Program vs. Programme
by Ali Hale
by Ali Hale
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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