program

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "program" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a software application, a planned series of events, or a set of instructions for a computer. Example: "The new software program has significantly improved our workflow and efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Opinion

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obama was pointing to the bipartisan effort to get the program launched in Massachusetts to encourage his opponents to stop rooting for his law's failure.

The Guardian

Helen Szoke, chief executive of Oxfam Australia, said her organisation "would have put the reduction of poverty as the first benchmark" in the revamped aid program and was "cautious" about the role of the private sector.

The Guardian

The prime minister, Tony Abbott, said the government was "carefully studying" the judgment to determine an appropriate response, but he strongly signalled his determination to find a way to ensure the chaplaincy program continued.

The Guardian

Economists generally agree that the key to addressing climate change is to raise the cost of burning fossil fuels, either directly, through a carbon tax, or indirectly, through a cap-and-trade program.

The Economist

Nor have I come across a clear explanation of exactly how the program could be put to such a purpose.

The Economist

XKeyscore An NSA program that allows analysts to search vast databases of emails, online chats and browsing histories of millions of individuals, with no prior authorisation.

The Guardian

Cheesy Name A GCHQ program that selects encryption keys that might be vulnerable to being cracked.

The Guardian

Bluf Stands for "bottom line up front" – a request from NSA analysts to collect less data from the Muscular program (see below) because it is of no intelligence value.

The Guardian

"We should not compromise our own interests to the extent of jeopardising the web of civilian and military exchanges that are at the heart of the relationship, or cut our aid program – intended to improve the lives of ordinary Indonesians.

The Guardian

Gavrielatos said the program undermined the secular traditions of state schools, adding the students would be better served by "expert trained school counsellors, psychologists and welfare officers".

The Guardian

The Australian Education Union's national president, Angelo Gavrielatos, called on the government to rethink the future of the program in light of the second successful high court challenge against funding arrangements.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific "program", clarify its purpose or function early on to provide context for your audience. This enhances understanding and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "program" as a catch-all term for any activity. Be specific about what the "program" entails, its objectives, and its intended outcomes. Use more descriptive language if the context is vague.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "program" is as a noun, referring to a planned activity, a show, or a computer application. Ludwig AI confirms that "program" is correct and usable in written English, often functioning as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Sport

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "program" is a versatile noun used across various contexts, from planned activities and television shows to computer applications. Ludwig confirms that the use of "program" is grammatically correct and very common in English writing. It frequently appears in news, technology, and business contexts. Related terms include "initiative", "project", and "plan", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings with subtle differences. To enhance clarity, specify the program's purpose and avoid overgeneralization. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively communicate using the term "program" in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plan

A general outline of intended actions or steps.

initiative

Focuses on the starting or introduction of something, often a project or plan.

project

Implies a specific, planned undertaking with a defined goal.

strategy

Highlights a long-term approach or set of tactics to achieve a specific goal.

scheme

Often refers to a structured plan or system, sometimes with a hint of complexity or potential risk.

agenda

Describes a list of items to be discussed or acted upon, often in a meeting or formal setting.

system

Emphasizes an organized set of procedures or components working together.

campaign

Suggests a series of coordinated activities to achieve a specific objective, often in a political or marketing context.

software

Focuses on computer applications designed to perform tasks.

curriculum

Specifically refers to a course of study or educational plan.

FAQs

How can I use "program" in a sentence?

You can use "program" to refer to a planned set of activities, a television show, or a computer application. For example: "The company launched a new training "program" for its employees."

What can I say instead of "program"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initiative", "project", "scheme", or "software".

Is it correct to use "program" for both computer software and a scheduled event?

Yes, "program" can refer to both. For clarity, specify "computer program" or "software program" for the former, and "event program" or "scheduled program" for the latter.

What is the difference between a "program" and a "policy"?

A ""program"" is a specific set of actions or activities designed to achieve a goal, while a "policy" is a guiding principle or rule that dictates how actions should be taken. A program often implements a policy.