Cool MateRoll vs Turn
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Roll
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Turn
Top 1,000 (very common)A1
| Roll | Turn | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rəʊl/","/rəʊlz/","/rəʊld/","/ˈrəʊlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rəʊl/","/rəʊlz/","/rəʊld/","/ˈrəʊlɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tɜːn/","/tɜːnz/","/tɜːnd/","/ˈtɜːnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɜːrn/","/tɜːrnz/","/tɜːrnd/","/ˈtɜːrnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To move by turning over and over on a surface. | To move in a circular direction or to change direction. |
| Example | I will roll the dough out for the pie. | You need to turn the light off when you leave the room. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | slowly, quickly, gently, down, off, slowly, quickly, gently, down, off, slowly, quickly, gently, down, off, tightly, up, into, heavily, slightly | turn left, turn right, turn around, turn up, turn down |
| Antonyms | stop, remain still | stay, keep, remain |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'role' (the part in a play)., Omitting the object (e.g., saying 'I will roll' without specifying what)., Using the wrong preposition (e.g., 'roll to' instead of 'roll on'). | Confused with 'return' when meaning to go back., Using 'turn' incorrectly with intransitive verbs without an object., Saying 'turn around' when 'turn' is sufficient for changing direction. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, from physical movement (like rolling a ball) to figurative uses (like rolling in laughter). Typically appropriate in casual and formal settings. | Use 'turn' when describing changing direction or altering something. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Roll vs Turn
What's the difference between Roll and Turn?
Roll: To move by turning over and over on a surface. Turn: To move in a circular direction or to change direction.
Which is more advanced: Roll and Turn?
Roll is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Roll and Turn the same CEFR level?
Roll: B1, Turn: A1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Roll: I will roll the dough out for the pie. Turn: You need to turn the light off when you leave the room.
Can I use Roll and Turn interchangeably?
Not always. Roll and Turn are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.