When it comes to the words “specifically” and “specificaly,” one may wonder which of the two is correct. Allow me, to shed some light on this matter.
The correct spelling is “specifically.” This adverb is widely used in the English language to indicate something is done or said in a precise or detailed manner. Examples of proper usage include:
1. “I specifically asked for a window seat on the airplane.”
2. “She wasn’t sure who to invite, so she specifically mentioned her closest friends.”
3. “The professor instructed the students to specifically reference three academic sources in their essays.”
As you can see from these examples, “specifically” is used to emphasize precise instructions, preferences, or details.
On the other hand, “specificaly” is an incorrect spelling of the word. Despite its similarity, it is not recognized as the standard form in any reputable English language references. Therefore, using “specificaly” would be considered a grammatical error.
To further illustrate the incorrect usage, let’s consider a few examples:
1. Incorrect: “He specificaly told me to be there at 5 o’clock.”
2. Incorrect: “The recipe specificaly states to mix the ingredients in a small bowl.”
As you can see, using “specificaly” in these sentences would be incorrect and could lead to confusion or misinterpretation.
The key to understanding the correct usage of “specifically” lies in recognizing its role as an adverb. As an adverb, “specifically” modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. It adds clarity and precision to the statement, explaining the manner or method by which something is being done.
Correct: “She specifically asked for a vegetarian meal.”
In this sentence, “specifically” modifies the verb “asked,” indicating that the person made a clear and detailed request for a vegetarian meal. Without the use of the adverb, the sentence would lose its specific nature and become less informative.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “specifically.” This adverb is widely accepted and used in the English language to add precision and clarity to statements. “Specificaly,” although it may sound similar, is an incorrect spelling and not recognized as standard English. So remember, if you want to express something in a precise or detailed manner, use “specifically,” not “specificaly.”