Consistency is crucial when writing academic papers, such as research papers, dissertations, or academic essays. This involves maintaining coherence and clarity in the paper’s vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. However, students often struggle to differentiate between British English vs. American English, such as deciding whether to use “programme” or “program”. To learn more about distinguishing between these two styles of English, read on.
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“Programme” or “program”
“Programme” and “program” can be used as a noun and a verb. As a noun, a “programme/program” is a set of instructions or a plan that specifies the steps to be taken to accomplish a particular task or achieve a specific outcome. When used as a verb, ” programme/program” means to create a set of instructions for a computer or to plan and organize a series of events or activities, but is only used in a computing sense.
British English
programme
program (not recommended)
American English
program
As you can see, there only exists one correct spelling in American English, but there are two possible spellings in British English. However, the spelling “programme” is far more common in British English and the spelling “program” is only used in a computing sense.
Examples of using “programme” and “program” as a noun
The following examples will illustrate the difference in spelling of the word “programme/program” in British English and American English.
- The school’s music programme/program offers a variety of classes.
- The television programme/program tonight is a documentary.
- I am attending a programme/program at the local university.
- The school’s music program offers a variety of classes.
- The television program tonight is a documentary.
- I am attending a program at the local university.
Examples of using “programme” and “program” as a verb
The following examples will illustrate the difference in spelling of the word “to program” in British English and American English.
- She programs the thermostat.
- Sarah is learning how to program in Python.
- The engineers will program the robot.
“Programme” or “program” in the “-ing” form
When using the word “programme/program” in its “-ing” form, the proper spelling of the word is “programming” for British and American English. It’s worth noting that the term “programing” has been used in the past, but it’s now widely considered to be incorrect.
- British English: “Programming”
- American English: “Programming”
The following examples will illustrate the use of the word “programming.”
- John is programming a mobile app. (Verb)
- Sarah is programming on weekdays. (Verb)
- She has a passion for programming. (Gerund)
FAQs
In the UK, the correct spelling of the noun is “programme.” So, the correct form in British English is “programme” and “to program” for the verb form.
In British English, the correct spelling is “programme” for the noun. As a verb, it is written as “to program”. In American English, the correct spelling is “program” for nouns and verbs.
So, the correct spelling depends on whether you are using British English or American English.
The correct spelling for “programming” is the same in both British English and American English: P-R-O-G-R-A-M-M-I-N-G.
The spelling of “programme” or “program” depends on the English variant you are using.
In British English:
- Noun: Programme
- Verb: To program
In American English:
- Noun: Program
- Verb: To program
