What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reeling
Example
After the roller coaster ride, I felt like I was reeling and had to sit down. [reeling: verb]
Example
He stumbled out of the bar, reeling from too much alcohol. [reeling: present participle]
rolling
Example
The ball kept rolling down the hill until it reached the bottom. [rolling: present participle]
Example
She used a rolling pin to flatten the dough for the pie crust. [rolling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rolling is a more common word than reeling in everyday language. Rolling has a wider range of contexts and applications, while reeling is more specific and often used in emotional or physical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reeling and rolling?
Both reeling and rolling can be used in formal or informal contexts, but rolling is more versatile and can be used in technical or professional settings, such as in engineering or manufacturing.
