'Role' is the part you play in a situation; 'roll' is to move by turning, a cylindrical shape, or a register.
Noun. The function, character, or responsibility that someone performs in a situation or production.
What is the role of the project manager in this process?
She played the lead role in the company's training video.
Diet plays a key role in preventing chronic disease.
Verb: to move by turning over repeatedly. Noun: a cylindrical object, a small bread, or a register.
The teacher called the roll at the start of each class.
The ball rolled down the hill and into the pond.
She ordered a chicken salad on a sesame roll.
Common mistake
Common in work contexts: "What is your roll in this project?" (correct: role). Or in food contexts: "A role of bread" (correct: roll of bread).
Trick to remember it
'Role' has one L — one part to play. 'Roll' has double L like two wheels turning — things that roll have movement and roundness.
Quick rule
Is it a function, character, or responsibility? 'Role'. Is it circular movement, a cylinder, or a register? 'Roll'.
Did you know?
The term 'role model' comes from theatre — someone whose 'role' you want to imitate in real life. The sociologist Robert K. Merton coined the term in 1954. Before that, you would simply admire someone and try to emulate them, without a specific label.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Technology plays a crucial _____ in improving healthcare outcomes.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
The teacher asked each student to _____ out their clay before shaping it.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it a function, character, or responsibility? 'Role'. Is it circular movement, a cylinder, or a register? 'Roll'.
Common in work contexts: "What is your roll in this project?" (correct: role). Or in food contexts: "A role of bread" (correct: roll of bread).
'Role' has one L — one part to play. 'Roll' has double L like two wheels turning — things that roll have movement and roundness.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy