Meeting some English (false) friends

Be careful to distinguish stationary with an “a” (an adjective that means not moving, still) from stationery with an “e” (a noun that refers to the paper on which one writes).

A common trick for remembering the proper spelling is to know that station-ery means pap-er. You use stationery to write a letter.

All letters of recommendation need to be written on college stationery.

A stationary bicycle is good for exercise, but you won't enjoy the scenery very much.