Especially vs Specially: Learn the Difference with Easy Examples

Table of Contents

• Especially vs Specially: What's the Difference?
• Especially Meaning
• Specially Meaning
• How to Use Especially and Specially in Sentences
• Especially vs Specially Examples
• Tips to Avoid Confusion Between Specially and Especially
• Especially vs Specially Exercises

Especially vs Specially: What's the Difference?

‘Especially’ and ‘specially’ are related words, but their usage is different in English grammar. The table below highlights the key differences between 'especially' and 'specially'.

 

Especially Meaning

The word 'especially' is used to give extra importance to someone or something. It often means particularly, above all, or more than others. Some common synonyms are particularly, notably, primarily, above all, most of all, mainly, and exceptionally.

Examples:

• I like all desserts, especially ice cream.

• She studies hard, especially before exams.

• This book is useful, especially for beginners.

• Children need healthy food, especially during growth years.

• He enjoys outdoor sports, especially cricket.

Specially Meaning

The word 'specially' means for a special reason, for a particular purpose, or specifically. It is commonly used when something is created, arranged, or done for someone or something. The common synonyms are specifically, expressly, exclusively, uniquely, custom-made, particularly for.

Examples:

1. This chair was specially made for elderly people.

2. The teacher prepared notes specially for weak students.

3. The hotel offers rooms specially designed for families.

4. She bought a cake specially for her brother.

5. The software was specially developed for schools.

 

How to Use Especially and Specially in Sentences

Understanding sentence usage is one of the easiest ways to learn the difference between 'especially' and 'specially'.

Using Especially

Use 'especially' when:

• highlighting one thing more than others

• showing emphasis

• talking about favourites or importance

• introducing a specific example after a general statement

Examples:

• I enjoy reading, especially novels.

• The weather is beautiful, especially in spring.

• She loves animals, especially dogs.

Using Specially

Use 'specially' when:

• something is made for a purpose

• something is arranged in a unique way

• talking about customised things

• something is created for a specific person

Examples:

• This uniform was specially stitched for the team.

• The programme was specially organised for children.

• These glasses are specially designed for computer users.

Especially vs Specially Examples

Here are some easy examples to understand the difference clearly.

Examples of Especially in Sentences:

• I love music, especially melody.

• She enjoys all subjects, especially English.

• I love all seasons, especially winter.

• They visit hill stations, especially during summer.

• Children need care, especially when sick.

• He is especially good at problem-solving.

• I enjoyed the trip, especially the heritage walk.

• This road is dangerous, especially at night.

Examples of Specially in Sentences:

• This room was specially painted for guests.

• The app was specially created for students.

• The meal was specially prepared for the visitors.

• This phone is specially built for gaming.

• The shoes were specially designed for athletes.

• The coat was specially made for arctic conditions.

• The course was specially designed for working professionals.

• The menu was specially curated for the anniversary dinner.

 

Tips to Avoid Confusion Between Specially and Especially

Here are some tips you can follow to avoid confusion between ‘especially’ and ‘specially’. 

• If you can replace the word with ‘particularly,’ and the sentence still makes sense, use ‘especially.’
  Example:
  I like all sweets, especially gulab jamun.
  I like all sweets, particularly gulab jamun.

• If you can replace the word with ‘specifically,’ and the sentence still makes sense, use ‘specially.’
  Example:
  The uniform was specially designed.
  The uniform was specifically designed.

• Easy memory trick
  Especially means extra importance
  Specially means specific purpose

 

Especially vs Specially Exercises

Fill in the Blank

1. The doctor prescribed a diet __________ tailored to the patient's condition.

2. I love all Indian classical music, __________ Hindustani vocals.

3. She likes desserts, __________ cakes.

4. This book was __________ written for beginners.

5. She was __________ anxious about the results.

6. I enjoy all seasons, __________ winter.

7. These shoes are __________ designed for runners.

8. The room was __________ decorated for the wedding.

9. He was __________ invited to address the national conference.

10. Mumbai is chaotic, __________ during peak hours.

Answers:

1. The doctor prescribed a diet specially tailored to the patient's condition.

2. I love all Indian classical music, especially Hindustani vocals.

3. She likes desserts, especially cakes.

4. This book was specially written for beginners.

5. She was especially anxious about the results.

6. I enjoy all seasons, especially winter.

7. These shoes are specially designed for runners.

8. The room was specially decorated for the wedding.

9. He was specially invited to address the national conference.

10. Mumbai is chaotic, especially during peak hours.