but most especially

USAGE SUMMARY

"but most especially" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize one thing among a list of other things. For example: "I love spending time with my family, but most especially my grandparents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But most especially the men were not safe.

The New Yorker

Relationships, whether they are personal but most especially professional, are built on a trust and transparency.

The New York Times

She was surrounded by her loved ones, but most especially by her devoted fiance, Joe Diamante.

The New York Times

The Norwegian Constitution was inspired by the democratic forces of its time, but most especially by the American Constitution.

Stanford University

An undertaker's business is nothing if not about people: yes, the dead; but, most especially, the living.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He had an enormous fashion sense not only for his own wardrobe, but most especially for his customers.

The New York Times

An especially controversial issue is admissions for California non-residents to UC as a whole but most especially to the flagship schools, UCLA and UC Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and worked with him, but most especially by those who looked up to him as a mentor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and worked with him--but most especially by those who turned to him for help.

The New York Times

Letters of recommendation from qualified scientists carry significant weight in evaluations for hiring--but most especially promotion--because they provide an external measure that synthesizes all three of the key parameters we emphasize: productivity, recognition, and impact.

Science Magazine

In the case of some cancers, that promise has been fulfilled, but for most, especially once they have spread, it has not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the items you are comparing are genuinely related. The phrase works best when emphasizing one aspect within a set of similar or connected elements.

Common error

Avoid using "but most especially" excessively in very informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "especially" or "particularly" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but most especially" functions as an emphatic conjunction. It connects two ideas while highlighting the second as being of particular significance or preference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but most especially" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to emphasize one item over others. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its function is to act as an emphatic conjunction, highlighting importance or preference. While widely accepted, it's best to avoid overuse in very informal contexts. Semantically similar alternatives include "but especially", "but above all", and "but in particular". Its usage is most common in News & Media, academia and science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but especially

Slightly more concise version with the same basic meaning.

but particularly

Similar to "in particular", emphasizing one specific item.

but above all

Replaces "most especially" with a more general emphasis on what is paramount.

but in particular

Highlights a specific item or aspect from a broader group.

but notably

Draws attention to a significant element.

but predominantly

Indicates what is most frequent or common.

but crucially

Emphasizes the importance of a certain point.

but significantly

Highlights the magnitude or impact of something.

but chiefly

Indicates the main or primary element.

but primarily

Focuses on the principal aspect or concern.

FAQs

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

Use "but most especially" to emphasize one element of a group, such as "I enjoy all kinds of fruit, "but most especially" mangoes."

What's a simpler way to say "but most especially"?

Alternatives include "especially", "particularly", or "above all", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "but especially" instead of "but most especially"?

Yes, "but especially" is a shorter, equally valid alternative that conveys a similar meaning with slightly less emphasis.

What is the difference between "but most especially" and "but most importantly"?

"But most especially" emphasizes preference or selection, whereas "but most importantly" highlights significance or consequence. Use "but most importantly" when focusing on what matters most, not necessarily what is preferred.