationery, wedding stationery, stationery supplies, stationery store, custom stationery
Key Patterns
'Stationary' often describes physical movement (or lack thereof). 'Stationery' is used in contexts involving writing, office supplies, or correspondence.
What Teachers Say
"In business writing, mixing these up can look unprofessional. A stationery cupboard stores paper - it's not a cupboard that doesn't move!"
-- Karen, Bristol
"When describing scientific experiments, we often talk about stationary phases or objects. The spelling matters for technical accuracy."
-- David, Montreal
"Students writing formal letters need to know that letterhead is a type of stationery, while their desk should remain stationary while writing."
-- Grace, Sydney
From The Headlines
The Guardian | May 17, 2019
"Scientists discover new properties of stationary waves in quantum physics."
Wall Street Journal | March 12, 2014
"Traditional stationery stores adapt to digital age with custom designs."
Test Yourself!
1. The company ordered new _______ with their updated logo.
2. The car remained _______ at the traffic light.
3. The _______ bike in the gym provides a place to read the _______ catalog.
