Public Services and Procurement Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Institutional Links

 

Important notice

Writing Tips has been archived and won’t be updated before it is permanently deleted.

For the most up-to-date content, please consult Writing Tips Plus, which combines content from Writing Tips and The Canadian Style. And don’t forget to update your bookmarks!

Search Canada.ca
To begin your search, go to the alphabetical index below and click on the first letter of the word you are searching for.

allusion, illusion

An allusion is an indirect reference.

  • Her allusion to the previous administration was out of place.
  • Franz’s allusions were so subtle that his meaning eluded us.

An illusion applies to something which appears to be true or real, but which does not exist or is quite different from what it seems.

  • Danby’s paintings create a striking illusion of reality.
  • The hubcaps of speeding cars appear to be spinning backwards. Of course, this is just an illusion.
  • Canadian income tax was originally intended as a temporary measure. Ah, such sweet illusions!