participating in a program vs participating on a program

Both phrases are commonly used in English, but in different contexts. 'Participating in a program' is correct to use when referring to being involved in or taking part in a program. On the other hand, 'participating on a program' is not incorrect, but is less common and is usually used when referring to being a guest or contributor on a specific program, such as a TV show or radio program.

Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 26, 2024 • 2959 views

participating in a program

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when referring to being involved in or taking part in a program.

Examples:

She is participating in a leadership development program.
Students are actively participating in the school's recycling program.
He will be participating in a training program next month.

Show examples from the web [+]

My son was killed participating in a football program at McKinley High.
We're participating in a grant program set up to revitalize the city.
We can't speak for the parole board, but if you're successfully participating in the program, we're happy to send somebody into the meeting to vouch for your work.
I'm also excited because, for the first time, Newton high school is participating in a brand-new foreign student exchange program.
For example, for persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programs, only a written request from the host organisation is needed.
persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, including university and other exchange programs, who regularly travel to the Member States;
Did this prevent you from participating in your school's PE program?
This Agreement shall apply, in so far as Euratom is concerned, to the territories to which the Treaty establishing Euratom applies and to the territories of the countries participating in the Euratom fusion program as fully associated third States.
This Agreement shall apply, in so far as Euratom is concerned, to the territories to which the Treaty establishing Euratom applies and to the territories of the countries participating in the Euratom fusion program as fully associated third States.
Training researchers and participating in mobility programmes.
Member States participating in the experiment should report annually.
Obstacles preventing women from participating in scientific work still exist today.
Never unplug a program when I'm engaged.
A program for reading and writing news.
I started a program to help local business.
Nat works for Oxfam as a program coordinator.
A program designated Northern Lights has...
Ministers participating in Councils are best placed to explain their collective decisions in their own countries.
This involves support for individuals participating in projects and start-ups requiring sub-investment-grade and therefore higher-risk loans.
Eligible activities: participating in fairs organised by the Diputación de Salamanca and providing technical assistance to the Salamancan livestock sector.

Alternatives:

engaging in a program
taking part in a program
being involved in a program

participating on a program

This phrase is not incorrect, but it is less common and used in a specific context.

This phrase is used when referring to being a guest or contributor on a specific program, such as a TV show or radio program.