 Especially versus especially, what's the difference? In many situations, the two words specially and especially, are used with the same meaning, but this is not always correct. Let's take a closer look at the difference between specially and especially. How to use specially. The word specially means for a particular reason, and is used with an adjective in the past participle form, for example. Especially trained dogs can be lifesavers for many people. How to use especially. The word specially means particularly, and it is used at the beginning of a phrase, but never at the beginning of a whole sentence, for example. This last summer was especially hot and humid. Thanks so much for watching, we are ITTT the leading provider for TEFL and TESOL training courses. If you like this video, please subscribe by clicking that button down here, and click on any of the videos here on the left for more interesting teaching tips for getting certified to teach English abroad and online.