Grammar #11

Allusion vs. Illusion.

I never understood what an allusion could mean, so I have not ever used in English, or in any of my writings. I know an Illusion can be thought of as misleading, false, or more commonly understood to me, as a magic trick. An allusion, on the other hand, is a hint or a reference to something.

Illusion: "He though he saw an oasis in the distance, but mirages are only illusions."

Allusion: "Speaking about hunger, and non-violent protest, the news anchor made an allusion to Ghandi."

This site helped me understand more about what the difference between the two is.

http://grammar.about.com/od/ab/g/allusionterm.htm

Remember, "an allusion which is explained no longer has the charm of allusion. . . . In divulging the mystery, you withdraw its virtue."(Jean Paulhan)