“Specially” Versus “Especially”
Do you know the difference?
Mignon Fogarty
This was an especially fun tip to write; it was specially designed for your enjoyment.
Does that help you see the difference between “especially” and “specially”?
“Especially” usually means “particularly,” whereas “specially” usually means “in a special or careful manner” or “specifically.” Here are some examples:
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This market is especially tough on retirees.
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Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, was Squiggly’s weakness.
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Aardvark delivered the specially minted commemorative coins.
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The cake had been specially prepared for the occasion.
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About the Author
Mignon Fogarty is the founder of Quick and Dirty Tips and the author of seven books on language, including the New York Times bestseller “Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing.” She is an inductee in the Podcasting Hall of Fame, and the show is a five-time winner of Best Education Podcast in the Podcast Awards. She has appeared as a guest expert on the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Today Show. Her popular LinkedIn Learning courses help people write better to communicate better.