Specially vs Especially: What’s the Difference?

Many learners struggle with specially vs especially because the two words look and sound almost identical. However, they do not mean the same thing. In this lesson, you’ll learn the difference between specially and especially, when to use each one, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Let’s break it down step by step.

What Does Especially Mean?

Especially means:

• in particular
• more than usual
• above all
• to a greater degree

We use especially when we want to emphasise one thing more than others. It highlights something as being more important, more noticeable, or more significant.

Think of it as selecting one item from a group and giving it extra attention.

Examples:

• Judith likes chocolate, especially dark chocolate.
• I enjoy travelling, especially in the summer.
• He was tired yesterday, but he was especially tired today.
• I love all kinds of nuts, especially cashew nuts.
• The city is beautiful, especially at night.

Notice that especially is often used with:

• adjectives (especially important)
• time expressions (especially in winter)
• comparisons (especially when compared to…)

What Does Specially Mean?

Specially means:

• for a specific purpose
• for a particular person
• for a special occasion

We use specially when something is made, done, or prepared for a particular reason or individual.

Think of it as “designed for this purpose.”

Examples:

• They designed this jacket specially for girls.
• The chef prepared a dish specially for the guest.
• The pigs are specially trained to find truffles.
• The tailor made this dress specially for Jane’s wedding.
• This software was created specially for teachers.

Specially often appears with:

• for + person (specially for you)
• passive forms (specially designed, specially trained)

The Key Difference

The easiest way to remember the difference is this:

• Especially = more than others
• Specially = for a specific purpose

Compare:

• I love fruit, especially strawberries.
  (Strawberries are my favourite.)
• This cake was made specially for you.
  (It was made for a particular person.)

Common Mistakes Learners Make

❌ This gift was made especially for you.

✔ This gift was made specially for you.

❌ I like all sports specially football.

✔ I like all sports, especially football.

Although native speakers sometimes mix them up in informal speech, in formal writing and exams (such as B2 First or C1 Advanced), using the correct word is important.

Final Thoughts

Even though especially and specially look almost identical, they serve different purposes in English. One emphasises importance; the other refers to purpose.

Small differences like this can make your English more precise and more natural.

And that’s especially important in exams. 😉

Related posts:

Till and Until

Broad vs Wide

Bother vs Disturb vs Interrupt

Comment Adverbs in English

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