English contains many words that are often confused due to their similar phonetics and spelling. This can lead to errors in academic writing, where choosing the correct word is crucial, as these words serve different purposes and convey distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between such commonly confused words is essential for clear and effective communication. A notable example of this is the comparison between “roll” vs. “role.”
Definition of “roll vs. role”
The word “roll” can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a cylindrical object, such as a bread roll or a roll of paper. It can also mean a list or register, like a roll call or payroll. As a verb, “roll” means to move by turning over and over or to wrap something around itself.
“Role,” on the contrary, is strictly a noun and refers to a character or part played by someone in a particular situation, such as an actor in a play or a person’s function in a specific context. It describes the duties, responsibilities, or expected behaviors associated with a particular position or status.
Roll
… acts as a noun and verb, referring to a cylindrical object like a paper roll or a list of registers, or the act of turning over and over or wrapping something around itself.
Role
… acts solely as a noun, referring to a part played by someone in a specific situation like in a play or movie or the function associated with a position or job.
Due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, the words “roll” and “role” are often confused. “Roll,” ending in double “l,” can be both a noun and a verb, referring to a cylindrical object, a list of registers, or the action of turning over. On the other hand, “role,” with an “e” at the end, is a noun that describes a character or function in a particular context. Although these words sound alike, they have entirely different meanings. Using them correctly is essential for clear communication.
Note: To remember the difference, think of “roll” as something that rolls or is rolled, and “role” as related to a part or function, like an actor’s role.
Using the word “roll”
The word “roll” can be used as a noun and as a verb. The following sections will delve into each part of speech and elaborate of the correct usage.
“Roll” as a noun
Acting as a noun, the word “roll” is mainly used to refer to a round object like a toilet paper roll, but can also refer to a list of registers such as a payroll.
Examples
- She enjoyed a warm cinnamon roll with her morning coffee.
- The teacher took attendance by calling out names from the class roll.
- The sushi chef expertly sliced the freshly made roll before serving it to the customers.
“Roll” as a verb
In its function as a verb, “to roll” refers to the action of turning over and over or wrapping something around itself. This can be used in several contexts like a ball rolling, or rolling a thread around a needle.
Examples
- She decided to roll the dough into a thin sheet for the pie.
- The children love to roll down the grassy hill on sunny days.
- He helped roll the carpet up before moving it to the storage room.
Tip for using “roll” correctly
Replacing “roll” with synonyms can help gain the right understanding of using the word “roll” as a noun and as a verb, and simultaneously expand your vocabulary. Enhancing your writing style can be highly beneficial in academic writing. The table below shows how to use synonyms for “roll” in sentence structures.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| Cylinder (noun) | She bought a roll of paper for the project. |
| She bought a cylinder of paper for the project. | |
| Register (noun) | The professor called the roll at the beginning of the class. |
| The professor called the register at the beginning of the class. | |
| Rotate (verb) | The baker likes to roll the dough into a thin sheet. |
| The baker likes to rotate the dough into a thin sheet. | |
| Tumble (verb) | The children enjoy to roll down the grassy hill. |
| The children enjoy to tumble down the grassy hill. |
Using the word “role”
The word “role” merely acts as a noun and can be used in various contexts. It refers to a part or character played by someone in a specific setting like a move or a play. Additionally, it means the responsibilities or function associated with a specific position or job. Using it correctly in various contexts will be shown in the following example sentences.
Examples
- She played the role of Juliet in the school play.
- His role as a project manager involved overseeing the entire team’s progress.
- In her role as a mentor, she provided guidance and support to new employees.
Tip for using “role” correctly
To avoid repetition and redundancy in your writing, having a broad vocabulary and using appropriate synonyms is essential. The table below illustrates three alternative words for “role” with respective example sentences.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| Function | Her primary role in the company is to oversee marketing strategies. |
| Her primary function in the company is to oversee marketing strategies. | |
| Part | He played an important role in the success of the project. |
| He played an important part in the success of the project. | |
| Position | She was promoted to the role of the team leader. |
| She was promoted to the position of the team leader. |
Test yourself!
Practice sheet
Fill in the blanks and make sure you grasped the correct understanding of the words “roll” and “role.” You can find the correct answers in the second tab.
- She was cast in the leading ___ of the new movie.
- Please ___ the dough into a thin sheet before baking.
- His ___ as a mentor has positively influenced many students.
- The teacher called the ___ to see who was present.
- I like to have a cinnamon ___ with my coffee in the morning.
- He took on the ___ of project manager with great enthusiasm.
- The ball started to ___ down the hill as soon as it was kicked.
- In her new ___, she is responsible for overseeing the entire department.
- We need to ___ up our sleeves and get to work.
- The ___ of a manager involves both leadership and administrative tasks.
- She was cast in the leading role of the new movie.
- Please roll the dough into a thin sheet before baking.
- His role as a mentor has positively influenced many students.
- The teacher called the roll to see who was present.
- I like to have a cinnamon roll with my coffee in the morning.
- He took on the role of project manager with great enthusiasm.
- The ball started to roll down the hill as soon as it was kicked.
- In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the entire department.
- We need to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
- The role of a manager involves both leadership and administrative tasks.
FAQs
“Roll” and “role” are homophones, meaning they have similar pronunciations but differ in their meaning. “Roll” can act as a noun and a verb, primarily involving the act of spinning or tumbling over, while “role” only has one denotation: The part you play in a movie, play, or any other context.
The correct word for this idiom is “roll,” which refers to “experiencing a streak of successes.”
Here are example sentences, using “roll” and “role” correctly:
- She decided to roll the dice and take her chances in the game.
- He landed the leading role in the upcoming theatrical production.
The correct word is “roll.” The teachers call roll in the class room, meaning checking for attendance.
