Especially vs Specially: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Especially means 'particularly', while specially is used to mean 'in a special way' or 'for a specific purpose'.
Memory Tip: especially = extra special, specially = specific purpose
especially has stress on 'spe', specially has stress on 'spe'
especially /ɪˈspɛʃəli/
adverbMore than others or more than usual.
Example:
If you want to improve your health, you should eat more fruits and vegetables, especially those that are rich in vitamins.
Common patterns:
used to show preference
used to give examples
specially /ˈspeʃəli/
adverbIn a way that is more than usual or more than others.
Example:
The cake was specially made for her birthday, with her favorite flavors and decorations.
Common patterns:
specially designed
specially made
specially crafted
Common Mistakes
I made this cake especially for your birthday.
I made this cake specially for your birthday.
The cake was made for a specific purpose, which is your birthday.
She loves all her pets, but she has a specially strong bond with her cat.
She loves all her pets, but she has an especially strong bond with her cat.
The bond is particularly strong compared to the others.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If you want to improve your health, you should eat more fruits and vegetables, ____ those that are rich in vitamins.
2. The cake was ____ made for her birthday, with her favorite flavors and decorations.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse especially / specially again
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