1. 強調程度時
當用于形容詞或副詞前，強調程度(通常譯為“特別”)時，三者都可用。如：
It is particularly [especially, specially] cold today. 今天特別冷。
I was feeling particularly [especially, specially] tired this evening. 今天晚上我特別累。
有時還可修飾動詞。如：
I especially [particularly, specially] want to see that film. 我特別想看那部電影。
2. 強調目的時
當用于強調目的(意為“特意”、“專門”)時，通常用specially 或especially，一般與表目的的不定式或介詞for短語連用。如：
I was asked specially to meet her. 特意要我去接她。
We bought it specially [especially] for you. 這是我們特意為你買的。
The book is written especially [specially] for children. 這本書是專門為孩子們寫的。
3. 表示列舉時
當用于陳述某一事實之后，列舉一個具有代表性的例子作進一步強調時，一般用 especially，有時也用 particularly，其后可接名詞、介詞短語、從句等。如：
We want to invite some friends, especially Jim and John. 我們想邀請幾個朋友，尤其是吉姆和約翰。
Noise is unpleasant, especially when you're trying to sleep. 噪音是令人不愉快的，尤其是當你想入睡的時候。
The children enjoyed watching the animals, especially [particularly] the monkeys. 孩子們喜歡觀看動物，尤其是猴子。