What's The Difference Between Specially and Especially? | Especially or Specially?

Use Specially and Especially Correctly in English Writing and Speaking

Both the words 'specially' and 'Especially' are ADVERB, and they have almost the same meaning. But there is a little difference between the two. Let's know how to use these two words in English Writing and Speaking Correctly.

[Learning English Grammar is important because it makes you an expert in writing and speaking the English language correctly and in an advanced way.]

Use of Specially [Meaning: For a Particular/Special Reason or Purpose]

'Specially' describes the specific purpose of something. The word 'specially' is used to mean a particular or specific purpose of something. It describes something that is distinct or special or unique.

We use 'Specially' to talk about the specific purpose of something. We use 'specially' to say that something is done or made for a particular purpose. Specially means 'for a special reason or purpose'. We use the word 'specially ' when we're describing an action taken 'for a special reason' or 'a special purpose'.

Now Look At The Example Sentences Below

1) This spoon is specially made for children.

2) The suit was specially made for me.

3) This spoon is specially designed for children.

4) This shampoo is specially for dry hair.

5) I bought this gift specially for you.

6) All the students have been specially trained to take up leadership roles.

7) This cake was ordered specially for your birthday. [This cake was ordered for a particular purpose (for a birthday party)]

8) This car was specially designed for people who use a wheelchair.

9) Many dogs are specially trained to assist police officers in dangerous situations.

10) These herbs are specially grown to be used in restaurants.

* 'Specially' is also used to indicate something done in a special manner.

For Example,

The celebrity was treated specially at the store. [indicates a special treatment for the celebrity.]

Explore Some More Examples Below

1) The dance was specially choreographed for the differently abled.

2) The room is specially designed to minimise the reverberation of sound.

3) This kitchen was specially designed to make it easy for a disabled person to use.

4) This shirt was made specially for my little sister.

5) They'd come down specially to see us.

6) She wore a specially designed costume.

7) The school is specially for children whose schooling has been disrupted by illness.

8) Staff were recruited specially for the event.

9) She has her clothes specially made in Paris.

10) The new song was specially written for the occasion.

Use of Especially [Meaning: Particularly or Above all]

'Especially' describes one person, thing, or situation above all of the others. The meaning is similar to 'In particular'. The word especially is used when you are saying something in particular. Especially is used to say more than the others. Especially emphasizes or singles out one person, place or thing above all others.

Now Have A Look At The Example Sentences Below

1) I like all types of games, especially video games.

2) I like all of my friends, especially Mark.

3) All of the rooms are dirty, especially the bathroom.

4) Our baby cries a lot, especially when he's hungry.

5) Dave and Mark like football. Dave, especially, watches lots of matches on TV.

[Don't Say/Write: Especially Dave watches lots of matches on TV.]

* 'Especially' can have a similar meaning to 'particularly':

Mark: Do you want to live abroad? 

Jane: Yes, I would especially like to live in France.

6) I went to New York especially to see the Statue of Liberty.

7) I need to buy a bag, especially for my computer.

8) She loves flowers, especially roses.

9) I am especially grateful to all my family and friends who supported me.

10) I love all Italian foods but I especially love that one. [That means 'I love that one more than the other dishes.]

11) I'm going to miss my family this summer, especially my mom.

12) My neighbour gets annoyed easily, especially when people park in front of his house.

13) George gets very enthusiastic during football games, especially when his team wins.

* The word 'especially' is used to single out someone or something. | It's used to say something that is exceptional. We use the word 'especially' when something stands out from all the others (Something that is exceptional), and you mean 'particularly', as in the examples given below:

1) She can't be sure she will win, especially at this early stage of the campaign.

2) The appetizers and especially the soup were delicious.

3) The boxer put up a good fight, especially in the second half.

4) He became visibly upset, especially when they called him an outcast.

5) He misses her, especially on rainy days.

* We use the word 'especially' to mean 'more than usually' or 'very' or 'extremely', as in the following examples: | Especially is used to say: Very much/extremely/to a great extent: | You can also use 'especially' in front of an adjective to emphasize a characteristic or quality.

Example Sentences

1) I found her laugh especially annoying.

2) We are especially fond of spicy non-vegetarian food.

3) There's nothing especially radical about the idea.

4) The food was not especially good.

Explore More Examples Below

1) I love ice cream, especially chocolate.

2) The movie is very interesting, especially the last part.

3) I love dessert, especially pudding.

4) I like all colours especially purple.

5) I like all the chocolates, especially KitKat. [I like all the chocolates, but I like KitKat more than other chocolates.]

6) The government aims to improve public services, especially education. [Here the government gives extra importance to the education sector.]

* The adverb 'Especially' is also used to indicate: Particularly/for a certain reason: 

For Example,

I bought this e-bike, especially to gift my brother on his birthday. [made a purchase for a particular/certain reason.]

* This adverb is also used to indicate a characteristic, idea or quality: 

For Example,

The CEO especially loved the idea of developing a smartphone that is social media friendly. [It emphasises the idea of a social media-friendly phone.]

* We use 'especially' to show that what we are saying applies more to one thing or situation than to others.

Example Sentences

1) He was kind to his staff, especially those who were sick or in trouble.

2) Double ovens are a good idea, especially if you are cooking several meals at once.

3) These changes are especially important to small businesses.

Use of Specially and Especially in A Single Sentence

1) Especially highlights a particular feature: The app is specially designed to track the location of the stolen phone, especially when the phone is off. [This app has an extra feature.]

2) These medicines are specially made to boost immunity, especially against Covid-19. [There are many medicines in the market to boost immunity, but these medicines are exceptional, they help to boost immunity even against covid-19.]

3) The new train is specially designed for persons with disabilities, especially for those with wheelchairs.

Important Notes

1) Both 'especially' and 'specially' are adverbs that describe more about a verb or adjective. You use 'especially' when you want to say 'above all' or 'to a great extent' or 'very'. And 'specially' indicates something specific or has a special purpose.

For Example,

1) I'm especially grateful for your support this year.

2) Be especially careful on the icy roads tonight.

3) My brother is especially knowledgeable about Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire.

4) Mr Jane isn't especially worried about his lecture next week.

5) John is especially interested in dinosaurs and geology.

6) The app is specially designed to track the stolen phone's location.

* If you can replace especially with very or exceptionally, then you're using it correctly in this context. For example, 'I'm very grateful for your support this year' only works with especially. 

3) When you mean 'for a special reason' or 'particularly'., you can use either of the two, 'especially' or 'specially'. [They are both correct] | Especially can also be used to mean 'for a particular purpose'.

For Example,

1) The speech was written especially/specially for the occasion.

2) The sweater was made especially/specially for her.

3) I bought these especially/specially for you.

4) This office was designed especially/specially for our department.

5) The English Stall app has been developed by Success Stall especially/specially for advanced English learners.

4) When you mean 'in a special manner', as in the example below, use 'specially'.

1) I don't want to be treated specially.

2) The teachers were treated specially at the birthday party.

[Don't Say/Write: I don't want to be treated especially.]

5) When 'especially' relates to the subject of a sentence, you put it immediately after the subject.

For Example,

1) Young babies, especially, are vulnerable to colds.

* Sometimes the word 'specially' is used as a less formal word and the word 'especially' is used as a more formal word.