Question:
"The poem has many obscure illusions" Which word in this sentence is an error?
"The poem has many obscure illusions" Which word in this sentence is an error?
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Pay close attention to words that sound similar but have different meanings (homophones). When you encounter such a word, check the context of the sentence to see if its meaning fits. Common examples include affect/effect, principle/principal, and their/there/they're.
Updated On: Oct 28, 2025
- has
- many
- obscure
- illusions
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests the knowledge of commonly confused words, specifically homophones or near-homophones. The choice between 'illusion' and 'allusion' depends on the intended meaning in the context of a poem.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the two words:
Illusion: A false idea or belief; a deceptive appearance or impression. (e.g., an optical illusion).
Allusion: An indirect or passing reference to a person, place, event, or another literary work. (e.g., a biblical allusion).
In the context of a poem, which is a literary work, it is highly likely that the author is referring to indirect references ('allusions') rather than false perceptions ('illusions'). An 'obscure allusion' would be a reference that is difficult to understand.
Therefore, the word 'illusions' is used incorrectly. The correct word should be 'allusions'.
The corrected sentence would be: "The poem has many obscure allusions".
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word that is an error in the sentence is illusions.
This question tests the knowledge of commonly confused words, specifically homophones or near-homophones. The choice between 'illusion' and 'allusion' depends on the intended meaning in the context of a poem.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the two words:
Illusion: A false idea or belief; a deceptive appearance or impression. (e.g., an optical illusion).
Allusion: An indirect or passing reference to a person, place, event, or another literary work. (e.g., a biblical allusion).
In the context of a poem, which is a literary work, it is highly likely that the author is referring to indirect references ('allusions') rather than false perceptions ('illusions'). An 'obscure allusion' would be a reference that is difficult to understand.
Therefore, the word 'illusions' is used incorrectly. The correct word should be 'allusions'.
The corrected sentence would be: "The poem has many obscure allusions".
Step 3: Final Answer:
The word that is an error in the sentence is illusions.
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