program and programme - the difference

by Craig Shrives
The Quick Answer
For American English:
  • Use program for everything.
For British English:
  • Use program for anything to do with computers.
  • Use program when you need a verb.
  • Use programme for a noun meaning itinerary, TV or radio show, or a collection of work projects.
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program or programme?

Program and Programme

Writers are often unsure whether to use program or programme. Those following US writing conventions don't need to worry about this. They can use the word program for everything. However, those following UK writing conventions are not so fortunate. They do need to make a distinction between program and programme. (This is because the English were influenced by the French word programme, but Americans weren't.)

Use Program for Anything Relating to Computers

For anything to do with a computer, use program. For example:
  • It's a useful computer program. () ()
    • (In this example, program is a noun.)
  • Do you know how to program the computer? () ()
    • (In this example, program is a verb.)

Use Program If It's a Verb

As in the second example above, the word program is the only one that can be used as a verb (i.e., programme is never used as a verb). For example:
  • Do you know how to program the alarm? () ()
    • (Usually, this will have something to do with computers.)
  • Please program the team-building exercises before the lunch. () ()
    • (Be aware that it's not always about computers.)
  • A box of crayons and a big sheet of paper provide a more expressive medium for kids than computerized paint programs. (Clifford Stoll) () ()
  • My virus checker keeps rejecting your programme. () ()

If You're British, Use Programme to Mean Agenda, TV Show or Collection of Projects

In the UK, programme is used to denote an itinerary, a show (typically, on the TV or radio), or a collection of work projects. For example:
  • It looks like an entertaining programme tonight. () ()
  • Family Guy is one of my favourite programmes. () ()
    • (Family Guy is one of my favorite programs. ())
  • The person who leaked the secret programme is hiding in Hong Kong. () ()
    • (Here, programme means a collecton of work projects.)
  • I'm glad the President finally found an economic development program. I'm just sad that it's only in Baghdad. (John Kerry) () ()

Programmed and Programming

In UK and US English, you should use programmed for the past tense and past participle of the verb to program, and you should use programming for the present participle and gerund. However, in the US, you can also use programed and programing, which are acceptable alternatives.
Interactive Exercise
Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

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See Also

adverse or averse? affect or effect? appraise or apprise? avenge or revenge? bare or bear? complement or compliment? dependant or dependent? discreet or discrete? disinterested or uninterested? e.g. or i.e.? envy or jealousy? imply or infer? its or it's? material or materiel? poisonous or venomous? practice or practise? principal or principle? tenant or tenet? who's or whose?
What are nouns? What are verbs? List of easily confused words