Specially vs Especially: What Is the Difference?

That’s right, this specially compiled article is especially for those who struggle with the difference between the words “specially” and “especially.” But how did this confusion arise to begin with? I suspect the trouble started when people began to use “specially” as an abbreviated form of “especially.” Although some sources say the two words are interchangeable, the really reputable ones say they mean two completely different things and are only interchangeable in certain contexts.

What do these words have in common?

Both of them are adverbs (words that are used to describe a verb). Both of them can mean a thing was done for a particular purpose. For example, “I got this (e)specially for you!”

In this context, those who say either word means the same thing are spot on. However, I would venture to say “specially” would be the more common form in this context.

How do they differ?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines “especially” as meaning “particularly or “above all.” Let’s watch it in action:

• “She adores flowers, especially roses.”
• “He hates work, especially hard physical labor.”

If you were to replace “especially” with “specially” here, you would have sentences that people can understand, but your word choice would be considered colloquial at best.

Now let’s try the same exercise with “specially.” This word refers to a specific purpose for which something was done, and yes, it’s just like our very first example, where we demonstrated that “especially” and “specially” are interchangeable in certain contexts. Now you can play fast and loose and switch these two words around as you please. But remember, when the word you are looking for means “particularly” or “above all” ONLY “especially” will do.

• “The furniture was (e)specially designed for my living room.”
• “He bought the reddest rose (e)specially for her.”

Knowing which to use

Think of the word “particularly.” If you can replace the “special/especial” with “particularly,” then only “especially” is absolutely correct. Let’s look at one of our earlier examples:

• “She loves flowers, especially roses.”
• “She loves flowers, particularly roses.”

Does it work? Yes, it does! So “especially” is the right choice, while “specially” would be incorrect.

You’ll notice that trying to jam “particularly” into a “for a special purpose” meaning doesn’t sit quite as comfortably.

• “He bought the reddest rose particularly for her.”

Does it work? Not particularly! Now we know we can use whichever of the two words we prefer. Don’t you love freedom? If you’re in doubt, stick with “especially” since it works in both contexts. You can’t go wrong!

How important is it?

• “Not specially.”
• “Not especially.”

Which of these is right: the first one, or the second one? If you guessed that the second version is correct, you really do know the difference between these two words already. Congratulations!

Can you be sure?

“Not particularly,” works well in this context, so you can be sure that you are 100% correct.

But returning to our question “How important is it?” what do you think the answer is? I’d say that if you’re using language simply to be understood, it isn’t especially important because people would probably understand you even if you used “specially” in the wrong place. However, in written English, we have to be especially (particularly) careful about word choices, and picking the wrong one would make your teacher, or an especially (particularly) well-informed reader, upset at the wording.