as it is vs especially

as it is

adv
  • In the actual circumstances (and often contrary to expectations). 

  • Already; without adding further difficulty or complexity. 

  • Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see as, it, is. 

especially

adv
  • Particularly; to a greater extent than is normal. 

  • In a special manner; specially. 

  • Used to place greater emphasis upon someone or something. 

How often have the words as it is and especially occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )