Recent posts have extolled the need for precise language in more effective writing. A good example occurred three weeks ago when I explained the difference between loose and lose. This week we’re back on the precise language train, looking at another pair of words that some writers confuse, namely allusion and illusion.
An allusion is an indirect reference to something. An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression. While both of these nouns represent something you make or create, the meanings of these two words often don’t intersect. And that’s when using the wrong word can result in a less effective presentation that diminishes your audience’s perception of you and your brands.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. What this sentence really says is that the report is false, and more effective writers can find better ways to say that. But the writer of this sentence did not intend to say that. The writer of this sentence really intended to say that the report makes references to failure modes inconsequential to the shutdown. That requires the use of allusion instead of illusion.
An allusion is an indirect reference to something. An illusion is a deceptive appearance or impression. While both of these nouns represent something you make or create, the meanings of these two words often don’t intersect. And that’s when using the wrong word can result in a less effective presentation that diminishes your audience’s perception of you and your brands.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. What this sentence really says is that the report is false, and more effective writers can find better ways to say that. But the writer of this sentence did not intend to say that. The writer of this sentence really intended to say that the report makes references to failure modes inconsequential to the shutdown. That requires the use of allusion instead of illusion.
Their report contained allusions to failure modes which played no part in the shutdown.
Don’t have an illusion about how to use allusion! If you intend to mean a reference, then use allusion. If you intend to mean a deception, then use illusion.
More effective writers recognize the sometimes subtle differences in language. They understand that more precise language makes for more effective writing. Make your writing more effective by recognizing and respecting those differences. Then you will better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.
More effective writers recognize the sometimes subtle differences in language. They understand that more precise language makes for more effective writing. Make your writing more effective by recognizing and respecting those differences. Then you will better communicates the image of yourself and your brands that you want to convey to your audience.
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