Top Pages
A-Z glossary
punctuation
A-Z confused words
common mistakes
(ordered by seriousness) vocabulary for learners tests and games awkward plurals sayings and proverbs tattoo fails our Twitter page our YouTube channel
(ordered by seriousness) vocabulary for learners tests and games awkward plurals sayings and proverbs tattoo fails our Twitter page our YouTube channel
Program or Programme?
Search...
Program or Programme?
What is the difference between "program" and "programme"?For American English:
- Use "program" for everything.
- 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.
Got it? Take a quick test.
A Video Summary
Here is a short video summarizing this lesson on "program" and "programme."The Difference between "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 for 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 collection of work projects.)
- I'm glad the President finally found an economic development program. I'm just sad that it's only in Baghdad. (Politician 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. These spellings were particularly popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. However, by the mid-1960s, "programmed" and "programming" were the dominant spellings. [evidence]A Video Summary
Watch a video showing 10 big differences between British English and American English.Ready for the Test?
Here is a confirmatory test for this lesson.This test can also be:
- Edited (i.e., you can delete questions and play with the order of the questions).
- Printed to create a handout.
- Sent electronically to friends or students.
- Do you disagree with something on this page?
- Did you spot a typo?