Role vs Roll: How to Tell Them Apart
A role is a part played. To roll is to turn over, and a roll is a list or a small loaf.
A leading role. Roll the dice.
The test that settles it
One l for the part in a play. Two l for everything else, including things that actually roll.
“a key ___ in the project” → a part played, so role.
“call the ___” → a list of names, so roll.
Role: a part played
A character in a performance, or the function someone or something serves. From French rôle, originally the roll of paper an actor’s lines were written on.
She landed the lead role.
His role is to coordinate.
Diet plays a role in recovery.
Swap in part or function. If either works, role.
Roll: to turn, a list, or a loaf
The verb for turning over or moving on wheels, plus several nouns: a cylinder of something, an official list, a small round loaf, and a drum sound.
The ball rolled away.
A roll of tape.
Take the register roll.
Is something turning, listed, or edible? Then roll.
Side by side
| Role | Roll |
|---|---|
| A part played | To turn, a list, a loaf |
| Noun only | Noun and verb |
| One l | Two l |
| A starring role | A bread roll |
The exceptions
Roll call — two l. It is a reading out of a list of names, from the official roll.
The same applies to the electoral roll and struck off the roll.
A role model is someone whose part you want to play. It has nothing to do with turning, so it takes the single l.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a roll model | a role model | A part to emulate. |
| The teacher took the role. | The teacher took the roll. | The register. |
| He played a major roll. | He played a major role. | A part. |
| Their rolls were reversed. | Their roles were reversed. | Parts played. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- She has a leading ___ in the film.
- The barrel ___ down the ramp.
- Names were read at ___ call.
- He is a ___ model to younger players.
- I bought a ___ of wrapping paper.
Show the answers
1. role 2. rolled 3. roll 4. role 5. roll
Frequently asked
Are they related?
Yes — both go back to the rolled parchment. The single-l spelling split off for the acting sense via French.
What is on a roll?
Two l — a run of success, from dice or momentum.
More words people confuse
