| Grammatically Correct 3/29/05 A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors. |
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| When to Use: Allusion or Illusion by Kelli Trungale |
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| These words are sometimes confused with one another
because they are pronounced and spelled similarly. Nonetheless, their definitions
are dissimilar.
Allusion is a noun. This term is defined as “an indirect reference to something.” Allusions are often used in both poetry and prose. Ex: In Catch-22, Joseph Heller’s allusion to the potential pitfalls of radical free enterprise through Milo Minderbinder’s character is unique. Ex: Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a very allusive piece of writing. **Note that in this sentence, allusive is an adjective meaning “containing allusions.”** Illusion is also a noun. This word means “an hallucination” or “something that is delusive or deceptive.” Ex: When Arsene performed his magic trick, it appeared as though he
lost one of his fingers; however, the trick was merely an optical illusion. |
Definitions Allusion (n) Illusion (n) Definitions are adapted from the Longman Advanced American Dictionary and Merriam-Webster’s website. |
| Recommended Grammar Website of the Week by Kelli Trungale |
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Along with our website, we recommend the following site: Writing Tips by LifeTips. In addition to handy tips on commonly confused words, punctuation and general writing information, this site also contains a useful Frequently Asked Questions section. Visitors to the site can also sign up for a free monthly newsletter that delivers plenty of writing advice. |
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| Test Your Knowledge by Kelli Trungale |
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| Test your understanding by choosing the correct word in each
of the following sentences.
1. Our grandmother made many subtle (allusions/illusions) to the fact that we were late for Sunday tea. 2. George Orwell’s 1984 contains powerful (allusions/illusions) to totalitarianism. 3. When traveling through the desert, a person may encounter an oasis; however, the oasis may simply be an (allusion/illusion). Answers 1. Our grandmother made many subtle allusions to the fact that we were late for Sunday tea. 2. George Orwell’s 1984 contains powerful allusions to totalitarianism. 3. When traveling through the desert, a person may encounter an oasis;
however, the oasis may simply be an illusion. |
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Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas. Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu. Subscribe/Unsubscribe/View Archive
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