Specially vs especially

ScottsEnglish · August 2016

In her IELTS Task 2 answer, a student wrote the following sentence:

During adolescent age our children become addicted to watching television specially the video clips of new songs, movies and playing video games, that will be waste of their time.

Notice the word 'specially'? Did the student use it correctly? Not really.

Here's why: although both specially and especially mean 'particularly', there are a few differences you should know:

1. We tend to use especially in formal writing.

Notice the following formal and informal sentences:

Informal:
The boss says to his employees: "You guys are my specially-selected, hand-picked group!"

Formal:
A formal acceptance speech: "I am especially grateful to my parents for their support and help."

2. We often use especially when we are referring to something that is exceptional and unusual.

Consider this example:

His understanding of the IELTS test is especially outstanding.

This means that his knowledge about IELTS is better than most other people.

3. We use specially to talk about the specific purpose of something.

This site was specially created for IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC students.

Specially trained dogs may be useful in helping to calm autistic children.

Now, choose the correct word - (an) especially or (a) specially - to complete the following sentences. Check your answers by clicking the box below.

1. I am _____ proud of the success of our basketball team.

2. This device was _____ made for young children.

3. We have a number of tall students in the class but John is _____ tall.

4. Young adults tend to waste a lot of time - _____ on Facebook!

5. This is _____ difficult test to pass.

1. I am especially proud of the success of our basketball team.
2. This device was specially made for young children.
3. We have a number of tall students in the class but John is especially tall.
4. Young adults tend to waste a lot of time - especially on Facebook!
5. This is an especially difficult test to pass.