The difference between allude and elude (grammar lesson)


Grammar Lessons \| Grammar Tests \| Common Grammar Errors \| Grammatical Terms \| Easily Confused Words \| Free Grammar Checker \| Search \| Contact Us allude and elude - the difference

Allude means 'to refer to indirectly'. Elude means 'to avoid' or 'to evade'.

The verbs allude and elude sound very similar, and this is why they are sometimes confused.

Allude

'To allude' means 'to refer to indirectly'. The verbs 'to allude' and 'to mention' are close in meaning, but 'to allude' is less direct. It can be translated as 'to hint at' or 'to offer an indication about'.

Examples:

This Chinese saying alludes to nature's power: "A spark can start a fire that burns the entire prairie."

(The saying does not mention nature's power, but it offers a clue about nature's power. The saying alludes to nature's power.)

"Forewarned is forearmed" alludes to the importance of being in control.

(offers an indication about the importance of being in control)

The judge did not mention his previous crimes specifically, but he alluded to them in his summary.

(hinted at previous crimes)

Elude

'To elude' means 'to avoid', 'to evade' or 'to escape from'.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid try to elude capture.

(try to avoid capture)

Peter Beardsley used to allude defenders with his trademark foot shuffle.

(avoid defenders / should be 'elude')

Select the correct version:

ELUDE AND ESCAPE

The word elude starts with the same letter as escape. This may help you remember its meaning.

See also:

What are verbs?
List of easily confused words

We need your help to improve Grammar Monster.

Do you disagree with something on this site?

Do you have any entertaining examples that would improve this site?

Do you have any pictures that would make our site more entertaining?

Please tell us
using this form.

Do you have a grammar question?

You can ask us
on our grammar forum.

Share Grammar Monster with others.

Grammar Lessons | Grammar Tests | Common Grammar Errors | Grammatical Terms | Easily Confused Words | Free Grammar Checker | Search | Contact Us