GOD BLESS YOU!

easy to read, easy to understand and i can continue on my writing.

*thumbs up*

• I have an especial interest in photography.

In this case, there is nothing intrinsically special about the interest in photography. Instead, the emphasis is on me, and my feeling that, of all my interests, photography is the most special. Compare that with the following:

• I have a special interest in photography: I like black and white photos of circus animals.

In this case, it is the interest itself that is specialized. There is not necessarily the implication that I am more interested in B&W circus animals than other subject matter, only that I consider that interest unique enough to be worth mentioning.

For the adverbial forms (specially and especially), ri, above, has some good examples. Again, especially implies that the intentions of the subject are special, and specially implies that the actions themselves were special.

• This cake is specially baked especially for you.

In this sentence, ’specially’ refers to the manner in which it was baked (i.e., a special technique), while ‘especially’ refers to the intentions of the baker.

Specially is used to mean in a special way or for a particular purpose. This is not somehow less formal. To say, for example, “I baked this cake specially for you” is to say that I used a special recipe… maybe you are allergic to eggs, so my special method of preparing this cake eliminated the eggs.

Especially is used to indicate preeminence or noteworthiness. This is not more formal. To say, for example, “I baked this cake especially for you” is to indicate that this cake is primarily for you (although I probably don’t mind if others try it), or that I was thinking of you specifically when I made it.

Another example:

SWAT forces are specially trained police officers. This usage of specially indicates that they have training for a particular purpose.

Police offers are highly trained, especially SWAT forces. This usage of especially indicates that SWAT forces are trained above and beyond the rest of the police officers.

In addition, adjectives modify nouns. These two, specially and especially, are adverbs.

Oops, sorry, only just saw your comment. Yes, it would be fine to use “specially” in an informal context. The rules of grammar are usually a bit more relaxed with friends!