Especially is not a word

Especially and Specially are two words that are often confused and hence, are wrongly interchanged, as well, because most people do not see a difference between especially and specially. They suppose it is another form of specially without any change in the meaning. However, that is not true and, as a result, it is not correct to interchange them. The word specially is used in the sense of ‘particularly’. On the other hand, the word ‘especially’ is used in the sense of ‘above all’ or in the words of the Oxford English dictionary to single out one person or thing over all others. This is the main difference between the two words. According to the Oxford dictionary, especially is by far the more common of the two, occurring as twenty time as frequently as specially in the Oxford English corpus.

What does Especially mean?

The word ‘especially’ is used in the sense of ‘above all.’ Observe the two sentences given below.

This is especially true.

Both of them are good, especially the first one.

In both the sentences, you can find that the word especially is used in the sense of ‘above all’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘this is true above all’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘both of them are good, the first one above all’. You would also note in both example by using especially one thing is single out over all others.

Unlike the word specially, the word especially does not have a noun form. It is used primarily as an adverb. It is sometimes used as an adjective too.

What does Specially mean?

The word specially is used in the sense of ‘particularly’. Observe the two sentences given below.

This suit is specially made for him.

This is specially prepared for the occasion.

In both the sentences, you can find that the word specially is used in the sense of ‘particularly’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘this suit is particularly made for him’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘this is particularly prepared for the occasion’. You can note that by using specially the speakers in both of the sentences mean for the special purpose of.

It is interesting to note that the word specially is used generally as an adverb. It is used along with a verb as in the case of the sentence given above. In the expression ‘specially prepared’ you can see that the word is used along with the verb ‘prepared’. The noun form of the word specially is ‘specialization’ or ‘specialist’.

Difference Between Especially and Specially

What is the difference between Especially and Specially?

• The word specially is used in the sense of ‘particularly’.

• On the other hand, the word ‘especially’ is used in the sense of ‘above all.’ In the words, it is used to single out one person or thing over all other.

• Especially and specially are used as adverbs.

• Specialization and specialist are noun form of specially.

These are the differences between the two words.

Table of Contents

  1. Is especially a noun or adverb?
  2. Is especially an adverb?
  3. Which type of adverb is especially?
  4. What is the adverb in my sentence?
  5. Where do we use too in a sentence?
  6. Is it love you too or to?
  7. Is it you too or to?
  8. How do you use two in a sentence?
  9. Can you use two semicolons in a sentence?
  10. What sort of word is to?
  11. What type of word is she?
  12. Where do we use to?
  13. Which is correct at school or in school?
  14. What is different between in and at?
  15. Which is correct in home or at home?
  16. How do you say I am not at home?
  17. How do you say I’m at home?
  18. How do you say someone is not at home?
  19. How do you say no in a nice way?
  20. What do you call someone that never leaves their home?
  21. How do you say no in a smart way?

adverb. particularly; exceptionally; markedly: Be especially watchful.

Is especially a noun or adverb?

Especially and specially are adverbs. Especially means ‘particularly’ or ‘above all’: She loves flowers, especially roses.

Is especially an adverb?

Specially is the adverb form of the adjective special. On the other hand, the adjective especial is not commonly used. Especially can always be used interchangeably with particularly.

Which type of adverb is especially?

Focusing adverbs

especially just particularly
generally largely simply

What is the adverb in my sentence?

An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, adjective, determiner, clause, preposition, or even another adverb. We use these words in sentences to tell when, where, and how an action is performed. Adverbs also indicate the quality or degree of the action.

Where do we use too in a sentence?

Use “too” to modify or emphasize a word. For example: “The weather is too (excessively) hot”, “I’ve eaten too (excessively) much”, or “The package is too (excessively/extra) big”.

Is it love you too or to?

” I love you, too.” should be the correct way of saying, of writing; this “too”, means “also”, “in the same manner or way”, “likewise”. It’s more colloquial, more popularly used than to say “I also love you”.

Is it you too or to?

To is a preposition with several meanings, including “toward” and “until.” Too is an adverb that can mean “excessively” or “also.” Just to be clear: two is pronounced the same as to and too, but it can’t be used instead of either of them because it’s a number.

How do you use two in a sentence?

  1. [S] [T] The two left. ( CK)
  2. [S] [T] I can buy two. ( CK)
  3. [S] [T] Are you two OK? ( CK)
  4. [S] [T] Form two lines. ( CK)
  5. [S] [T] The two hugged. ( CK)
  6. [S] [T] The two kissed. ( CK)
  7. [S] [T] The two smiled. ( CK)
  8. [S] [T] Come on you two. ( CK)

Can you use two semicolons in a sentence?

Generally, no. It serves the same structural function as a period, but indicates a relationship between the two independent clauses. That kind of falls to pieces if you start stringing them together. If if you’ve got two semicolons, just make one a period.

What sort of word is to?

The word “TO” can be used as a Preposition and as an Adverb. Take a look at the definitions and examples below to learn how “TO” works as these parts of speech. “To” can be considered as a preposition if it is used to indicate that a noun/pronoun is moving towards something.

What type of word is she?

person singular pronoun

Where do we use to?

The Preposition ‘To’ for Movement Use the preposition ‘to’ when indicating that there is movement from one place to another. In other words, the preposition ‘to’ with verbs such as drive, walk, go, hike, fly, sail, etc. We’re flying to San Francisco on Thursday for a meeting.

Which is correct at school or in school?

At school means the person is literally, physically, inside the school. “He’s at school. His classes finish at 3:30.” In school means the person is studying in general (usually at college or university) but not necessarily inside the school building at that moment.

What is different between in and at?

In and at are both prepositions. The preposition in is used to indicate the location of someone at a particular point of time. The preposition at is used to indicate the proximity of nearness of something. The preposition in conveys the idea of well within.

Which is correct in home or at home?

Originally Answered: Which is correct, at home or in home? “At home” is right. “Home” is not a specific place; it varies from person to person. “In” is used for specific places that don’t change, like “I am in the Kroger on the corner.” Since your home is not everyone’s home, it would be “At home.” Hope it helped!

How do you say I am not at home?

I’m not at home? You can say I’m out of the house, meaning you are physically absent from the building. But this is very specific to talk about your location. It means “I”m outdoors,” or “I’m somewhere other than the house.” For example, We were all out of the house when the fire started, so none of us were hurt.

How do you say I’m at home?

“I’m at home” is used to denote one’s location at a given time but cannot be used to announce one’s arrival at home. This is strictly locative in this sense. As an idiomatic expression “I’m at home” here would mean “I feel comfortable here, I feel welcome here”. To simply the answer, both are the same.

How do you say someone is not at home?

A.W.O.L.

How do you say no in a nice way?

Here are 10 ways for you to say ‘NO’ in a polite manner:

  1. I’m honoured but I can’t.
  2. I wish there were two of me.
  3. Unfortunately, now is not a good time.
  4. Sorry, I’m booked into something else right now.
  5. Damn, not able to fit this one in!
  6. Sadly, I have something else.
  7. No, thank you but it sounds lovely, so next time.

What do you call someone that never leaves their home?

A recluse is someone who lives alone and avoids other people. A shut-in rarely or never leaves home usually for medical reasons.

How do you say no in a smart way?

List of Different Ways to Say NO in English with pictures.

  1. No.
  2. Nope.
  3. No thanks, I won’t be able to make it.
  4. Not this time.
  5. No thanks, I have another commitment.
  6. Unfortunately, it’s not a good time.
  7. Sadly I have something else.
  8. Unfortunately not.

The terms «specially» and «especially» are so similar that they sound almost the same when pronounced. Not to mention, their spellings are virtually identical too. But does that mean the two mean the same thing, as well?

The terms «specially» and «especially» mean «particularly». Both are valid words. The latter is a bit more formal and used in business and academic texts. Also, «especially» implies «a sense of comparison», which «specially» doesn’t. The right word to choose for a text comes down to specific rules.

«Specially» and «especially» come close to each other with their spellings, meanings, etc., and it’s pretty much okay to use them interchangeably too. But there are certain things you must be aware of and adhere to when using the two in your texts. Keep reading to learn what they are, or how «specially» and «especially» do not behave like clones, besides other things.

specially for you sign with megaphone

«Specially» – Definition

«Specially» means «particularly», «in a special way», or «for a particular or special purpose». The word tries to highlight why something is «special» or «done uniquely». The adverb is derived from the adjective, «special», which means «particular», «distinct», «designed for a specific purpose».

Besides «particularly», other words that are related to or could be used as synonyms of «specially» include «notably», «specifically», and even «especially». However, the word «especially» may not be the ideal substitute for «specially» in specific writing scenarios. (More on that later in the article)

«Especially» – Definition

«Especially» means «particularly», too. However, the adverb denotes something «exceptional» or of higher quality, particularly compared to something else.

«Especially» has its roots in «especial». «Especial» and «special» mean the same thing, but the former is not as common an adjective as «special». Not to mention, «especially» has the exact synonyms or alternate words as «specially».

Using «Especially» in Writings

As mentioned above, «especially» has a more «formal» vibe to it. It’s, therefore, used in sentences like the following:

  • Mr. Rodgers showcases ruthless debating skills, especially when his opponents are deviating from facts.

Also, talking about «especially» implying «exceptional» attributes, here is a sentence illustrating that:

  • The Bulls won the game, having played especially well during the fourth quarter than the Knicks.

«Especially» can be used «synonymously» with «specially». However, to stress the «noteworthy» or «exceptional» quality of a particular thing or someone, «especially» is the better word. For instance, «specially» cannot be used in place of «especially» in the above sentence.

When «especially» denotes the subject, place the word right after it. For example:

  • Teens, especially, are more vulnerable.

Though «especially» is an adverb, it can be positioned right before an adjective. For example:

  • His laughter was especially annoying.

There are a few other things to consider when incorporating «especially» in your texts.

Comma Usage with «Especially»

«Especially» is more likely to have a comma on both sides or before it. Generally, when «especially» has a comma or punctuation before it, it typically brings two clauses together. For example:

  • I love to read books, especially non-fiction and biographies.

«Specially» has no commas or any kind of punctuation mark around or near it because it doesn’t usually bring together two clauses.

This begs the question:

especially word sign in multiple colors

Can «especially» start a sentence?

It’s not acceptable in formal or academic writing to begin a sentence with «especially» because the texts that follow «especially» are not proper sentences or are fragments. They are dependent clauses, in other words. For example:

  • I go to the gym throughout the week, especially if I have nothing much to do.

The part «if I have nothing much to do» is a dependent clause, or it cannot be a proper sentence by itself. «If I have nothing much to do», on its own, doesn’t make any sense. It needs context or preface. However, if the «if» is taken out of the phrase, it can be a proper sentence. For example:

  • I have nothing much to do.

Casual texts can start with «especially», such as when writing an email to a friend. For example:

  • Especially during the subprime mortgage crisis, when funds were scarce, some of the transactions were paid for in kind.

The casual usage of «especially» at a sentence’s beginning can be likened to how «because», «since», or other conjunctions kick-off a sentence. «Especially» is not a conjunction, by the way.

In verbal communications, «especially» at the start of a sentence is far more acceptable, even within business settings.

When used at the very beginning and correctly, «especially» is invariably modifying an adjective. For example:

  • Especially big trucks should stay in the correct lane.

When in quotes, it’s both casually and formally okay to use «especially» at the beginning. For example:

  • «Especially» may or may not be okay to use at the very start of a sentence.

Kindly note, for the context to be «casual», the individual the text is directed at should be a friend, family member, etc. If it’s to a boss, client, or meant to feature in an official document, the environment is formal.

Using «Specially» in Texts

«Specially» is used in texts to signify a thing that’s made or done for a specific purpose. For example:

  • They came down specially for us.
  • The learning institution is specially for kids whose education has been affected by an illness.

Like «especially», «specially» doesn’t make a comparison between two things. It only focuses on why something is special or something is done a specific way. For example:

  • He treated his friends specially when they came to his town.
  • The outfits were designed specially.

In the above sentences, «specially» cannot be replaced with «especially» because the sentences would seem incomplete. For example, the second sentence from above could use «especially» if it’s modified as:

  • The outfits were designed especially for the wedding.

Some may argue that «specially» can also fit in the above sentence, which may be correct.

In the following sentences, however, «especially» cannot replace «specially»:

  • Specially trained pets can be great companions for autistic kids.
  • The costume consultants were specially trained for the job.

Also, «specially» could be preferred in specific writing contexts. If you’d like to stress the particular purpose of a given thing, «specially» is the word to use.

For example:

  • The program had macros specially designed for word processors.

The line between «specially» and «especially» is extremely thin, and the interpretations, as a result, can vary significantly.

As mentioned at the beginning, «specially» can replace «especially» in casual settings. If «especially» seems like the correct term to use in a given sentence, «specially» can be used instead of the more suiting adverb if you’re writing to a friend, documenting thoughts in your diary, etc.

For example, the following sentences may not look appropriate as they should employ «especially» instead of «specially». But they are acceptable if they’re not meant to be a part of an official document.

  • It will be challenging to work tomorrow – specially if the weather forecasts are to be considered.
  • I hate ice cream. Specially vanilla.

Regardless, «especially» is the more familiar word of the two. If you’re not sure whether the word to use is «especially» or «specially», it’s most likely «especially». And if you feel the need to use a comma with the adverb, it’s «especially» for sure.

Example Sentences with the Word «Specially»

The following are sentences using the term «specially»:

  • We made this specially for you.
  • The sapphire glass was specially made for the particular watch.
  • The cake was made specially for her birthday.
  • They came specially for her.
  • The facility is located in a specially constructed five-stage building.
  • These interfaces were specially developed to fulfill a specific purpose.
  • Specially designed substances were used for the experiment.

In some of the sentences above, «especially» may seem perfectly fine instead of «specially». If you think so, that’s fine.

grammar letters graphic art

Example Sentences with the Term «Especially»

Here is a relatively long list of sentences using «especially», supporting the fact that «especially» is the more commonly used term:

  • She was kind to her students, especially those who needed special assistance.
  • Double ovens are great, especially if you’re planning to make multiple dishes at once.
  • These modifications are especially vital to small firms.
  • I love traveling, especially to places I’ve never been to before.
  • Parents keep their kids at home, especially during the hot summer.
  • The stress was showing on everybody’s faces, especially Peter.
  • They were not able to visit all cities, especially not the ones by the coast.
  • He didn’t know all of their names, especially not those who joined recently.
  • That doesn’t sound especially pleasant.
  • I don’t understand why the family was dragged into all of this – especially the kids!
  • All that waiting felt like an eternity, especially as she was all by herself.
  • I am surprised to see him speak the way he did, especially considering his background.
  • She was not too keen on the idea, especially after discussing it with the board.
  • Most do not confront her in a heated argument, especially if she’s visibly annoyed.
  • She did especially well during the finals.

Conclusion

It’s clear there is little differentiating «specially» from «especially». For most people, that minute difference may not matter, or they may end up using the terms interchangeably. However, the more learned and meticulous lot would focus on those minor differences and incorporate the two adverbs in their sentences, respecting those minor discrepancies.

If you’re someone who uses «specially» and «especially» with no second thoughts, reconsider your approach. Hopefully, this article would have given you the reasons and convinced you why the two terms are not perfect substitutes for each other.

Shawn Manaher

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.

В чем разница между specially и especially?

Слова specially и especially, которые переводятся как «специально/особенно», часто доставляют трудности изучающим язык. Ведь они имеют не только похожий смысл, но и похожее написание и произношение. Давайте разберем, когда нужно использовать одно слово, а когда другое.

Specially

Произношение и перевод:
Specially [ˈspɛʃəli] / [спе’шели] – специально/особенно

Значение слова:
Для определенной цели/человека

Употребление:
Слово specially мы используем, когда говорим, что что-то сделано для определенной цели или человека, для особого случая. Например: Эта одежда разработана специально для беременных.

Пример:

He bought this specially for children.
Он купил это специально для детей.

It was specially designed for our clients.
Это специально разработано для наших клиентов.

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Especially

Произношение и перевод:
Especially [ɪˈspɛʃ(ə)li] / [испе’шели] – особенно/в особенности

Значение слова:
Больше чем другие относится/используется в определенной ситуации

Употребление:
Cлово especially мы используем, когда говорим, что что-то одно подходит больше, чем что-то другое для определенной цели. То есть выделяем что-то одно из нескольких людей, мест, событий, ситуаций, подчеркивая важность этого. Например: Я люблю фрукты, особенно бананы.

Пример:

She especially likes the smell of lilacs.
Ей особенно нравится запах сирени.

It is especially hot today.
Сегодня особенно жарко.

В чем разница?

Слово specially мы используем, когда говорим, что что-то сделано для определенной цели или человека, для особого случая. Например: Она купила этот подарок специально для тебя.

Слово especially мы используем, когда говорим, что что-то одно подходит больше, чем что-то другое для определенной цели. То есть выделяем что-то одно из нескольких похожих видов. Например: Ей особенно понравилась та картина. 

Упражнение на закрепление

А сейчас выберите одно из двух слов для следующих предложений:

1. Она любит слушать музыку, ___ классическую. 
2. Ей ___ понравилась вторая песня. 
3. Эта одежда разработана ___ для маленьких детей. 
4. Этот десерт ___ вкусный. 
5. Эта музыка была написана ___ для фильма. 
6. Программа разработана ___ для новичков. 
7. Из всех времен года, ___ ей нравится весна. 
8. Эта форма была разработана ___ для школьников. 

Оставляйте свои ответы в комментариях под статьей.

2

a

: in particular : particularly

food seems cheaper, especially meats

b

: for a particular purpose

built especially for research

3


used as an intensive

an especially good essaynothing especially radical in the remarks

Synonyms

Example Sentences

With the help of his staff, [Tim] Russert was especially good at arming himself for an interview by compiling a politician’s previous statements in all their contradictions. Google was his tool and Gotcha his game.


David Remnick, New Yorker, 23 June 2008


In 1972, we began nonstop coverage of the Nixon-McGovern presidential campaign. Hunter [S. Thompson] took over my life then—and for many years after that when he was reporting (long nocturnal telephone calls and frequent all-night strategy sessions) and especially when he was writing. He was demanding in his need for time, attention, care, handling and editing.


Jann S. Wenner, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2005


Moreover, Gone with the Wind is peopled with characters whose inconsistencies make them interesting, none more so than Scarlett O’Hara, an unattractive, inexplicably seductive antiheroine whom Trollope himself might well have been pleased to dream up on an especially good day.


Terry Teachout, National Review, 20 Aug. 2001


… I am a tax dweeb. I like thinking about taxes and writing about taxes, and I really like doing my taxes. Especially since do-it-yourself tax software in a box got so great.


Linda Stern, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2000



He was especially concerned about the contract.



There is nothing especially radical about that idea.



Winning this tournament was especially satisfying.



I made this pie especially for you.

See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Airline ticket prices, in particular, are especially susceptible to shifts in supply and demand, as the aviation industry is acutely impacted by capacity constrictions.


Blane Bachelor, CNN, 4 Feb. 2023





He was especially drawn to landscape portraiture, its calm and innocence.


WIRED, 4 Feb. 2023





The matchup between him and Edey will make this one especially fun to watch.


Ian Firstenberg, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023





My kids, especially, love amusement parks and watching them ride roller coasters is a thrill.


San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2023





His cruelty led to his son’s deep distrust of male authority figures, Gordy especially.


Matthew Allan, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2023





The team as deep as anyone in the country, regularly playing 14 players while No. 5 UConn (21-2, 13-0 Big East) will have just eight available and relies heavily on its starters — especially so Edwards.


Lila Bromberg, Hartford Courant, 4 Feb. 2023





That especially remains the case after Friday — for wanted and unwanted reasons.


Khobi Price, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2023





The council is especially concerned that larger dwellings could block sunlight of neighbors to the north.


Alex Demarban, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023



See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘especially.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of especially was
in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near especially

Cite this Entry

“Especially.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/especially. Accessed 13 Apr. 2023.

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