Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Especially vs specially

To stress on the exceptional/ quality, use especial or especially. To stress on the distinctive purpose of something, use special or specially.
Examples:
This laboratory is built specially for research.
(A distinctive purpose)
He did especially well in national games.
(A noteworthy performance)

Ex:
Sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid rain, is an especially serious pollutant because it diminishes the respiratory system’s ability to deal with all other pollutants.

(A) an especially serious pollutant because it diminishes the respiratory system’s ability to deal

(B) an especially serious pollutant because of diminishing the respiratory system’s capability of dealing

(C) an especially serious pollutant because it diminishes the capability of the respiratory system in dealing

(D) a specially serious pollutant because it diminishes the capability of the respiratory system to deal

(E) a specially serious pollutant because of diminishing the respiratory system’s ability to deal

Answer: A

2 comments:

  1. Wrong. The difference in definition(s) here is inconsequential - both are derived from the same root. Grammatically, both can be used in adjectival or adverbial forms. The real difference is much more subtle - and hence the difficulty. It is primarily a question of style, which requires the nuanced felicity of a native/highly adept writer. This involves the flow and common practice based on subtle differences in sentence structure and word choice. In some cases they are clearly interchangable. In some cases only one should be used (usually especially in favor of specially - so when in doubt go with especially). Usually though, one or the other is a better choice based on the colloquial usage patterns (i.e. a question of style). This may be related to whether the preceeding word begins with a vowel. In the adverbial form, especially (cf. specially) is more common, while in the adjectival form, special (cf. especial) is more common. There are. however, many cases where specially could be used and some where it would be preferred. Here are some examples:

    These grapes are especially good. -syn w/very i.e. intensifier.

    These troops are specially trained. -syn w/selectively

    These rocks are especially for you. -syn w/particularly

    and a few more,

    These rocks are specially selected.
    These days of the year are especially cold.
    Specially designed footwear helps one stay warm.

    Perhaps this last example could stand a substitution, but the others I would consider to be essentially non-interchangable cases. Where an intensifier is desired you must especially (try _very_ as a check). Otherwise, I don't see a generally applicable "rule", so cover more examples to get a feel for the difference. Hope this helps. ~KC

    BTW:
    Grammarians (and potential IQ/standardized test makers) often miss the boat in these situations, so be careful.

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