Elision is a linguistic phenomenon where certain sounds or syllables are omitted in speech or writing. This often happens to make words easier to pronounce or to maintain the rhythm in poetry and music. For example, in the phrase “I’m going to,” people often say “I’m gonna,” dropping the “going to” for simplicity.
In literature, elision can create a more fluid reading experience. It allows authors to convey emotions or actions without unnecessary words. A famous example is in Shakespeare's works, where he frequently uses elision to fit his verses into a specific meter, enhancing the musicality of his language.