programmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "programmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of writing code or creating software, or when discussing how a system or device is set up to perform specific functions. Example: "The robot was programmed to navigate through the maze autonomously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It renders their own survival immaterial and means they're programmed to do whatever's necessary to enhance the survival of the group.

The Guardian

They programmed the game in their spare time, accessing the computer labs in the evenings.

The Guardian - Tech

"I keep forgetting that most people are totally friggin' oblivious to how they are being programmed and controlled from birth upwards from your name, being a 'citizen', which basically enters you into a contract, it goes on from there".

The Guardian - Music

Dutchwoman Anouk van den Waal argued that: "If there could be an emergency machine that manufactures leaders in a crisis, Mrs Merkel is probably something we would have programmed into it.

The Guardian

Your two-year-old niece may be incredibly advanced but she is developmentally programmed to put small things in her mouth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"My theatres have no public funds and live purely off ticket sales," said José Cimarro, a Madrid producer who has programmed Madame Bovary, The War of the Roses and An Inspector Calls at his two theatres, La Latina and Bellas Artes.

The Guardian

A theatre that has just programmed first plays by DC Moore, Polly Stenham and Alexi Kaye Campbell can look any playhouse in the world in the eye.

The Guardian

He joined the RSC, and in 1992 started to run the Donmar, which he has programmed with an eclectic mix, from Stoppard and Sondheim to Shakespeare.

The Guardian - Film

Several of the projects programmed by Hytner, including War Horse and One Man, Two Guvnors, went on to significant success in the West End and abroad.

The Guardian

Surely we're programmed to soak up as much information as we can?

The Guardian

For example, those being monitored for a UTI are asked about their state of health before they got an infection, and these questions are programmed into their home unit to answer every day.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to software or hardware, use "programmed" to describe setting up specific functionalities. For example, "The device was programmed to shut down automatically."

Common error

While versatile, "programmed" can sound unnatural if used excessively in contexts unrelated to computers or technology. In such cases, consider alternatives like "scheduled" or "arranged".

Linguistic Context

The word "programmed" functions primarily as a past participle or adjective. It describes something that has been set up with specific instructions, often in a technological context. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing machines, software, and even human behavior in a metaphorical sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "programmed" is frequently used as a past participle or adjective, signifying that something has been configured or instructed to perform specific functions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for describing systems, machines, or even, metaphorically, human behavior. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "programmed", consider the potential for technical or metaphorical interpretations and choose synonyms like "set up", "configured", or "designed" to enhance clarity. Be mindful of overusing "programmed" in non-technical contexts, where alternative terms may sound more natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set up

Emphasizes the act of configuring or preparing something for a specific purpose.

configured

Focuses on the arrangement and setup of components or settings.

designed

Highlights the intentional planning and creation of something for a specific function.

engineered

Suggests a more complex and technical approach to creating or setting something up.

instructed

Implies that someone or something has been given specific commands or directions.

scheduled

Focuses on setting a specific time or sequence for an event or task.

predetermined

Highlights that something was decided in advance.

conditioned

Refers to training or influencing behavior through repeated exposure or experiences.

brainwashed

Implies a forceful and manipulative influence on someone's beliefs or thoughts.

indoctrinated

Suggests teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

FAQs

How can I use "programmed" in a sentence?

You can use "programmed" to describe setting up a device, software, or even a system to perform specific tasks. For example, "The robot was "programmed" to navigate the maze autonomously."

What can I say instead of "programmed"?

Alternatives to "programmed" include "set up", "configured", "designed", or "instructed" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone is "programmed" to behave a certain way?

While it can be used metaphorically, saying someone is "programmed" can imply a lack of free will. Consider alternatives like "conditioned" or "trained" if you want to avoid this connotation.

What's the difference between "programmed" and "scheduled"?

"Programmed" generally refers to setting up functions in a device or system, while "scheduled" refers to setting a specific time for an event to occur. A device can be "programmed" to perform a task, and that task might be "scheduled" for a certain time.