The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct word is stationary.
The word “stationery” is used incorrectly in the sentence. “Stationery” and “stationary” are homophones, which means they are pronounced the same but have different meanings and spellings. This common confusion leads to errors in writing.
“Stationery,” spelled with an “er,” is a noun that refers to writing materials and office supplies. This includes items like paper, pens, pencils, and envelopes. For example, one might say, “The office manager ordered new stationery for the company.” In the context of the original sentence, radar is not used to locate buried office supplies specifically, but rather any object that is not in motion.
The correct word for the sentence is “stationary,” spelled with an “ar.” “Stationary” is an adjective that means not moving, fixed in one place, or unchanging. For instance, a car stopped at a traffic light is stationary. The sentence creates a contrast between the things radar typically tracks, which are “moving airplanes or storms,” and another category of objects it can find. This other category consists of objects that are “buried underground” and therefore not moving. The adjective “stationary” accurately describes these fixed objects, such as buried pipes, ancient foundations, or archaeological artifacts.
A simple way to remember the difference is to associate the “er” in “stationery” with the “er” in “paper,” a common type of stationery. Conversely, you can think of a “car,” which has an “ar,” being “stationary” when it is parked. Using the correct word, “stationary,” ensures the sentence is logical and communicates its intended meaning clearly. The corrected sentence properly describes the dual capabilities of radar technology in tracking both moving and non-moving targets.
