English Lessons

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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