What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phantom
Example
The old mansion was said to be haunted by a phantom. [phantom: noun]
Example
The sound of the wind created a phantom sensation of someone whispering in my ear. [phantom: adjective]
illusion
Example
The magician created the illusion of a disappearing rabbit. [illusion: noun]
Example
The idea of perfection is just an illusion that we strive for. [illusion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Illusion is more commonly used than phantom in everyday language. Illusion is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while phantom is less common and refers to more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phantom and illusion?
Both phantom and illusion are formal words that can be used in academic or literary contexts. However, illusion is more versatile and can also be used in informal contexts, while phantom is more limited in its usage.
