role and roll
A role is an actor's portrayal of a character or a job or function
A roll is a list (usually of names) or a piece of bread.
To roll usually means to gather by rolling or to move by rotating.
A roll is a list (usually of names) or a piece of bread.
To roll usually means to gather by rolling or to move by rotating.
Role and Roll
Writers often confuse the words role and roll.Role
The noun role means an actor's portrayal of a character or a job or function (of a person or thing).Examples:
- Teddy was totally convincing in the role of Shylock.
- What's your
role onboard this aircraft?
- The thermostat's role is to keep the temperature below 200 degrees so the casing does not melt.
Roll
The word roll has several meanings:To move by rotating or gather by rolling.
- Roll the hay bale down the hill.
- Roll over a bit. You're hogging the bed.
- Roll your sleeves up and roll me the best cigar ever.
- The skateboarders rolled past the park attendant, and he did not say a word.
- Please check the nominal roll to ensure we're all present.
- Roll the cameras.
- Roll the credits.
- Would you like butter on your roll?
A Quick Test
ROLL THE BALL
The word roll usually has a circular, spherical, or cylindrical connotation. For example:
Let the last two letters of ball bring roll to mind.
A LIST ISN'T ROUND
The most obvious exception to this is when roll means list. In this case, let the last letter of roll remind you of list. Alternatively, think of a scroll containing a list of names.
The word roll usually has a circular, spherical, or cylindrical connotation. For example:
- Roll a cigar
- Roll the film
- Roll away.
Let the last two letters of ball bring roll to mind.
A LIST ISN'T ROUND
The most obvious exception to this is when roll means list. In this case, let the last letter of roll remind you of list. Alternatively, think of a scroll containing a list of names.
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