B2 adjective Neutral

programming

/ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

Relating to the process of writing instructions for a computer or the scheduling of content for media and events. It describes activities, tools, or skills involved in creating software or organizing a sequence of programs.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Learning basic programming skills can help you automate repetitive tasks at home.

Learning basic programming skills can help you automate repetitive tasks at home.

2

The department is seeking a candidate with extensive programming experience in Python and Java.

The department is seeking a candidate with extensive programming experience in Python and Java.

3

I'm just doing some light programming on my laptop while I wait for the train.

I'm just doing some light programming on my laptop while I wait for the train.

Word Family

Noun
program
Verb
program
Adverb
programmatically
Adjective
programmable
Related
programmer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pro' who uses 'Grammar' for computers: a PRO-GRAMMER does PROGRAMMING.

Quick Quiz

Python is a very popular ______ language for beginners due to its simple syntax.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

Learning basic programming skills can help you automate repetitive tasks at home.

everyday

Learning basic programming skills can help you automate repetitive tasks at home.

2

The department is seeking a candidate with extensive programming experience in Python and Java.

formal

The department is seeking a candidate with extensive programming experience in Python and Java.

3

I'm just doing some light programming on my laptop while I wait for the train.

informal

I'm just doing some light programming on my laptop while I wait for the train.

4

The research paper discusses the evolution of functional programming paradigms over the last decade.

academic

The research paper discusses the evolution of functional programming paradigms over the last decade.

5

Our quarterly programming budget for the streaming service has increased significantly.

business

Our quarterly programming budget for the streaming service has increased significantly.

Word Family

Noun
program
Verb
program
Adverb
programmatically
Adjective
programmable
Related
programmer

Common Collocations

programming language programming language
computer programming computer programming
programming error programming error
object-oriented programming object-oriented programming
programming skills programming skills

Common Phrases

pair programming

pair programming

linear programming

linear programming

dynamic programming

dynamic programming

Often Confused With

programming vs programmable

Programming is the act or description of the process, whereas programmable describes something that has the ability to be programmed.

programming vs program

A program is the final product or the specific set of instructions, while programming is the activity of creating them.

📝

Usage Notes

While commonly used as a noun (the act of coding), 'programming' frequently acts as an attributive adjective to describe languages, skills, or styles. In British English, it is often spelled 'programming' but the related noun is 'programme' for media and 'program' for computers.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the double 'm' when adding the suffix '-ing'. Another mistake is using it to refer to general computer use instead of the specific act of writing code.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Pro' who uses 'Grammar' for computers: a PRO-GRAMMER does PROGRAMMING.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'programma', meaning a written public notice or an order of events.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an attributive adjective before nouns (e.g., programming language). Used as a gerund acting as a noun in subject or object positions.
🌍

Cultural Context

In the modern digital era, programming is often referred to as 'the new literacy' and is a core part of STEM education worldwide.

Quick Quiz

Python is a very popular ______ language for beginners due to its simple syntax.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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