most especially

USAGE SUMMARY

"most especially" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize something that is more important than others. For example: "I'm grateful for everyone who helped me, but I'm most especially grateful for my mom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Most especially lacking is translation.

The New York Times

I most especially smelled liver.

The Guardian

But most especially the men were not safe.

The New Yorker

She enjoyed all aspects of it, most especially the arts.

The New York Times

What you'll find most, especially on weekend nights, is bedlam.

The New York Times - Travel

De Acosta loved many women, most especially Garbo.

The New York Times - Books

Most especially, I had to speak to Malcolm.

The Guardian - Books

Most especially, the author is content with leaving questions unanswered.

The New York Times - Magazine

Missed most especially by her children and grandchildren.

The New York Times

Most especially there is the innocent elegance of the Row.

The New York Times

Indeed, Cahun was encouraged to write by all who knew her – most especially Breton.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most especially" to add emphasis to a specific element or aspect that is more important than others in a given context. It helps to highlight priorities and focus the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "most especially" too frequently in your writing, as it can diminish the impact of your emphasis. Use it sparingly to highlight truly significant points.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial Emphasis: "Most especially" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, adding emphasis to a particular element. It serves to highlight something of greater importance within a larger context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most especially" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that serves to emphasize a particular element or aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from diverse sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific publications showcase its versatility. While it's important to avoid overuse, employing "most especially" strategically can effectively highlight priorities and focus the reader's attention. Related phrases include "especially", "particularly", and "in particular", offering alternative ways to convey emphasis. This phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and to a lesser extent in Science and Formal & Business settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

especially

This alternative is a direct synonym, offering a simpler and more common way to express emphasis.

most importantly

This alternative highlights the significance of something, often in a list or series of points.

particularly

This alternative is a single word that conveys emphasis, suitable for more concise writing.

in particular

This alternative adds a slightly more formal tone while still emphasizing a specific item or aspect.

above all

This alternative places the emphasized element at the top of a hierarchy of importance.

primarily

This alternative suggests that something is the main or chief concern.

notably

This alternative emphasizes something that is worth noting or remembering.

significantly

This alternative highlights the importance or impact of something.

chiefly

This alternative indicates the main or principal reason or element.

principally

This alternative is a more formal synonym for "chiefly", indicating primary importance.

FAQs

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

Use "most especially" to emphasize a particular aspect or element that is of greater importance than others. For example, "I appreciate all the support, but "most especially" I'm grateful for my family's encouragement."

What phrases can I use instead of "most especially"?

Alternatives to "most especially" include "especially", "particularly", and "in particular". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "most especially" more formal than "especially"?

"Most especially" can be perceived as slightly more emphatic than "especially", but both are generally acceptable in formal and informal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference and the desired tone.

When should I use "most especially" versus "importantly"?

Use "most especially" when you want to single out something as being of particular significance within a group or list. Use "importantly" when you want to highlight the overall importance of something in a broader context.