Programme Or Program – British vs. American English

2023-07-27 3min Language rules
Updated on 2025-02-13

Programme-vs-Program-01

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.

“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.

Programme-vs.-program-examples-noun-UK-flag
  • 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.
Programme-vs.-program-examples-noun-US-flag
  • 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.

Programme-vs.-program-examples-verb-UK-flag
  • She programs the thermostat.
  • Sarah is learning how to program in Python.
  • The engineers will program the robot.
Programme-vs.-program-examples-verb-US-flag

“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.”

Programme-vs.-program-programming-UK-flag
  • John is programming a mobile app. (Verb)
  • Sarah is programming on weekdays. (Verb)
  • She has a passion for programming. (Gerund)
Programme-vs.-program-programming-US-flag

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
Print Your Thesis Now
BachelorPrint as an online printing service offers
numerous advantages for Canadian students:
  • ✓ 3D live preview of your configuration
  • ✓ Free express delivery for every order
  • ✓ High-quality bindings with individual embossing

to printing services

How do you like this article?
By
Leo Neumann
 
About the author

Leo has completed a dual bachelor’s degree program in marketing management. During their studies, they gained practical experience and regularly wrote academic papers. Thanks to his expertise, he is a perfect fit for the BachelorPrint team, which places great emphasis on high-quality content and aims to help students navigate the demands of their academic lives. As a recent graduate, Leo understands the challenges students face and knows what kind of support they need.

Show all articles from this author
About
BachelorPrint | The #1 Online Printing Service
For Canadian Students

As a leading expert in the printing and binding of academic papers, theses, and dissertations, the BachelorPrint online printing service furnishes a diverse range of bindings and configuration options. BachelorPrint’s goal is to elicit a proud smile on every single Canadian student’s face, as they hold their ideal binding in their hands. Moreover, BachelorPrint provides numerous educational articles on insightful subjects related to academic writing in their Study Guide, assisting students during the process of writing their thesis or dissertation.


Cite This Article
Bibliography
Neumann, L. (2023, July 27). Programme Or Program – British vs. American English. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved 2026-09-21)
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann , 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo. 2023. "Programme Or Program – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, Retrieved September 21, 2026. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/.
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann 2023)
Bibliography
Leo Neumann, "Programme Or Program – British vs. American English," BachelorPrint, July 27, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved September 21, 2026).
Footnotes
Short note
Neumann, "Shortened title."
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo: Programme Or Program – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 2023-07-27, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved 2026-09-21).
Footnotes
Full note
Neumann, Leo: Programme Or Program – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 2023-07-27, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved 2026-09-21).
Direct quote
Neumann, 2023.
Indirect quote
Neumann, 2023.
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo (2023): Programme Or Program – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved 2026-09-21).
In-text citation
Direct quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Neumann, 2023)
Narrative
Neumann (2023)
Bibliography
Neumann, Leo. "Programme Or Program – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, 2023-07-27, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/ (retrieved 2026-09-21).
In-text citation
Parenthetical
(Neumann)
Narrative
Neumann
Bibliography
Number. Neumann L. Programme Or Program – British vs. American English [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 2026-09-21]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/programme-or-program/


New articles