Neil Welcome to The English We Speak, with me, Neil.
Feifei And me, Feifei.
Neil We have an expression which is about accepting new ideas or ways of doing things – it’s ‘get with the programme’.
Feifei ‘Get with the programme’. Give us some context, Neil.
Neil Right. So, I normally buy a sports magazine from the shop, but my friend told me to start reading it online because it saves paper.
Feifei Yes. You need to accept a new way of reading without wasting paper – you need to get with the programme.
Neil That’s right. And, Feifei, have you read the latest book in the crime series I recommended? You know, the series that everyone is reading, apart from you.
Feifei Yes, I have. It was amazing. When I said hadn’t read it, you said I needed to get with the programme.
Neil Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Let’s hear some more examples.
Examples My friend’s old-fashioned views offended people at her work. She was told to get with the programme.
You need to get with the programme if you want to work here. Don’t be late again.
The writer decided to get with the programme after seeing reviews which called his work outdated.
Feifei You’re listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English, and we are learning the expression ‘get with the programme’, which is a way of saying ‘accept new ways of doing things, modernise views or take on new ideas’.
Neil It’s an expression most commonly used in spoken English.
Feifei It’s often used to talk about someone or something being old-fashioned or processes that could be more efficient. For example, at work, sometimes workers need to get with the programme and start using new pieces of technology.
Neil Yes. And finally, if you go shopping, don’t buy a plastic bag. Get with the programme and use a reusable bag.
Feifei Thanks, Neil, I will. See you next time!
Neil Bye!