Homophones Trap: Principal vs Principle, Stationary vs Stationery in Steno

Decoding Phonetic Identicals Shorthand records sounds, so homophones naturally produce identical outlines. You must rely on immediate context during transcription: Council vs Counsel: A Council is a legislative or advisory body (City Council). A Counsel is a legal advocate or advice (Learned Counsel). Stationary vs Stationery: Stationary with an 'a' means standing still (stationary train). Stationery with an 'e' refers to paper, envelopes, and pens. Compliment vs Complement: A compliment is praise. A complement means something that completes or enhances.

Exam-room workflow

1. Prepare the correct tools and material.
2. Set a calm, achievable target.
3. Keep moving when one word is missed.
4. Mark doubtful points for later review.
5. Proofread names, figures, spelling, and layout.

Final audit

Use the last minutes for high-value checks rather than rewriting everything. Correct repeated, visible errors first and preserve the meaning of the passage.