Question

Difficulty: MediumFrequently Confused Words

Read the sentence below and determine which choice represents the correct word to use in the underlined portion:

The novelist’s subtle illusion to classical mythology added a layer of depth that only scholarly readers would appreciate.

Which choice is the correct word to use in the sentence?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. allusionAnswer
  3. C
    elusion
  4. D
    allusive

Answer

The correct choice is 'allusion' because it is a noun meaning an indirect reference, which fits the context of referring to classical mythology.
The correct answer is 'allusion' because it is a noun that means an indirect or passing reference. In this sentence, the novelist is making an indirect reference to classical mythology, making 'allusion' the semantically and grammatically appropriate choice.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to identify the intended meaning of the underlined word.
The sentence refers to a novelist referencing classical mythology. Thus, the correct word must mean 'an indirect reference.'
This establishes the semantic requirement for the sentence.
2
Compare the definitions and parts of speech of the options to find the correct fit.
'allusion' is a noun that means an indirect reference, which matches both the meaning and grammar of the sentence. Other options are either incorrect parts of speech or have unrelated meanings.
This eliminates distractors and selects the accurate word choice.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words
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