but more especially

USAGE SUMMARY

'but more especially' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the particular thing you're referring to, as opposed to other things. For example, "I love my dog, but more especially my cat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Streetwise audience perhaps, but more especially the Streetwise artists.

The New York Times - Arts

"Good officials will make for interesting games and poor officiating destroys the best features of any game, but more especially basketball".

The New York Times - Sports

Yet despite substantial experimental and theoretical effort, a number of fundamental questions remain concerning growth kinetics and mechanisms on this surface, even for homoepitaxy, but more especially in the formation of heterostructures.

Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports

To countenance short-circuiting of the Tax Court proceedings here would be, under all the circumstances but more especially in view of Congress' policy and command with respect to those proceedings, a long overreaching of equity's strong arm.

Cornell University

In a 1960 letter to King Baldwin wrote: "I am one of the millions, to be found all over the world but more especially here, in this sorely troubled country, who thank God for you" (Papers 5 461).

Stanford University

Eager from the first to obtain the highest place, he unhesitatingly accepted the hatred of the most powerful and influential leaders in the city, but more especially of Aristides, the son of Lysimachus, who always opposed him.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Well, something was done -- but much more, especially on preventive care, still needs to be done.

Huffington Post

Mr. Pitic said: "We appreciate all help but we need more, especially from the big players.

The New York Times

The wine list includes a few good choices under $30, but most cost more, especially the reds.

The New York Times - Food

But he was more especially concerned with medicine and physiology, advancing the theory that disease and death were due to the drying up of the natural moisture in the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But they wanted more, especially Ms. Vargas, who as a graduate of New York University's undergraduate film program, wanted to push her mastery of digital graphics and filmmaking much further.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but more especially" to introduce a specific detail or aspect that is particularly relevant or important within a broader context. Make sure the initial part of the sentence introduces the broader context adequately.

Common error

Avoid using "but more especially" in very informal or casual writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "especially" or "particularly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but more especially" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two related ideas while emphasizing the second. It introduces a specific point or detail that is particularly important or noteworthy compared to the preceding general statement. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is considered as correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

33%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but more especially" is a conjunctive phrase used to introduce a specific and significant detail following a broader statement. As Ludwig AI underlines, this expression is considered grammatically correct and can be used in different contexts, being especially common in news, academic, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, remember to avoid overusing it in informal contexts and to ensure that it adds genuine emphasis to your writing. Consider alternatives like "but particularly" or "but most notably" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but particularly

Replaces "especially" with "particularly", offering a slight variation in emphasis.

but in particular

Replaces "especially" with "in particular", adding a touch more formality.

but most notably

Shifts the focus to highlighting the most important aspect.

but above all

Emphasizes the highlighted element as the most significant.

but predominantly

Focuses on the most common or frequent aspect.

but primarily

Highlights the key or main aspect under consideration.

but chiefly

Similar to "primarily", but with a slightly archaic tone.

but significantly

Emphasizes the importance or impact of a specific element.

but fundamentally

Highlights the basic or essential aspect.

but crucially

Underlines the critical or decisive element.

FAQs

How can I use "but more especially" in a sentence?

Use "but more especially" to emphasize a particular aspect or element within a broader statement. For instance, "I enjoy all fruits, but more especially apples".

What are some alternatives to "but more especially"?

You can use alternatives like "but particularly", "but in particular", or "but most notably" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "but more especially" in formal writing?

Yes, "but more especially" is suitable for formal writing as it provides a nuanced way to emphasize a specific point. Be mindful to use it sparingly to avoid redundancy.

What is the difference between "but more especially" and simply using "especially"?

Using "but more especially" often follows a broader statement, adding a specific emphasis. "Especially", on the other hand, can introduce a specific point without the preceding broader context. For example: "I like desserts, but more especially chocolate cake" versus "I like chocolate cake especially".