especially vs particularly

[majidkh]

Hello

Would you please tell me the difference between especially and particularly?

I think there are subtle differences between the two words which looking up

in various dictionaries didn't help me.

Thank you in advance.

[vietnamese4u]

I think they are the same, no difference

[Paddy]

Hello

Would you please tell me the difference between especially and particularly?

I think there are subtle differences between the two words which looking up

in various dictionaries didn't help me.

Thank you in advance.

signally, notably; mainly. Especially, chiefly, particularly, principally refer to those cases that seem to be significant. Especially and particularly single out the most prominent case or example (often in order to particularize a general statement): Winter is especially severe on old people. Corn grows well in the Middle West, particularly in Iowa. Chiefly and principally imply that the general statement applies to a majority of the cases in question, and have a somewhat comparative force: Owls fly chiefly at night. Crime occurs principally in large cities.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/especially

[english-learner]

Hello

Would you please tell me the difference between especially and particularly?

I think there are subtle differences between the two words which looking up

in various dictionaries didn't help me.

Thank you in advance.

Tuỳ ngữ cảnh giống nhau mà cũng khác nhau
Bân quá không có thì giờ giải thích kỹ, sẽ có ai đó ở đây giải thích cho bạn.
I' m out. Bye

[Tanyenbai]

How about specifically?

[rukkhamula]

This is a good question, and it is not simple matter to give a comprehensive answer. Here are a few initial thoughts, but they are not the last word on the subject.

Both these adverbs can be used interchangeably in most, but not all, situations. I give three basic uses here.

1) More than usual.

The meaning here is close to 'very'. Either word is ok.

The restaurant is particularly/especially good.

He is a particularly/an especially fine dancer.


2) Making a general statement more specific.

Again, either word can be used.

He likes all kinds of Indian food, particularly/especially fish curries.

Americans, particularly/especially those in the south, are religious conservatives.

Keep out of the sun, especially/particularly at midday.


3) With a certain purpose or aim.

In this use, 'especially' is usually the better choice, in my opinion.

a) When followed by a noun or pronoun, use 'especially for'.

He bought a new rucksack especially for his walking holiday in the Alps.
I bought these flowers especially for you.

b) When followed by a verb, I would generally use 'especially + to infinitive' or 'especially for + participle' . It is also possible to use 'particularly', but that would not be my preference. The second sentence below, for example, does not really sound right if 'particularly' is used.

James came especially to see you.
He packed some food especially for eating on the journey.

[majidkh]

This is a good question, and it is not simple matter to give a comprehensive answer. Here are a few initial thoughts, but they are not the last word on the subject.

Both these adverbs can be used interchangeably in most, but not all, situations. I give three basic uses here.

1) More than usual.

The meaning here is close to 'very'. Either word is ok.

The restaurant is particularly/especially good.

He is a particularly/an especially fine dancer.




2) Making a general statement more specific.

Again, either word can be used.

He likes all kinds of Indian food, particularly/especially fish curries.

Americans, particularly/especially those in the south, are religious conservatives.

Keep out of the sun, especially/particularly at midday.


3) With a certain purpose or aim.

In this use, 'especially' is usually the better choice, in my opinion.

a) When followed by a noun or pronoun use 'especially for'.

He bought a new rucksack especially for his walking holiday in the Alps.
I bought these flowers especially for you.

b) When followed by a verb, I would generally use 'especially to + infinitive'. It is also possible to use 'particularly', but that would not be my preference.

James came especially to see you.

Thank you rukkhamula for your great comment.