When I began mastering the English language, one of the tiniest yet most significant challenges was spotting the difference between phrases like “It’s Called” and “It Called.” At first, they sound almost identical when spoken quickly, but their actual usage is far from the same. That little twist, like a curveball, often confuses even native speakers and experienced learners. It all comes down to what each one is referring to. In grammar terms, “It’s Called” is a contraction of “it is called” or “it has called”, and it’s used for naming, identifying, or assigning a title to an object, idea, or place. One example would be: “That movie, it’s called Inception.” It makes perfect sense because it clearly states the name of something.
When we shift to “It Called,” the tricky part shows up. People start spotting errors when it’s used incorrectly. This form usually describes a past action, particularly in storytelling or reporting events. For example, we might say, “The bird called at dawn.” That’s describing an action, not identifying a name. When writing a sentence, recognizing this difference makes your message clearer. I still remember the “bam” moment when it all clicked for me- I could finally handle both phrases with confidence. That kind of clarity is what this article aims to shed light on this subject.
These two forms serve different purposes, and knowing when to use each is one of the small yet important details that separates a language pro from a beginner. It’s not just about memorizing random words; it’s about real-world communication. Though this pair may look harmless, they fill distinct roles.
Why “It’s Called” vs “It Called” Gets Confusing
Contractions, verb tenses, and the way we speak casually all contribute to the confusion. When people talk quickly, “it’s called” can sound like “it called” – especially in casual conversation or text.
But in writing, the distinction matters. “It’s called” is a contraction that means “it is called” or sometimes “it has been called,” depending on context. Meanwhile, “It called” is a simple past tense verb structure, meaning “it” (as a subject) acted of calling.
Getting this wrong can change the entire meaning of a sentence.
What Does “It’s” Actually Mean?
The word “it’s” is a contraction of:
- It is
- It has (rare, but possible)
Examples:
- “It’s raining outside.” = It is raining.
- “It’s been a long day.” = It has been a long day.
Important Note:
“It’s” is never possessive. That’s a common mistake. The possessive form is “its” without an apostrophe.
Breaking Down “It’s Called”: What It Means & When to Use It
“It’s called” is a present tense phrase using the passive voice. It literally means:
It is called [something].
Use Cases:
- To introduce or name something
- To explain a label or title
- To refer to a concept, object, or process
Examples:
- “It’s called a lunar eclipse.”
- “It’s called multitasking, and it doesn’t always work.”
- “It’s called the Gig Economy.”
What About “It Called”? When Is It Correct?
The phrase “it called” is grammatically correct but used very differently. It’s a past tense, active voice phrase.
It means that “it” (the subject) performed the action of calling.
Examples:
- “The app called multiple APIs.”
- “It called the main office at 10 a.m.”
- “It called me back after a few seconds.”
Notice how “it” in each case refers to something doing the action of calling (like an app, a system, or a person).
Key Takeaway:
- “It called” is about an action in the past.
- “It’s called” is about naming or describing something in the present.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Phrase | Full Form | Tense | Voice | Use Case | Example |
| It’s called | It is called | Present | Passive | Naming, describing | “It’s called a blackout poem.” |
| It called | It called | Past | Active | Past action performed by “it” | “It called 911 automatically.” |
| Its | (Possessive) | Not a verb | N/A | Possession | “Its battery is dead.” |
Why Writers Mix These Up So Often
This isn’t just a beginner’s mistake. Even experienced writers fall into this trap, especially when rushing or relying on autocorrect. Here’s why it happens:
- Speech vs. writing: We don’t always hear apostrophes.
- Contractions are casual: In formal writing, people try to avoid them and sometimes misuse them.
- “Its” and “It’s” confusion: Apostrophes make things look possessive when they’re not.
Real-Life Example:
❌ “It called an iPhone, and it changed everything.”
✅ “It’s called an iPhone, and it changed everything.”
The second version introduces the name; the first sounds like a tech glitch.
Quick Grammar Tests: Know Which to Use
Here are three foolproof tricks to decide whether “it’s called” or “it called” is correct:
1. Contraction Test
Can you expand “it’s” to “it is”?
- Try: “It is called…” ✓
- Try: “It is called you yesterday.” ❌ (Wrong)
2. Tense Test
Ask: Is the action happening now, or did it happen in the past?
- If now: Use “it’s called”
- If past: Use “it called.”
3. Subject-Verb Check
Who or what is doing the calling?
- If “it” acts: “It is called”
- If “it” receives the action: “It’s called”
Practical Usage of “It’s Called” in Real-Life Contexts
You’ll see “it’s called” in everything from ads to scientific explanations to pop culture references.
Example 1: Product Launch
“It’s called the Tesla Cybertruck, and it’s unlike anything you’ve seen.”
Example 2: Explaining a Term
“It’s called confirmation bias, and it affects how we interpret facts.”
Example 3: Humor & Irony
“It’s called sarcasm, maybe you’ve heard of it.”
In each case, “it’s called” introduces something the reader may not know.
The “Its” vs “It’s” Dilemma
This is where most people stumble.
- Its = possessive (belonging to “it”)
- It’s = contraction for “it is” or “it has”
Example Table:
| Sentence | Meaning |
| “It’s raining.” | It is raining. |
| “Its color is vibrant.” | The color of it is vibrant. |
| “It’s called a helix.” | It is called a helix. |
Should You Use “It’s Called” in Formal Writing?
That depends on your audience.
In formal academic or technical writing:
- Avoid contractions. Write “It is called…” instead.
In blogs, marketing, and casual content:
- “It’s called” sounds natural and engaging.
Pro Tip:
When in doubt, opt for clarity. If you’re unsure, spell it out: “It is called.”
Why This Distinction Matters
It’s not just about grammar rules- your credibility is on the line. When you confuse these phrases:
- You may change the tense and intent of a sentence
- You risk sounding unprofessional or unclear
- You hurt the reader’s trust and readability
Quote from the Chicago Manual of Style:
“Precision in pronouns and contractions is essential in maintaining clarity and voice in modern writing.”
Summary Table: “It’s Called” vs “It Called”
| Feature | “It’s Called” | “It Called” |
| Type | Contraction (It is/has) | Simple Past Verb |
| Tense | Present | Past |
| Voice | Passive | Active |
| Usage | Naming/Describing | Action already done |
| Formal Context | Avoid contraction | Acceptable if the context fits |
| Example | “It’s called mindfulness.” | “It called three times.” |
How to Avoid the Confusion Moving Forward
- Always read your sentence aloud. If it sounds wrong, it probably is.
- Use grammar tools like Hemingway or Grammarly to check tense and contractions.
- Create a personal grammar cheat sheet with common examples.
- Teach it to someone else. You’ll retain it better.
Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference
- Mnemonic: “If you can say It is, then it’s ‘it’s.'”
- Sticky phrase: “It’s called magic, not a mistake.”
- Quick test: Substitute “it is.” If it works, use the contraction.
Conclusion
The difference between “It’s called” and “It called” might seem small, but it’s a distinction that affects both meaning and tone. One refers to naming something in the present- “It’s called…”– while the other reports an action that occurred in the past- “It called…” Misusing them can confuse readers, dilute your message, or even change your intended meaning entirely.
Understanding grammar at this level isn’t just for writers or language lovers- it’s for anyone who wants to be taken seriously in communication. Whether you’re writing a professional email, posting on social media, or simply explaining something in conversation, using the right phrase shows clarity, accuracy, and intention.
The best writing feels natural, flows smoothly, and leaves no doubt about what you mean. Mastering subtle differences like these ensures that your writing isn’t just grammatically correct, but powerful and professional, too.
So the next time you’re unsure, take a second and ask: Am I naming something now, or describing an action that happened? That little check makes all the difference.
FAQs
Is “It’s Called” grammatically correct?
Yes, “It’s Called” is grammatically correct because it is a contraction of “it is called.” The phrase is commonly used when naming or describing something. For example, “It’s called a smartphone.” This structure sounds natural in both spoken and written English and is widely accepted in formal and informal communication.
Why is “It Called” often incorrect?
“It Called” is usually incorrect because it feels incomplete without additional words. A sentence normally needs a helping verb or more context. For example, “It called me yesterday” is correct because “called” works as the action verb. However, saying only “It’s called a phone” may sound unclear or grammatically awkward.
What does “It’s Called” mean in English?
“It’s Called” means “it is known by this name.” People use it to introduce names, labels, or terms. For example, “It’s called a dictionary.” This phrase helps explain what something is named and is very common in daily English conversations and educational writing.
Can “It Called” ever be correct?
Yes, “It Called” can be correct when “called” acts as the main verb in the sentence. For example, “It called my phone twice.” In this case, “called” describes an action performed by “it.” The phrase simply cannot stand alone without proper sentence structure or context.
Which phrase is more common in daily conversation?
“It’s Called” is much more common in everyday English. Native speakers frequently use it while explaining names, ideas, or objects. You may hear sentences like “It’s called a laptop” or “It’s called teamwork.” The phrase sounds complete, natural, and easy to understand in conversation.
Is “It’s Called” formal or informal?
“It’s Called” works in both formal and informal English. In casual speech, contractions like “it’s” are very common. In formal writing, some people prefer using the full form “it is called.” Both versions are grammatically correct and acceptable depending on the writing style or situation.
How can I remember the difference easily?
A simple way to remember the difference is to expand the contraction. “It’s Called” becomes “It is called,” which clearly sounds complete. If you replace “it’s” with “it is” and the sentence still makes sense, then the phrase is probably correct. This trick helps many English learners avoid mistakes.
Do native speakers use “It Called”?
Native speakers rarely use “It Called” by itself. They usually include more words to complete the sentence, such as “It called me” or “It called attention to the issue.” Without proper context, the phrase sounds unnatural and incomplete in standard English grammar.
Is “It’s Called” suitable for academic writing?
Yes, the phrase is suitable for academic writing, although some writers prefer the full form “it is called” in very formal documents. Both expressions are grammatically accurate and commonly used when defining terms, introducing concepts, or explaining technical vocabulary in essays and research papers.
What is the biggest mistake learners make with these phrases?
The most common mistake is using “It Called” when they actually mean “It’s Called.” Many learners forget the helping verb “is,” which makes the sentence incomplete. Understanding sentence structure and practicing examples can help learners use the correct phrase naturally and confidently.
