under the illusion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the illusion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is mistaken about something, or when talking about an incorrect idea or perception they have. For example, "He was under the illusion that he could always win when gambling, even though the odds were stacked against him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I've never been under the illusion that raising kids would be easy," she says.

The New York Times

Only the most foolish are under the illusion that they can defeat Israel militarily.

The Economist

It's not under the illusion that the army is totally loyal".

The New York Times

Many people live under the illusion that the Earth's biology is largely irrelevant to us.

The New York Times

"We're not under the illusion that no one will ever see it," Workhorse said.

The New York Times - Arts

Nobody is under the illusion that literature can change the world.

The New Yorker

He expelled 700,000 immigrants under the illusion that this would create jobs for Nigerians.

The Economist

No one should be under the illusion that this means taxes will not go up.

The New York Times

They are not under the illusion that the police are there to protect them".

The New York Times

We labour under the illusion of having a self, when in fact everybody's nobody.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"A lot of people are under the illusion that art is good therapy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under the illusion", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the mistaken belief is and why it is incorrect. For example, "He was under the illusion that hard work guarantees success, ignoring the role of luck and connections."

Common error

Avoid using "under the illusion" when you simply mean someone is hopeful or optimistic. The phrase should specifically denote a false or incorrect belief, not just a positive outlook. For instance, don't say 'He was under the illusion that he would win,' if he simply had high hopes.

Linguistic Context

Under the illusion functions as a prepositional phrase typically used adjectivally or adverbially to modify a verb or noun, indicating a state of mistaken belief or false perception. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, based on numerous real-world examples. For example, "They are not under the illusion that the police are there to protect them".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the illusion" is a common phrase used to express that someone holds a false belief or misconception. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as shown by numerous examples from reliable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically sound, it's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that it clearly conveys a mistaken belief rather than mere hope or optimism. Alternatives such as ""under the misapprehension"" or ""mistakenly believe"" can be used for variety, but "under the illusion" remains a widely recognized and accepted way to describe a state of false belief.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the misapprehension

Replaces "illusion" with "misapprehension", emphasizing a misunderstanding.

operating under a false assumption

Highlights the assumption as being the root of the incorrect belief.

laboring under a delusion

Substitutes "illusion" with "delusion", suggesting a stronger, potentially irrational belief.

under the impression

Similar to "under the illusion" but focuses on a general feeling or sense.

mistakenly believe

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct statement of incorrect belief.

misled into believing

Highlights that the subject has been wrongly informed, leading to the mistaken belief.

falsely assume

Replaces the phrase with a more active verb indicating the act of assuming something incorrectly.

deceived into thinking

Focuses on the act of being misled into believing something.

blind to the truth

Emphasizes a lack of awareness or understanding of the real situation.

living a lie

Conveys a broader sense of existing within a false reality.

FAQs

How can I use "under the illusion" in a sentence?

You can use "under the illusion" to describe someone who holds a false belief or misconception. For example, "She was "under the illusion" that her talent alone would guarantee her success."

What's the difference between "under the impression" and "under the illusion"?

"Under the impression" suggests a vague feeling or sense, while "under the illusion" implies a more firmly held, but incorrect, belief. For example, being "under the illusion" that you are a great singer suggests you mistakenly believe you have talent, while being "under the impression" you sang well just means you thought you did well, even if you didn't.

What can I say instead of "under the illusion"?

You can use alternatives like "mistakenly believe", "under the misapprehension", or "laboring under a delusion" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "under an illusion" instead of "under the illusion"?

While grammatically plausible, "under an illusion" is not idiomatic and is rarely used. The standard and preferred expression is ""under the illusion"".