Stationary vs. Stationery—What’s the Difference?

Stationary means “fixed,” “immobile,” or “unchanging.”

Stationery refers to paper, matching envelopes, and writing implements.

At a glance, stationary and stationery look very much alike. But they couldn’t be further apart in meaning and function. So confusing them—and they’re often confused—is a noticeable mistake.

What Does Stationary Mean?

When something is fixed, immobile, or not subject to change, we can use the adjective stationary to describe it:

I don’t care much for the stationary bike; I prefer riding a real one. – Nem nagyon szeretem az álló/szobabiciklit, jobb szeretek igazin biciklizni.

It stands in the square as a stationary reminder of history. – Ott áll a téren, mozdulatlan emlékeztetőként a történelemre.

What Does Stationery Mean?

Stationery refers to the collection of papers, envelopes, and other things you’d use to write letters or cards:

The hotel offered complimentary stationery to guests who wished to write letters. – A szálloda ingyen biztosította a levélíráshoz szükséges kellékeket annak, aki levelet akart írni.

She wanted to write a letter, but the drawer where she stored her stationery was empty. – Levelet akart írni, de a fiók, ahol a levélpapírt és borítékot tartotta, üres volt.

Stationary or Stationery?

A handy tip to remember:

StationERy is papER.

If ‘paper/writing materials’ *isn’t* the meaning you want (there’s an extremely good chance that bicycles or cars aren’t stationery, for example), then the spelling has got to be stationary.

Stationary or stationery? Which one would you use?

1. Ten minutes on a …… bike is crucial to your workouts.

2. At the …… store you can purchase a variety of unique and stylish cards that cater to the season and the occasion.

3.The band has launched a range of personalized …… for fans.

4. The depression remained …… near the north-west coast of Mexico.

5. We’re opening a new book and …… shop.

6. At least when the car is …… , it’s quite comfortable.

7. Some birds can stay …… in the air for several minutes.

8. He drove the car in a negligent way and hit a …… lorry.

9. It is difficult for me to sit …… for long periods.

10. When people think of shooting for sport, they visualize competitors firing at …… targets.

Key

1. stationary

2. stationery

3. stationery

4. stationary

5. stationery

6. stationary

7. stationary

8. stationary

9. stationary

10. stationary