Stationary is an adjective meaning not moving: the train remained stationary, a stationary bike. Stationery is a noun for writing supplies: paper, pens, envelopes. They sound identical. A trick: stationery with e, like envelope; stationary with a, like a car standing still.
stationary or stationery — can you pick the right one?
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remain stationary; a stationary object; buy some stationery
- The camera stayed stationary while the dancer moved across the room.
- We ordered stationery for the new reception desk.
- The stationery shop is opposite the gym with the stationary bikes.
What changed
First versionPlease order more stationary for the office: envelopes, pens and paper.
RevisionPlease order more stationery for the office: envelopes, pens and paper.
The words sound the same, so people write whichever comes to mind first. But the list has envelopes, pens and paper, and that's stationery with e. The word is uncountable: more stationery, not stationeries.
A stationary bike is an exercise bike: you pedal, but it stays where it is. A stationery shop sells pens and paper. Stationery isn't counted piece by piece: some stationery or items of stationery.
Your turn
The train remained ___ while the doors were open.
Show the answer
stationary — The train stood still, so it's stationary, not moving. Stationery means writing supplies.
Write what writing supplies you need to buy for the school year or for an office. Use stationery.
The office manager keeps spare stationery in the cupboard beside the printer.
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