The Difference Between Specially and Especially
When it comes to the English language, there are many words that sound similar but have very different meanings. Specially and especially are two such words that are often misused. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and how to use them correctly.
Specially
Specially is an adverb that means “for a particular purpose or in a special manner.” It is used to describe something that has been done with a specific intention or to meet a particular need.
For example: “The chef specially prepared the dish for the customer who had a food allergy.” In this sentence, the word “specially” emphasizes that the dish was made with special consideration for the customer’s needs.
Other examples of the correct usage of specially include:
– “The flowers were specially chosen to match the color scheme of the wedding.”
– “The hotel staff were specially trained to handle guests with disabilities.”
Especially
Especially is also an adverb but it has a different meaning from specially. It means “particularly or to a greater extent than usual.” It is used to single out something as being of greater importance or significance.
For example: “She loves all kinds of music, especially jazz.” In this sentence, the word “especially” emphasizes that jazz is her favorite type of music.
Other examples of the correct usage of especially include:
– “I am especially interested in learning about different cultures.”
– “The team performed well, especially considering they had only practiced for a week.”
The Common Mistake
One common mistake people make is using especially in place of specially. For example, “He specially likes to eat pizza” should be “He especially likes to eat pizza.”
Another common mistake is using specially in place of especially. For example, “She loves jazz specially” should be “She loves jazz especially.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, specially and especially are two adverbs with different meanings. Specially is used to describe something that has been done for a specific purpose or need, while especially is used to single out something as being of greater importance or significance. Knowing the difference between the two can help you avoid common grammatical errors and communicate more effectively in the English language.
Table difference between specially and especially
| Specially | Especially |
|---|---|
| Specially means “for a specific or particular purpose.” | Especially means “particularly, notably, or specifically.” |
| Example: She dressed specially for the occasion. | Example: She loves flowers, especially roses. |