drum roll

USAGE SUMMARY

"drum roll" is a proper part of a sentence and is commonly used in written and spoken English.
You can use it when you want to generate suspense or excitement around an upcoming event or announcement. For example, "After the performance was over, the audience was silent, waiting for the judge's score…drum roll please!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Drum roll).

The New Yorker

drum roll, please..

The Washington Post

A drum roll, please.

The New York Times - Food

A drum roll sounded.

The New York Times

No drum roll necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

Cue that drum roll again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A drum roll signifies the pouring rain.

The Guardian

Beds from... drum roll... £8 a night.

The Guardian - Travel

It all felt like too much of a drum roll.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's like EastEnders!" he cries, doing the dramatic drum roll.

The Guardian - Music

It is (drum roll) a revolutionary new footwear technology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drum roll" sparingly to avoid overuse. It is most effective when introducing something genuinely exciting or surprising.

Common error

Avoid using "drum roll" in serious or somber contexts where it would be inappropriate or insensitive. It's best suited for lighthearted or celebratory announcements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "drum roll" primarily functions as an interjection or rhetorical device used to create suspense or anticipation before an announcement. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in this context, as demonstrated by numerous examples where it precedes a reveal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drum roll" is a very common expression used to build suspense and anticipation before an announcement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an interjection or rhetorical device, typically employed in informal or neutral contexts, particularly within news and media. While grammatically correct, it is best reserved for lighthearted or exciting announcements, avoiding its use in serious or somber situations. Alternatives include "building anticipation" or "leading up to the reveal", though none quite capture the performative nature of the original phrase. In short, "drum roll" is a fun and effective way to add a touch of drama to any reveal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading up to the reveal

Focuses on the events before something is made known.

building anticipation

Focuses on the act of creating suspense rather than the specific moment of revelation.

creating suspense

Similar to "building anticipation", emphasizing the creation of a feeling of excitement.

the moment of truth

Refers specifically to the point when something is revealed or decided.

heightening the tension

Emphasizes the increasing stress or excitement before a reveal.

get ready for the big moment

A more direct and less figurative way to signal an upcoming important event.

waiting for the climax

Highlights the period leading up to the most exciting or important part.

suspense is building

States that suspense is being created, but doesn't imply an imminent reveal.

in anticipation

Expresses a state of looking forward to something, lacking the performative element of "drum roll".

hold your breath

Implies anxiety or excitement about what is to come, though not necessarily a formal announcement.

FAQs

How can I use "drum roll" in a sentence?

You can use "drum roll" to build suspense before an announcement. For example, "And the winner is… "drum roll"… John Smith!"

What are some alternatives to using "drum roll"?

Alternatives include "building anticipation", "leading up to the reveal", or simply pausing for effect before making an announcement.

Is it appropriate to use "drum roll" in formal writing?

No, "drum roll" is generally considered informal and is best suited for casual or conversational contexts. Avoid using it in formal reports or academic papers.

Can "drum roll" be used in writing to indicate literal drumming?

While "drum roll" primarily signifies anticipation, it can also describe the sound of a drum being played rapidly. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.