Role vs Roll: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "role" refers to a part or duty, while "roll" is used to mean to turn something over or to make it into a cylindrical shape.
Memory Tip: role = actor's job, roll = bread or tumble
role has long /oʊ/, roll has short /oʊ/
role /roʊl/
nounA role is a job or part that someone has in a group or story.
Example:
My sister has the main role in the school play, so we are all going to watch her perform.
Common patterns:
job
part
roll
verbTo roll means to move something by turning it over and over on a surface.
Example:
The cat likes to roll on the grass in the garden.
Common patterns:
roll a ball
roll up
roll out
Common Mistakes
She played a significant roll in the success of the project.
She played a significant role in the success of the project.
The word 'role' is used because it refers to the part or duty she had in the project.
He decided to roll the dice and take the lead in the play.
He decided to role the dice and take the lead in the play.
The word 'roll' is correct here because it means to turn over or move the dice.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. My sister has the main ____ in the school play, so we are all going to watch her perform.
2. The cat likes to ____ on the grass in the garden.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse role / roll again
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