Especially vs Specially: Which One Do You Need?
Especially means above all. Specially means for one particular purpose.
Cold, especially at night. A suit made specially for him.
The test that settles it
Try above all. If it fits, use especially. If you mean for that purpose, use specially.
“I love autumn, ___ October” → above all, so especially.
“a tool ___ designed for it” → for that purpose, so specially.
Especially: above all, particularly
It singles one case out of several as the most notable. It also intensifies an adjective: especially difficult.
The roads are bad, especially in winter.
She was especially pleased with the result.
Children, especially the youngest, found it hard.
Swap in above all or particularly. If it works, especially.
Specially: for a specific purpose
It says something was done or made with one particular use in mind.
The cake was made specially for the occasion.
A room specially equipped for filming.
He came specially to see you.
Swap in for that purpose. If it works, specially.
Side by side
| Especially | Specially |
|---|---|
| Above all | For one purpose |
| Singles out | Explains why |
| Can intensify an adjective | Cannot |
| Especially good | Made specially |
The exception
In many sentences either word passes without comment, and speakers use them interchangeably. Where the difference matters is when both readings are available.
He came especially to see you means you were the main reason among several. He came specially to see you means that was the only reason.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| It was specially cold last night. | It was especially cold last night. | Intensifying an adjective. |
| This was made especially for you. | This was made specially for you. | For one purpose — though the first is widely used. |
| expecially | especially | There is no x in the word. |
| specialy | specially | Two l: special plus -ly. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The exam was ___ hard this year.
- The shoes were made ___ for her.
- I like most fruit, ___ mangoes.
- A van ___ adapted for wheelchairs.
- He is not ___ keen.
Show the answers
1. especially 2. specially 3. especially 4. specially 5. especially
Frequently asked
Which is safer if I am unsure?
Especially. It covers more ground, and the purpose sense of specially can usually be rewritten: made for her.
Why do people write expecially?
Because the sp is hard to say quickly and the tongue reaches for x. It is a pronunciation slip that has spread into writing.
More words people confuse
