What is the difference between partially and partly?

Definitions

partially

- Referring to something that is incomplete or unfinished.

- Describing a situation where something is done to a limited extent.

- Talking about something that is not fully or completely true or accurate.

partly

- Referring to something that is incomplete or unfinished.

- Describing a situation where something is done to a limited extent.

- Talking about something that is not fully or completely true or accurate.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words refer to something that is incomplete or unfinished.
• 2. Both words describe a situation where something is done to a limited extent.
• 3. Both words can be used to indicate that something is not fully or completely true or accurate.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Partially is more commonly used in American English, while partly is more common in British English.
• 2. Formality: Partially is considered more formal than partly.
• 3. Position: Partially is usually placed after the verb, while partly can be placed before or after the verb.
• 4. Emphasis: Partially emphasizes the degree of incompleteness or inaccuracy, while partly emphasizes the reason or cause behind it.
• 5. Connotation: Partially can have a negative connotation, implying that something is lacking or deficient, while partly is more neutral.

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Remember this!

Both partially and partly are adverbs that indicate something is incomplete or unfinished, done to a limited extent, or not fully true or accurate. However, partially is more formal and commonly used in American English, while partly is more common in British English and has a more neutral connotation.