programmed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "programmed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the specific functions or behaviors that a system, device, or individual has been designed to perform. Example: "The robot is programmed to assist with household chores, making daily tasks easier for its users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He seemed programmed to write".

The New York Times - Books

You're programmed to like it.

The Guardian - Tech

We're programmed to explore everything around us.

The Guardian

That's what I've been programmed to do.

The Guardian - Sport

We are programmed to be let down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their population is programmed to grow dramatically.

The Guardian

It is programmed to be skeptical.

The New York Times

What should it be programmed to do?

The Guardian - Tech

They're being programmed to do commando operations".

The New Yorker

They are programmed to do business".

The New York Times

That's what they're programmed to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "programmed to" to accurately describe systems or individuals designed to perform specific actions. Ensure the context clearly indicates intentional design or configuration, avoiding overuse in situations implying natural tendencies.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "programmed to" when describing natural human behaviors or instincts. This phrase is more appropriate for artificial or deliberately designed systems. Using words like "inclined" or "predisposed" may be more accurate when describing people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "programmed to" functions as a verb phrase indicating that someone or something has been configured or trained to perform a specific action or behavior. This is supported by Ludwig AI which confirms its usability in written English. The numerous examples illustrate its use in describing both mechanical and behavioral instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "programmed to" is a versatile verb phrase that indicates a pre-determined function or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, the phrase conveys that something or someone has been configured or trained to respond in a certain way. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's important to choose the phrase carefully, especially when describing human behavior, to avoid implying a lack of free will. Alternatives like "designed to" or "set to" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed to

Focuses on the intent behind the creation or setup, rather than the method.

set to

Implies a pre-arranged or scheduled action, differing from a fundamental characteristic.

configured to

Emphasizes the arrangement of components for a specific purpose.

engineered to

Suggests a more complex or sophisticated design process.

predisposed to

Indicates a natural inclination or tendency, unlike a deliberate programming.

hardwired to

Implies an innate, biological, or deeply ingrained characteristic.

destined to

Conveys a sense of fate or inevitability, rather than intentional design.

trained to

Highlights the process of learning and skill development.

instructed to

Focuses on the act of giving specific commands or orders.

compelled to

Implies an external force or obligation driving the action.

FAQs

How can I use "programmed to" in a sentence?

The phrase "programmed to" describes something or someone that has been specifically designed or trained to perform a certain function or behavior. For instance, "The robot is programmed to clean the house" or "The soldiers were programmed to follow orders without question".

What's the difference between "programmed to" and "designed to"?

While both phrases imply intention, "programmed to" often refers to a more systematic or technical configuration, especially in computing or behavioral contexts. "Designed to" is broader and can apply to more general intended purposes without the implication of a specific coded instruction.

What are some alternatives to "programmed to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "set to", "configured to", "engineered to", or "trained to" to convey similar meanings without sounding overly technical or deterministic.

Is it appropriate to use "programmed to" when talking about human behavior?

Using "programmed to" for human behavior can be appropriate if you are emphasizing the learned or conditioned nature of the behavior, suggesting it's not innate but acquired through training or social conditioning. However, it can sometimes sound dehumanizing, so choose your words carefully.