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One of our readers wrote to ask if we could clarify the difference between program and programme.
The Noun: Program or Programme?
The basic difference is between different languages:
- American English always uses program
- British English uses programme unless referring to computers
- Australian English recommends program for official usage, but programme is still in common use.
The word “program” was predominant in the UK until the 19th century, when the spelling “programme” became more common — largely as a result of influence from French, which has the same word “programme”.
So, if you’re writing in British English (either as part of an examination, if you’re studying English, or for a British publication), here’s some examples of how to use programme and program correctly:
- We’re still drawing up the programme for the concert.
- This computer program won’t run on my PC.
- I missed my favourite television programme last night.
The Verb: To Program, Programmed, Programming
The word program is also a verb, as in “I’ll program the computer today.” In this case, both American and British English use “to program”.
These forms are also valid in American English:
- programed
- programing
But the Oxford English Dictionary recommends the double-m instead, which is in far more widespread usage:
- programmed
- programming
If in doubt, and writing for a publication, check whether or not they have a style guide or a rule on which form of the verb to use. When you’re writing for yourself, just make sure you’re consistent.
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I don’t believe that one would say, “I’ll program the computer today.” One doesn’t program computers, see? He might program for a computer, or use a program on one, but one doesn’t simply program up a computer….
While grammatically correct, it doesn’t make much sense.
JuwBagel,
I’m not sure if I agree completely. It’s true you don’t “program up a computer”, but you can certainly “program a computer to do something.”
It’s similar to the way you can program a modern coffee maker to automatically start the coffee making process at 8:30am, or program a phone system to send callers to different departments depending on the option selected.
Granted, these last two examples are not desktops, but they are computers nonetheless.
i enjoy reading this please keep it on thanks
I enjoy reading this please keep it on . I there are some valuable words or tips which can improve my English please send it to me to my email address sksrb@yahoo.co.in .
I came across this dilemma earlier as i was helping a friend to spruce up her presentation slides. I noticed that whenever I used programmes i.e. the plural of programme..I have a jagged line underneath it, meaning that it’s a spelling error. But if I were to use programs no such error is highlighted. Is there a larger difference than the mere fact that one is British and the other American…I wonder
JuwBagel,
You certainly can ‘program a computer’. This is when you write or edit the code that all operations run from; and is what computer programmers do all day!
In UK English, you wouldn’t however ‘program for a computer’, this makes it sound like you are employed by the computer to program, and I’ve never heard anyone say ‘program-up’ a computer.
I wouldn’t however like to say for sure that the above phrases are incorrect for the US – is that where you learnt your English JuwBagel?
This has been debate for quite a while… I live in a British ruled country and I have always preferred to use Programme unless it is computer related, then I use Program.
internship program or internship programme, which one is correct?
internship program or internship programme, which one is correct?
David, I would say Internship Programme but then my education was British. The American spelling would be Program but as the definition at the top of this page rightly says, program in British English (or English English) is a term used for computers.
Thanks, Jay!
I’m Dutch and my education was “the British” way. Currently, I’m working for an international company and my job title is “Program Manager”. I don’t program computers, but manage ICT programmes (very large projects). Reading all your comments I would say I am a “Programme Manager”?!
I’m afraid so Weynand. Besides, as you said you ‘don’t program computers, but manage ICT programmes’ QED
Just google your job title. You’ll find ample links to both… and so the debate goes on. Either way, you know what your job is so don’t let it bother you too much.
I always thought that programme was used for courses, such as ‘Leadership Programme’, and that program was used for such things as ‘TV program’ or ‘computer program’. I guess I’ll just have to keep searching for answers.
This is so interesting, how muchthe language has been affected by technology. Words derived from or used in computer terminolgy have quickly become verbs and every day word and the meaning can vary many times. Regarding Program, I think we should adhere to the Australian English recommendations. Cheers.
I can’t think of any reason program would be used as a verb other than in relation to computers so I always stick to the rule that is is programme, unless reated to a computer (verb or noun).
If you are writing tips on correct usage you really should not be caught writing “here’s some examples”. The examples are plural and hence it should be “here ARE some examples”. Tut, tut.