Word Usage

Mary W. Ng

June 26, 2009

role, roll

Role is a noun meaning “a part or function performed by a person or thing”. Roll can be a verb or a noun.

Incorrect:Thank you to everyone who played a roll in putting a smile on a child’s face.
Correct:Thank you to everyone who played a role in putting a smile on a child’s face.
Incorrect:When time gets tough, you role up your sleeves and take on new tasks.
Correct:When time gets tough, you roll up your sleeves and take on new tasks.