Program or programme?

Program(me): it’s a useful word. It can refer to code for a computer (or the writing of such code), the printed running order of a performance or event (or the scheduling of either), a television or radio show, and more. But which spelling is right: program or programme? Is the ‘me’ optional? Does it merely depend on which side of the Atlantic you are?

Well, not entirely.

Noun

American English does keep it simple by using program for all usages (as does Australian English, at least officially).

However, in British English, programme is used in all instances except in relation to computers:

Did you see that TV programme about progressive rock?
Would you like a programme for this evening’s performance of The Pilgrim’s Progress?
I need to install the latest version of this Prognosis program on my laptop.

Verb

For the verb, American English once again always uses the nipped and tucked version. They may also use a single ‘m’ in the conjugation of the verb, eg programing, programed.

British English still favours (to) programme in the sense of ‘to design or schedule’; it may use either spelling in the computing sense of the verb, though program is increasingly the preferred choice.

And if you’re interested in other key differences between UK and US English, download our free PDF guide.

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Author: Catie Holdridge

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Catie joined Emphasis with an English literature and creative writing degree and a keen interest in what makes language work. Having researched, written, commissioned and edited dozens of articles for the Emphasis blog, she now knows more about the intricacies of effective professional writing than she ever thought possible.

She produced and co-wrote our online training programme, The Complete Business Writer, and these days oversees all the Emphasis marketing efforts. And she keeps office repartee at a suitably literary level.