Stationery or stationary?

Should I use stationary or stationery?

Stationary means not moving - "the car is stationary"
Stationery means writing material - "the envelope is in the stationery cupboard"

The two phrases above should work as a reminder any time you are struggling to decide which spelling of the word to use.

License or Licence?

Should I use licence or license?

These tend to be used interchangeably now but, strictly speaking (unless you are in the USA):

Licence is the noun - therefore it is the thing such as a driving licence - a certificate, or document giving permission to do something.

License is the verb - it is the act of granting a licence or giving permission to someone.

"I license you to use this licence."
The DVLA will license you - you will then carry a driving licence.

The easiest way to remember this is to think of a certificate - this is a noun and so is a licence.

If that's not enough, think about sending something in the post. Sending is a verb and so is license.

Recent questions answered on 'Font of Knowledge'.

What gift should I buy for a 1st wedding anniversary?
What gift should I buy for a 5th wedding anniversary?
What gift should I buy for a 25th wedding anniversary?

Click the links for the answers!

Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary presents (Silver Wedding)

The traditional 25th wedding anniversary gift is silver.

This gives you loads of gift options including the more expensive items:

Silver cutlery service
Silver tea set
Silver paperweight
Silver photo frame
Silver birch tree delivery
 
And items for people on a budget:

Small silver cutlery set
Silver bookmark
Silver charm bracelet
Silver charms (for a charm bracelet)
A budget priced silver photo frame
A silver coloured digital photo frame
Silver ring
Silver earings
Silver cufflinks

Related:

First wedding anniversary presents
Fifth wedding anniversary presents

Fifth wedding anniversary presents

The traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift is wood.

This gives you a reasonable number of gift options including:

An anniversary wine box
Plant a tree
Wooden massager
Wood puzzle (great for puzzle fiends!)
A hand carved wooden statue

Related:

First wedding anniversary presents
Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary presents

First wedding anniversary presents

The traditional 1st wedding anniversary gift is paper.

This gives you plenty of gift options including:

A scrap book
An anniversay book (e.g. a romantic novel)
A photo book
Gift vouchers
Become a laird and lady
Red letter days
Note cards
Stationery pack

Related:

Fifth wedding anniversary presents
Twenty-fifth wedding anniversary presents