Same verb · different particle

“roll” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 3 one at a time, then test yourself.

3 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

roll + back · 1 of 3

roll back

reverse or reduce (a policy, law, or change)

  • roll back sth

to officially reduce, weaken, or reverse the effect of a rule, law, policy, or change, especially after it has already been put in place

Example

A: Did you hear about the university's decision on tuition fees?
B: Yeah, they’re going to roll back the increase after all the complaints.

Tell it apart

They rolled back the reforms.

  • reversed them

They rolled out the reforms.

  • introduced them
Full lesson: roll back
Next: roll out

roll + out · 2 of 3

roll out

introduce widely

  • roll out sth

To roll out a system or plan means to introduce it to people over a period of time.

Example

A: Has everyone got access to the new software yet?
B: Not yet. They're rolling it out department by department.

Tell it apart

They're rolling out the new system nationwide.

  • introducing it widely

They're phasing in the new system over six months.

  • introducing it gradually
Full lesson: roll out
Next: roll over

roll + over · 3 of 3

roll over

carry into next period

  • roll over sth

To move unused money, credit, data, or another allowance into the next period.

Example

A: Do I lose the credit if I don't spend it today?
B: No, it rolls over to next week.

Tell it apart

Full lesson: roll over
Test yourself: which “roll” fits?
Fill the gap

Which “roll” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.