not specially

USAGE SUMMARY

"not specially" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate that something is not especially true. For example, "The restaurant is not specially popular with the locals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm not specially educated".

The New Yorker

"Our position is not specially good," Andrée wrote.

The New Yorker

"No, not specially," the girl said, shrugging her shoulders.

The New Yorker

If they are not specially posed, their aesthetic effect is sheer lucky chance.

The Guardian - Books

"[Our] masks were not specially designed to prevent PM 2.5, but they all sold out anyway.

The Guardian

Inappropriately phrased because legislation is made for everyone, not specially for those of "faith".

The New Yorker

An Egyptian coffin that was probably purchased from a shop, not specially commissioned for the deceased.

The New Yorker

Many of our highly trained infantry troops are now being used in jobs they are not specially equipped to perform.

The New York Times

I'm not specially interested in horses, but a morning gallop is a lovely thing, even if these horses, former racehorses, look a bit knackered.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Another detail that could mean something or nothing: the co-pilot, Fariq, and pilot, Zaharie, did not specially ask to work with each other).

The New Yorker

Here, he said, "class arbitration exists," meaning that a state law requiring that class actions be available across the board does not specially affect arbitrations.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not specially" in technical or scientific writing, ensure the context clearly defines what 'special' would imply to avoid ambiguity. Be precise about the qualities that are lacking.

Common error

While "not specially" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "not particularly" or "not notably" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not specially" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the degree or manner in which something is done or exists. It indicates a lack of particular emphasis or unique characteristic. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not specially" functions as an adverbial modifier to indicate a lack of particular distinction or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It's found in various contexts, from scientific publications to news articles, to express that something is ordinary or lacks unique qualities. While "not specially" is frequently found, it is important to consider related phrases that may be more fitting like "not especially" or "not particularly" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to use it thoughtfully in formal contexts and consider alternatives when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly

This alternative is different because it is a direct synonym, offering a slightly more common and general way to express a lack of specialness.

not especially

This alternative is different because it is very similar in meaning and usage, differing only slightly in emphasis.

not specifically

This alternative is different because it concentrates on the lack of a specific purpose or design.

not notably

This alternative is different because it highlights the lack of something being worth noting or mentioning.

not signally

This alternative is different because it is used to highlight the lack of something being outstanding or remarkable.

not markedly

This alternative is different because it emphasizes the absence of a noticeable difference or impact.

not uniquely

This alternative is different because it focuses on the absence of unique characteristics.

not definitely

This alternative is different because it emphasizes the absence of certainty or conclusiveness.

not really

This alternative is different because it is a more informal and concise way of expressing a lack of specialness.

not largely

This alternative is different because it denotes the absence of great quantity.

FAQs

What does "not specially" mean?

"Not specially" means not particularly or not in a special way. It indicates that something is ordinary or lacks distinction.

How can I use "not specially" in a sentence?

You can use "not specially" to describe something that isn't particularly noteworthy or designed for a specific purpose. For example, "The masks were "not specially designed" to prevent PM 2.5."

Which is more common: "not specially" or "not especially"?

"Not especially" is generally more common and widely used than "not specially", but both are grammatically correct.

What are some alternatives to "not specially"?

You can use alternatives like "not particularly", "not especially", or "not notably" depending on the nuance you want to convey.