Phrasal verbs "roll on" vs "wear on"

Differences between roll on and wear on

Roll on usually means to move forward in time, waiting for something to happen, whereas wear on generally means to pass slowly and tediously.

Meanings and Definitions: roll on vs wear on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Roll on

• 1. When something continues to happen.

  The competition ROLLED ON despite the administrative problems.

Wear on

• 1. To pass or progress slowly or tediously.

  My headache grew worse as the evening wore on.

• 2. To irritate or annoy someone over time.

  Your constant complaining is really wearing on me.

Usage Examples: roll on, wear on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

roll on

Example

The party rolled on until the early hours of the morning.

Example

Time rolls on, and we must keep moving forward.

wear on

Example

The meeting seemed to wear on forever.

Example

As the day wears on, I become more and more tired.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Roll on

can't wait

To be very excited or eager for something to happen.

Example

I can't wait for the concert next week! It's going to be amazing.

bring on

To eagerly anticipate or welcome something.

Example

I'm ready for the weekend! Bring on the relaxation and fun times.

count down the days

To eagerly anticipate or look forward to a specific event or date.

Example

She's been counting down the days until her vacation starts. She really needs a break.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wear on

drag on

To pass slowly and tediously, making time seem to go by very slowly.

Example

The meeting seemed to drag on forever. I was so bored!

tick by

To pass slowly and monotonously, like the ticking of a clock.

Example

As the hours ticked by, she became increasingly anxious about the upcoming exam.

crawl by

To pass very slowly and tediously, making time seem to go by at a snail's pace.

Example

The last few minutes of class seemed to crawl by. I couldn't wait to leave.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “roll”

• roll out
• roll on!
• roll in
• roll up
• roll by

Phrasal Verbs with “wear”

• wear off
• wear out
• wear down
• wear away

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• log on
• seize on
• spring on
• pick on
• carry on

Differences in roll on vs wear on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: roll on or wear on?

In daily conversation, people use roll on more often than wear on. This is because roll on is used to express excitement or anticipation for something that is going to happen in the future. Wear on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about time passing slowly. So, while both phrases are used, roll on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of roll on and wear on

Roll on and wear on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of roll on and wear on

The tone of roll on and wear on can differ based on context. Roll on often carries an excited or impatient tone when related to waiting for something, while wear on typically has a negative or tedious tone, especially when referring to time passing slowly.

roll on & wear on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Roll on

Synonyms

• continue
• proceed
• progress
• go on
• carry on
• move forward

Antonyms

• stop
• halt
• cease
• end
• discontinue
• terminate

Wear on

Synonyms

• continue
• last
• persist
• endure
• progress
• drag on
• go on
• grind on

Antonyms

• hurry
• accelerate
• rush
• expedite
• advance
• speed up
• quickly pass