How to spell especially
A Year 5 and 6 statutory spelling word, with the tricky part explained and a tip that makes it stick.
The answer
especially
E-S-P-E-C-I-A-L-L-Y
The part to watch: e + special + ly. The underlined letters are the ones most people get wrong.
The tricky part
Especially is e + special + ly. It starts with an e, not an x, and the l of special meets the l of ly.
Especially is one of the words on the Year 5 and 6 list with the -ly ending. Most of these words are made by adding -ly to a root word. Spell the root first, then add -ly. A root ending in -le swaps the -le for -ly, as probable becomes probably.
The root, special, ends in l, and -ly starts with l, so the word has a double l.
Common mistakes with especially
- Wrong: expeciallyRight: especially
- Wrong: especialyRight: especially
A way to remember it
Especially is special with an e in front and ly behind.
Especially in syllables
es · pe · cial · ly
Especially has 4 syllables. Say each one as you write it.
In a sentence
I love all fruit, especially strawberries.
Especially on the statutory list
Especially is on the Year 5 and 6 statutory word list in the national curriculum for England. Children are taught these words in Years 5 and 6, when they are 9 to 11.
Test yourself
A short spelling test that starts with especially, then nine more words from the Year 5 and 6 list, read aloud. It works in your browser.
More words with the -ly ending
These words from the Year 5 and 6 list share the same pattern as especially.
More words
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between especially and specially?
Especially means above all: "I love fruit, especially grapes." Specially means for one special purpose: "a cake made specially for you".
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