Learn English – Use of “especially”

grammar

Is there anything wrong with the use of "especially" in this sentence?

Since then, his popularity has increased in other countries, especially Russia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.

I don't know if to add "in" after especially up there or not. Even with that something seems wrong with the use of especially followed by a list of countries. Anything wrong or is it just me?

Best Answer

Here's the definitions of especially by Oxford Dictionaries:

1 used to single out one person or thing over all others:
he despised them all, especially Sylvester
a new song, written especially for Jonathan

2 to a great extent; very much:
he didn’t especially like dancing

[as submodifier]:
sleep is especially important in growing children

The example in the question uses the first definition correctly. Usually especially is applied to a single thing, and although several countries are mentioned, it's referring to those countries collectively.

Especially was incorrectly used for comedy effect in The Simpsons:

Sideshow Bob: Madam, your children are no more than a pair of ill-bred troublemakers.

Homer: Lisa too?

Sideshow Bob: Especially Lisa... But especially Bart.

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