a given program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a given program" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific program that has been previously mentioned or is understood in the context. Example: "In order to analyze the data effectively, we need to run a given program that processes the information."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The share is the percentage of in-use televisions tuned to a given program.

The New York Times - Sports

A ratings point is the percentage of television-owning homes tuning in to a given program.

The New York Times

Since broadcasters have no way to tell how many people are watching a given program, they must use Nielsen's television ratings to determine how much to charge advertisers.

The New York Times

"What we electric-car veterans contribute besides our expertise is a higher level of confidence that a given program will be properly executed," Mr. Purcell said.

The New York Times

For instance, the monetary value of the presumed benefits of a given program may be indirect, intangible, or projected far into the future.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It allows its users to surf the Internet, send e-mail messages and chat live with fellow viewers about a given program by using a wireless keyboard that activates the traditional AOL Internet features through the television.

The New York Times

That data, generated by Nielsen Media Research, uses a sample of 5,000 homes to determine how many households tune into a given program, not how many watch the ads.

The New York Times - Magazine

Another problem involves defining the time frame over which progressivity should be calculated; a given program may be regressive when examined using annual data but progressive when considered over a lifetime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A determined individual such as Euler or Lagrange could emphasize a given program of research through his own work, the publications of the academy, and the setting of the prize competitions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A meter attached to each television set records the channel being watched and sends the data to a computer centre; individual buttons record which person in each household is watching a given program.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nonprofit GiveWell — which has a stated mission "to determine how much good a given program accomplishes … per dollar spent" — has found that giving to causes in developing nations is generally much more cost-effective than contributing to U.S.-based U.S.-based

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a given program" when you want to refer to a program that is already under discussion or understood within a specific context. It implies a pre-existing or agreed-upon program.

Common error

Avoid using "a given program" when introducing a program for the first time or when the program's identity is not clear. In such cases, use more specific terms like "a new program" or "this program".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a given program" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "program". It specifies that the program is pre-established or understood within the context, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a given program" is a versatile phrase used to denote a program that is already established or understood within a specific context. As per Ludwig, it functions as an adjective phrase, modifying the noun "program". It is grammatically correct and finds frequent usage across academic, scientific, news, and formal business domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the program you are referring to is indeed known to your audience or has been previously mentioned. For alternatives, consider phrases like "a specific program" or "a particular program" depending on the context. The prevalence of the phrase in authoritative sources reinforces its acceptability and utility in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific program

Replaces 'given' with 'specific', emphasizing particularity.

a particular program

Substitutes 'given' with 'particular', stressing individuality.

a designated program

Replaces 'given' with 'designated', highlighting assignment or appointment.

a certain program

Uses 'certain' instead of 'given', implying definiteness but possibly without full specification.

an established program

Changes 'given' to 'established', focusing on the program's existing and recognized status.

a defined program

Emphasizes that the program has clear boundaries and characteristics.

a selected program

Highlights the act of choosing the program from a set of options.

a predetermined program

Suggests the program was decided in advance.

an identified program

Focuses on the recognition or discovery of a program.

a known program

Indicates the program is recognized or acknowledged.

FAQs

How can I use "a given program" in a sentence?

You can use "a given program" to refer to a program that's already been mentioned or is understood in context. For instance, "The study evaluates the effectiveness of "a given program" in reducing recidivism."

What's a good alternative to "a given program"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a specific program", "a particular program", or "a designated program".

When is it appropriate to use "a given program" over "this program"?

"A given program" is suitable when the program has already been introduced or is contextually understood. "This program" is better when you're initially introducing or highlighting a particular program.

Is "a given program" formal or informal language?

"A given program" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and register of your writing rather than being inherently restricted to one style.