roll around

USAGE SUMMARY

"roll around" is a correctly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific point in time, usually the end of a period, arriving. For example, "Next month the school holidays will roll around again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is ironic how things roll around.

The New Yorker

They will roll around in it".

The Guardian

We watched them roll around and play.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Be persistent: they will roll around).

The New York Times - Food

Also I must turn that toilet roll around!!! 2.

Independent

Let it roll around in the channels of your mind.

The New Yorker

She watched him roll around, but stayed put.

The New York Times - Sports

Tell him to roll around on the floor or something.

The Guardian - Sport

You can roll around in little orbs (gyrospheres) and gawp at dinosaurs!

The Guardian - Film

When the Olympics roll around, it is important to remember that there will be gaffes.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Usually with a roll-around suitcase, or a dirty backpack.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "roll around" to mean "happen" or "occur", ensure the context implies a cyclical or recurring event. For instance, "The holiday season will roll around again quickly."

Common error

Avoid using "roll around" in contexts where a more precise verb like "rotate", "move", or "occur" would be more appropriate. Using it too broadly can dilute the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "roll around" functions primarily as an intransitive verb phrase. It signifies physical movement involving rotation or, figuratively, the passage of time or the unstructured consideration of ideas, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "roll around" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, ranging from physical movement to the recurrence of events, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its usage is grammatically correct and quite common, especially in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally neutral, "roll around" may be less suitable for highly formal or academic writing. Ludwig examples show its application in diverse scenarios, emphasizing the importance of context in determining its precise meaning. Related phrases, such as "move about" or "come around", offer alternative ways to convey similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

move about

Focuses on general movement without necessarily implying rotation.

tumble around

Emphasizes a less controlled, more chaotic movement.

revolve around

Suggests that something is central or fundamental.

mess around

Implies playing or fooling around without a specific goal.

lounge around

Suggests relaxing or idling in a comfortable position.

kick about

Focuses on casual, aimless movement, often with the feet.

come about

Indicates something happening or occurring.

get around

Implies movement to different places or locations.

fool around

Suggests playful or mischievous behavior.

mill around

Indicates aimless wandering or gathering in a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "roll around" to describe physical movement, like "The children like to roll around in the grass". It can also mean to happen or occur, as in, "When the holidays "roll around", I'm always excited".

What does it mean when someone says they want to "roll around"?

The meaning of "roll around" varies with context. Physically, it means to move by turning over and over. Figuratively, it can mean that an idea is being considered, or that a time or event is approaching.

What can I say instead of "roll around" when referring to time?

If you mean that a particular time or event is approaching, you can use phrases like "come around" or "draw near" as alternatives to "roll around".

Is it correct to say "roll around in my head"?

Yes, it's correct. "Roll around in my head" means that something (like an idea or a thought) is being considered or contemplated without much coherence. It's like saying the idea is bouncing around in your mind.