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Which one to use?Intermediateadverbadverb

especiallyvsspecially

One highlights something above all else, the other indicates a specific purpose.

Side-by-side comparison

especially
adverb

Adverb. Means 'above all', 'in particular', or 'most of all'. It highlights something above other options.

  • I love all fruits, especially mangoes.

    Me encantan todas las frutas, especialmente los mangos.

  • The weather was especially cold this winter.

    El clima estuvo especialmente frío este invierno.

  • This book is especially useful for beginners.

    Este libro es especialmente útil para principiantes.

specially
adverb

Adverb. Means 'expressly' or 'for a specific purpose'. Used when something is done for a particular goal.

  • I made this cake specially for your birthday.

    Hice este pastel especialmente para tu cumpleaños.

  • The room was specially designed for children.

    La habitación fue diseñada especialmente para niños.

  • She flew to Paris specially to see the exhibition.

    Ella voló a París especialmente para ver la exposición.

Common mistake

Both translate to 'especially' in Spanish, which causes confusion. The key is context: are you highlighting something above others, or indicating a specific purpose?

Trick to remember it

'ESpecially' = highlights something above others (emphasis). 'SPecially' = for a SP-ecific P-urpose. If something was done with a specific purpose in mind, use 'specially'.

Quick rule

Highlighting something above others (above all, in particular)? Use 'especially'. Was something done for a specific purpose? Use 'specially'.

Did you know?

In modern informal English, 'especially' and 'specially' are increasingly treated as synonyms, and many native speakers do not distinguish them. The difference still matters in formal writing and careful speech.

Practise what you learned

Exercise 1 · Pick the right one

I love all sports, _____ swimming.

Exercise 2 · Pick the right one

This program was _____ designed for elderly patients.

Exercise 3 · Form the word

"Especially" or "specially"? "The weather was _____ nice on the day of the wedding." Write the correct word.

Hint: You are emphasizing how nice it was, not saying it was made nice on purpose.

Frequently asked questions

When do I use "especially" and when do I use "specially"?

Highlighting something above others (above all, in particular)? Use 'especially'. Was something done for a specific purpose? Use 'specially'.

What is the most common mistake with "especially" and "specially"?

Both translate to 'especially' in Spanish, which causes confusion. The key is context: are you highlighting something above others, or indicating a specific purpose?

How do I remember the difference between "especially" and "specially"?

'ESpecially' = highlights something above others (emphasis). 'SPecially' = for a SP-ecific P-urpose. If something was done with a specific purpose in mind, use 'specially'.

BL

Bryan López

Founder of SpeakUP Academy

July 22, 2026

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