Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Lessons, Examples, Usage & Exercises

Many IELTS candidates find themselves puzzled when it comes to the words ‘especially’ and ‘specially’. While they look and sound similar, they are not always interchangeable. These two adverbs are commonly tested in IELTS Writing and Speaking, where using the right one can reflect a strong command of English vocabulary and grammar.

In this blog, you will learn the precise meanings of both words, their usage, real-world examples relevant to IELTS topics, common mistakes to avoid, and practice exercises with an answer key. Let’s dive in!

What Does ‘Especially’ Mean?

‘Especially’ is used to emphasize one item or person more than the others. It often introduces something notable in a list or gives particular importance to one part of a sentence.

Examples:

• I enjoy reading, especially science fiction novels.
• Pollution is a serious issue, especially in urban areas.
• Students must focus on grammar, especially prepositions and articles, for IELTS.

When to Use “Especially”?

You can use ‘especially’:

• When highlighting a part of a group
• To emphasize degree or intensity
• Before adjectives for emphasis (e.g., especially difficult)

What Does ‘Specially’ Mean?

‘Specially’ refers to something that has been designed or done for a particular purpose. It has a more technical or intentional tone.

Examples:

• This course was specially created for IELTS preparation.
• The essay was specially formatted for submission.
• She baked a cake specially for the teacher’s farewell.

When to Use ‘Specially’?

You can use specially:

• When referring to a custom-made or purpose-built item
• To show intentional effort behind an action
• In contexts involving design, preparation, or arrangement

Comparison Table: Especially vs. Specially

The table below shows a comparison between ‘especially’ vs ‘specially’ that will be helpful for their preparation in IELTS grammar.

Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Real-World Examples Relevant to IELTS Topics

Let’s look at how ‘especially’ and ‘specially’ are used in realistic IELTS contexts, including topics like education, technology, environment, culture, and work.

B. IELTS Speaking Part 2 Contexts

Cue Card: Describe a piece of technology you find useful

• I find smartphones incredibly useful, especially for staying connected while travelling.

Cue Card: Describe a place you visited that left an impression

• The hotel was specially decorated for the New Year celebration, which made it feel magical.

Cue Card: Describe a person who taught you something

• My teacher gave me extra attention, especially when I struggled with writing tasks.

These examples show how native-like use of these adverbs adds depth and precision to your responses.

Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many IELTS candidates confuse these adverbs, often because their native language uses a single word for both meanings. Let’s break down typical mistakes and how to correct them in IELTS contexts.

Specially vs Especially: Exercise

After the discussion on especially and specially, now it’s time to take up some exercises to find out if you are ready to use these concepts in IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking like a pro!

A. Tick the correct sentence in each pair.

• a. Traffic congestion is a serious problem, specially in big cities,
  b. Traffic congestion is a serious problem, especially in big cities.
• a. The police especially want to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack,
  b. Especially, the police want to speak to anyone who witnessed the attack.

B. Are these sentences right or wrong? Correct any that are wrong.

1. Is it just me or is It specially cold today?_____
2. I don’t like driving at night specially if it’s raining_____
3. Especially women should be careful when travelling alone______
4. I drive a car which especially Is designed for disabled drivers______
5. These exhibits were especially popular among children_______
6. The police use specially-trained dogs to search for drags_______
7. Especially the museum Is renowned for its collection of modern art_______
8. Malaria is still a big problem, specially In parts of Africa_______

Answer Key of the Practice Test for Especially vs Specially for IELTS Grammar

Let's check the answers now that you've completed the practice exercises. Make sure you note the reason why a response is correct. 

To conclude, mastering the difference between ‘especially’ and ‘specially’ is crucial for anyone aiming for a Band 7.0+ in IELTS. These words not only add precision to your language but also reflect a higher level of grammar awareness. Always remember to use ‘especially’ to emphasize and ‘specially’ for specific purposes or custom work. Regular practice with vocabulary like this can significantly improve both written coherence and spoken fluency in the IELTS exam.

Useful Links:

• Top 10 IELTS Grammar Books
• Advanced Grammar Structures for IELTS to Achieve Band 7+
• Advanced Grammar for IELTS: Auxiliaries, have (got), do
• The Subjunctive Mood: Grammar Essentials for IELTS
• Advanced Grammar for IELTS : Word Order and Verb Patterns