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Stationery vs stationary. 

We know that the English language can be pretty confusing. Especially when words look similar but have different meanings. One of the most common mistakes we see is using stationary to describe what we do! If you’re a fan of notebooks, pens, pencil cases and planners you’ll want to use the term stationery!

We’re here to help you understand the difference so you never made a mistake again! Because, you sit in stationary traffic, not stationery traffic. Unless you’re speaking about a stationary stationery van, that’s where it can get a little confusing! 

Okay, let's start with the definitions of the word.

 

Definitions

Stationary

According to the Cambridge dictionary stationary is described as something that is not moving, or not changing. 

stationary sign

Stationery

Whereas, the Cambridge dictionary describes stationery as ‘the things needed for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils and envelopes. 

stationery

 

Is it the same wherever you live?

Yes, there is no difference no matter where you live. The definitions are the same whether you’re in the UK, American or anywhere else! 

 

Pukka tip: 

One way to remember which word is which is to think of the 'er' in 'paper' as matching the 'er' in ‘stationery' and the ‘ar’ in ‘parking’ to match stationary. 

 

Looking for stationery? Check out our amazing range of notebooks, filing, and pencil cases, or browse the whole website.

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