Specially vs Especially - the difference

Martha Ryan

The English adverbs specially and especially are often confused, even by native speakers. In this article, I will clarify the differences between these two words using examples from British English.

Understanding Especially

Especially means "particularly," "exceptionally," or "above all others." It is used to highlight something that stands out among others.

Examples:

  • "I love flowers, especially pink ones." (This means I prefer pink flowers over other colours.)
  • "At the reunion, he was especially glad to see Sally again." (He was glad to see many people, but he felt a greater joy in seeing Sally.)

It’s important to note that especially is an adverb and should modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. For example:

  • Correct: "Today is especially happy." (Here, especially modifies the adjective happy.)
  • Incorrect: "Especially today is happy." (In this sentence, especially does not modify anything correctly.)

Understanding Specially

Specially means "for a specific purpose" or "specifically." This word is often used to describe something created or designed for a particular reason or purpose.

Examples:

  • "The table was made specially for this room." (This indicates that the table was designed with this specific room in mind.)
  • "He played Bach on the piano, specially for Anne, as he knew she loved it so much." (Here, the performance was intended specifically for Anne.)

Key Differences

To determine whether to use specially or especially, consider the context:

  • If you can substitute especially with particularly, it is likely the correct choice.
    • Example: "I enjoy reading, especially mystery novels."
  • If you can replace specially with specifically, then specially is appropriate.
    • Example: "This gift was specially chosen for you."

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions between specially and especially can enhance your English vocabulary and improve your communication skills. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to email me at [email protected]

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