In the US, we don �t use "specially" as a synonym of "particularly", and we really don �t use it much at all. To us, "specially" means "in a special way" (referring to needs, abilities, etc.).

 

If I say that a student is especially suited to learning English, I am talking about the degree of readiness and ability. The student is suited to a higher degree.

 

If I say that a student is specially suited to learning English, I am talking about some abilities or previous experience in learning languages that makes this student different from the others, not just in the degree to which he or she is suited to learning English.

 

So, to sum it up, "especially" means "particularly" or "to a special degree/in a special amount".

"Specially" means "in a special way", and it is a far less common word.

 

This tool was specially made (in a special way) to do a particular job. It does the job especially well (to a special degree).

 

I wouldn �t even teach students the word "specially". I probably haven �t used the word more than 5 times in my lifetime.

 

Bruce. 

Yes, that agrees with our use of "specially", since it deals with a quality, and not the degree of something. We would also say something like "This chair was specially designed for comfort".

 

Bruce 

You made me curious! Here is what I found from Merriam-Webster Learner �s Dictionary:

 

1. Use especially to mean �very� or �extremely,� as in these examples:

• There is nothing especially radical about that idea.
• The food was not especially good.

2. Use especially when something stands out from all the others, and you want the meaning of �particularly,� as in these examples:

• She can �t be sure she will win, especially at this early stage of the campaign.
• The appetizers and especially the soup were delicious.

3. When you want to convey the meaning �for a special purpose,� or �specifically,� you can use either especially or specially. They are both correct.

• The speech was written especially/specially for the occasion.

4. When you want to convey the meaning �in a special manner�, as in this example below, use specially. In this context, especially would sound odd or wrong to most native speakers.

• I don �t want to be treated specially.
• I don �t want to be treated especially.

I basically agree with the dictionary, although I would say "particularly" in #1 instead of "very" or "extremely".

 

Bruce