Confusing adverbs and adverbial phrases
Specially
we use it if something was designed specifically for a special purpose - The bus has been specially designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs. - These dogs are specially trained to detect drugs.
Ideally
in a perfect way - She's ideally suited to the job.
Anyway
in any case (used to change or finish a conversation) - ... so you can see it was a really awful weekend. Anyway, let's forget about it and talk about something else
Eventually
in the end; after a series of events or difficulties - We all hope that an agreement can be reached eventually.
Basically
in the most important ways - The two laptops are basically the same.
Gradually
little by little - She's been ill for weeks, but gradually she's beginning to feel better
Hardly
Hard vs Hardly almost not - We have a bad connection - I can hardly hear you. (= I almost can't hear you) - The teacher talks so fast, I can hardly understand her. (= I almost can't understand her).
Hard
Hard vs Hardly it can be an adjective or an adverb - and the adjective form has two meanings! - This book is too hard for me. I can't read it. (hard = adjective = difficult) - This mattress is too hard. I can't sleep. (hard = adjective = rigid, the opposite of "soft") - She's working hard to finish the project by tomorrow. (hard = adverb = intensely)
In the end
In the end vs at the end finally, after a long time or series of events - We thought we might go away for Christmas, but in the end we stayed at home.
At the end
In the end vs at the end it's got more than one meaning. - It can refer to the end of a physical location: at the end of our street - metaphorical end: at the end of the story, at the end of the movie - the end point of a period of time: I'm going on holiday at the end of the week.
Lately
Late vs Lately is an adverb that means the same as recently. - Have you read any good books lately? - I've been thinking about you lately.
Late
Late vs Lately it can be an adjective or an adverb that means after the correct time. - I'm not hungry because I had a late lunch. (adjective) - He slept late and missed his first class. (adverb)
Actually
Vs at the moment used when you are saying what is true about a situation He didn't actually say anything important.
Nearly
Vs near almost - I've nearly finished. -It took nearly two hours to get here.
Especially
Especially vs Specially we use it when something stands out from all the others (similar to the meaning of "particularly.") - The whole book was terrible - especially the ending. - He loves fruits, especially watermelon
Even
Ever vs even used to emphasize something that is surprising - Everyone danced, even Mick.
Ever
Ever vs even at any time - Have you ever been skiing?
Apparently
according to what you have heard or read - Apparently it's going to rain today.
Obviously
clearly (used to give information you expect other people to know or agree with) - They're obviously in love. - Obviously, we want to start as soon as possible.
In fact
the truth is; actually (used to emphasize something, especially the opposite of what was previously said)