roll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "roll" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it in various contexts, such as referring to the action of rolling something physically or metaphorically, like rolling with the punches. Example: "As the situation changed, we had to roll with the new plan to adapt quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Roll up! Roll up!

The Guardian - Travel

Last summer the Electoral Commission said 7.5 million eligible voters were not registered, with poor, black and young people least likely to be on the electoral roll.

The Guardian

Remember that although self-employment and sleep deprivation are considered to go hand-in-hand, if that's how you roll you're doing yourself a disservice.

The Guardian

Her retirement is another step in the right (or, technically, left) direction for Minnesota's progressives, who are on something of a roll lately with the defeat of a voter ID law and the passage of marriage equality legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Welcome to the US border town of Nogales, home to the largest fresh-produce gateway into the US – a Big Food superhighway where convoys of vast trucks roll in from Mexico, sometimes dumping mountains of crops into landfill if, for example, the price of Florida tomatoes suddenly drops.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If it wins two imminent byelections caused by Tory defections (Clacton, and Rochester and Strood), it will go into the campaign on a roll and, probably, as the third biggest party in the polls.

The Guardian

Baroness Young said recruiting "luminaries" who are crowd pullers is all very well, but they "probably won't roll up their sleeves" and help the board with its work.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.38am BST11 38 Drum roll please … It's the return of the county cricket live blog!

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fresnes is of the same vintage as La Santé and boasts a similar roll-call of notorious ex-cons.

The Guardian

Republicans then launched a series of attacks on other aspects of the roll-out, ranging from abortion provision to security and privacy concerns.

The Guardian

At first glance, it's an unremarkable red brick warehouse, one of a handful on Chicago's west side that used to belong to Sears Roebuck, complete with roll-up aluminum doors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roll" in a technical context (e.g., aerospace), ensure the meaning is clear by providing specific details about the axis of rotation.

Common error

Be mindful of the multiple meanings of "roll". Clarify the context to avoid confusion, such as specifying if you mean a "roll" of bread, a tumbling movement, or the rotation of an aircraft.

Linguistic Context

Roll functions primarily as a verb or a noun. As a verb, it describes various types of movement, rotation, or action. As a noun, it represents the act of rolling, a physical object, or a sequence of events. Ludwig shows its flexibility in multiple contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Business

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "roll" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a verb and a noun. Its usage spans various contexts, from describing physical motion to indicating success or progress. Ludwig AI confirms that "roll" follows standard grammar rules and is very common. When writing, be mindful of the diverse interpretations of "roll" to ensure clarity and precision. Common errors can be avoided by specifying the intended meaning, especially in technical contexts, or where it is not perfectly clear from the surrounding information. Frequent usage in news and lifestyle contexts suggests a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revolve

Focuses on the circular movement, similar to one aspect of "roll".

rotate

Emphasizes the turning motion around an axis, a core component of rolling.

undulate

Describes a wave-like motion, applicable when "roll" refers to a continuous, flowing movement.

advance

Highlights the forward movement implied by "roll", especially in contexts of progress.

wind

Captures the action of wrapping or coiling, a specific meaning of "roll".

tumble

Suggests an uncontrolled rolling or falling movement.

reel

Implies a staggering or unsteady rolling motion.

scroll

Refers to the action of moving content up or down, like a digital "roll".

surge

Conveys a powerful, rolling wave or movement.

rock

Describes a gentle back-and-forth rolling motion.

FAQs

How can I use "roll" in a sentence?

You can use "roll" in various contexts, such as "The ball began to roll down the hill" or "Let's roll out the new marketing campaign next quarter".

What are some alternatives to the verb "roll"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "rotate", "revolve", or "advance".

What does it mean to say someone is "on a roll"?

To be "on a roll" means that someone is experiencing a period of success or good luck.

Is it correct to say "roll over" or "rollover"?

"Roll over" (two words) is a phrasal verb meaning to turn over. "Rollover" (one word) is a noun referring to the act of extending or renewing something, such as a loan or investment.