What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tumbling
Example
The gymnast performed a series of tumbling passes during her floor routine. [tumbling: noun]
Example
The children were tumbling down the hill, laughing and screaming. [tumbling: verb]
rolling
Example
The ball kept rolling down the hill until it hit a tree. [rolling: verb]
Example
She rolled the dough into a thin sheet before cutting out the cookies. [rolled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rolling is more commonly used than tumbling in everyday language. Rolling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while tumbling is less common and often used in specific contexts such as gymnastics or washing machines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tumbling and rolling?
Both tumbling and rolling can be used in informal and formal contexts, but rolling is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.