drum roll vs roll a drum

Both "drum roll" and "roll a drum" are correct, but they have different meanings and usage. "Drum roll" is a noun phrase referring to a rapid succession of beats on a drum, often used to build suspense or anticipation. On the other hand, "roll a drum" is a verb phrase that doesn't have a common usage in English.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 897 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"drum roll"

It is used to describe a rapid succession of beats on a drum, often used to build suspense or anticipation.

Examples:

Let's have a drum roll before announcing the winner.
The drummer performed a fantastic drum roll during the concert.

Show examples from the web [+]

Thank you for the drum roll, Ms. Winterbottom.
I can play a drum roll.
I might play a drum roll.
There should be a drum roll.
I'd give you a drum roll, but I don't have a snare handy.
And now, drum roll, Finn.
I wish we had a drum roll for this.
Mrs Rosa Díez González spoke of the Spanish Presidency's drum roll.
But I am determined to find you someone and so - drum roll, please - I am hosting a Pride And Prejudice themed party.
Can we get a drum roll in here?
No. That means the only thing that it's in here that doesn't belong is drum roll please, you
The person I have chosen is... Drum roll, please.
All right, let's give her a little drum roll, oogie.
So, how about tonight we just stick with the drum roll.
Because it all goes on the Nectar card and... drum roll, please, that is how I am able to put Audrey Byrne and Justin Curtis in the same service station on the North Circular three weeks ago,
That means the only thing that it's in here that doesn't belong is drum roll please, you
Drum roll... Backwards down the hill!
Drum roll please... who is it?
[Crescendos, Stops] And here he is, our man of the hour... [Drum Roll] Mr. Harvey Pitnik!
And... drum roll please. [Drum roll sound]

Alternatives:

drumming
drumbeat
drum solo
drumming up excitement
drumming up support

This phrase is correct but not commonly used in English.

"roll a drum"

It can be used in a literal sense to describe physically rolling a drum, but it is not a common expression in English.

Show examples from the web [+]

I can play a drum roll.
I might play a drum roll.
There should be a drum roll.
I'd give you a drum roll, but I don't have a snare handy.
I wish we had a drum roll for this.
Can we get a drum roll in here?
- You hear a roll of the drums just then?
Thank you for the drum roll, Ms. Winterbottom.
They escape with dread as soon as drum-rolls are heard underwater.
Yet... one way or another - roll of drums... it made me the person I am today.
And now, drum roll, Finn.
The person I have chosen is... Drum roll, please.
Let's have lightning and drum rolls while we're at.
All right, let's give her a little drum roll, oogie.
Mrs Rosa Díez González spoke of the Spanish Presidency's drum roll.
You'd have to have the roll on the drums so that people got ready.
But I am determined to find you someone and so - drum roll, please - I am hosting a Pride And Prejudice themed party.
So, how about tonight we just stick with the drum roll.
This comment probably applies to us all, given the drum rolls we play all over the place.
And... drum roll please. [Drum roll sound]

Alternatives:

play the drum
beat the drum
hit the drum
strike the drum
drumming

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

drum roll vs roll a drum

"drum roll"

"roll a drum"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text