Allude vs Elude: What’s the difference?

Many words in English are commonly confused by both those learning the language and native speakers alike. Two such words are “allude” and “elude”. These words are commonly confused due to their similar pronunciation, but their meanings are quite difference. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the difference between “allude” and “elude” and how to use them correctly in a sentence when speaking or writing.

Check out other easily confused words in English by visiting this page. Teachers and students can download this guide as a PDF file using the link at the bottom of the page.

Allude

“Allude” is a verb that means to indirectly reference something or someone. It is used when someone mentions or refers to something without specifically naming it. This word is often used in academic or literary contexts but can also be used in casual conversations.

How to use “allude” in a sentence:

1. During her speech, the politician alluded to her previous experience working in the private sector.
2. He didn’t mention her name, but he alluded to his ex-wife when he talked about his failed marriage.
3. In the book, the author alludes to Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” by referencing the famous line, “To be or not to be.”
4. She alluded to the fact that she had some secret information, but she wouldn’t say what it was.
5. The movie alludes to the theme of betrayal throughout the story.
6. The comedian alluded to the controversy surrounding his latest jokes during his stand-up routine.

Elude

“Elude” is a verb that means to avoid or escape something or someone, often by using skill or cunning. It is used when someone is trying to avoid or escape something or someone, especially a difficult or dangerous situation.

How to use “elude” in a sentence:

1. The thief eluded the police by jumping over the fence and disappearing into the woods.
2. The answer to the question eluded me for hours, but I finally figured it out.
3. The team tried to catch up, but victory eluded them.
4. Despite his best efforts, success seemed to elude him.
5. The solution to the puzzle eluded the students for days.
6. The magician eluded the audience by making the coin disappear.

Why are “allude” and “elude” commonly confused?

The reason why “allude” and “elude” are often confused is that they sound similar and are spelled similarly. “Allude” is pronounced /əˈluːd/ and “elude” is pronounced /iˈluːd/. Additionally, they are both verbs that have to do with the way we talk or think about something, so it’s easy to mix them up.

Summary

allude – a verb to indirectly reference something or someone

elude – a verb which means to escape or avoid something or someone

Do you know the difference between “allude” and “elude”?

Fill in the blanks in the following activity with the correct form of the word (“allude” or “elude”):

1. The answer to the question __________ me for hours, but I finally figured it out.
2. During the conversation, he __________ to his previous job working in finance.
3. The suspect managed to __________ the police by hiding in a nearby building.
4. The team tried to catch up, but victory seemed to __________ them.
5. In the movie, the director __________ to the theme of love through various scenes.
6. The solution to the puzzle __________ the students for days.
7. The writer often __________ to the works of Shakespeare in her novels.
8. During the interview, the politician __________ to some controversial policies without directly addressing them.
9. The company tried to __________ the negative publicity by releasing a statement.
10. The athlete’s skillful moves on the field allowed him to __________ his opponents and score the winning goal.

Answers: 1. eluded, 2. alluded, 3. elude, 4. elude, 5. alluded, 6. eluded, 7. alludes, 8. alluded, 9. elude, 10. elude