It’s Called vs It Called: Meaning and Grammar

Ever typed a sentence, paused, and thought, “wait, is it it’s called or it called?” You’re not alone. This tiny apostrophe causes big confusion for native speakers and English learners alike. The good news? Once you understand the simple rule behind it, you’ll never mix them up again.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what “it’s called” means, when “it called” is the correct choice, and how to avoid the most common mistakes people make with these two phrases. Whether you’re a student, a writer, or just someone who wants to sound more confident in English, this article will clear up the confusion for good.

Quick Overview of “It’s Called vs It Called”

Before we go deep, here’s the short answer for anyone in a hurry.

The core difference comes down to one thing: “it’s” is a contraction of “it is,” while “it” alone is just a pronoun paired with a past-tense verb. That apostrophe changes the entire meaning of the sentence.

Now let’s unpack this properly, starting with the grammar itself.

What’s the Actual Difference Between “It’s Called” and “It Called”?

At first glance, these phrases look almost identical. Remove one apostrophe, and the meaning flips completely.

• “It’s called” = It is called. This is a present-tense phrase used to explain the name or label of something. You use it when introducing what something is known as.
• “It called” = the pronoun “it” plus the simple past tense of “call.” This refers to an action that already happened, usually a phone call, an animal sound, or something summoning attention.

Here’s a simple way to remember it: if you can replace the phrase with “it is called” and the sentence still makes sense, you need the apostrophe. If you’re talking about something that happened in the past, drop the apostrophe.

Quick test:

• What is this fruit? It’s called a dragon fruit. → “It is called” makes sense ✅
• My mom called me yesterday. It called at 9 PM. → doesn’t quite work; here you’d usually say “she called,” not “it called,” unless “it” refers to a device, animal, or object.

This is exactly where most confusion begins, so let’s look at each phrase individually.

Understanding “It’s Called” – Meaning and Usage

“It’s called” is one of the most common phrases in everyday English. You’ll hear it in conversations, product descriptions, tutorials, and explanations constantly.

Structure: It (subject) + ‘s (contraction of “is”) + called (past participle of “call”)

This construction is used in the passive voice, meaning the subject (“it”) is receiving the action of being named, rather than performing an action itself.

When to Use “It’s Called”

Use “it’s called” whenever you’re identifying, naming, or explaining what something is known as. Common situations include:

• Explaining names or terms: “What is this called?” “It’s called a boomerang.”
• Describing a concept: “It’s called the Doppler effect.”
• Introducing slang or informal names: “In Australian English, it’s called ‘arvo’ instead of afternoon.”
• Talking about places, dishes, or products: “It’s called Times Square because of the New York Times building.”

Why the Apostrophe Matters

Dropping the apostrophe by mistake (“its called”) is one of the most frequent grammar errors online. Remember:

• It’s = it is (or it has)
• Its = possessive form (belonging to it)

So “its called” is grammatically incorrect in almost every context, because “its” without an apostrophe means possession, not “it is.” A phrase needs the verb “is” to make sense here, which is exactly what the apostrophe represents.

When “It Called” Is Correct

“It called” is far less common in everyday speech, but it does have valid uses. This is the simple past tense of the verb “call,” referring to something that has already happened.

Common Uses of “It Called”

1. Referring to an object, device, or system that made a call The alarm system malfunctioned, and it called emergency services automatically.
2. Describing an animal or creature making a sound The owl called through the night.
3. Talking about something demanding attention or action Duty called, and it called loudly.
4. In storytelling or formal writing A voice echoed through the hills. It called out a name.

Notice that in all these examples, “it” refers to a specific noun already mentioned, a machine, an animal, or an abstract idea, and “called” describes an action that already took place.

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

Let’s look at the errors people make most often, so you can spot them instantly in your own writing.

• Mistake 1: Using “its called” instead of “it’s called.” Wrong: This flower, its called a lily. Correct: This flower is called a lily. / It’s called a lily.
• Mistake 2: Using “it’s called” when talking about a past action. Wrong: Yesterday, it’s called me twice. Correct: Yesterday, it called me twice.
• Mistake 3: Confusing “it’s called” with “it’s calling.” These are different tenses. “It’s calling” means an action is happening right now (present continuous), while “it’s called” refers to a name or label.
• Mistake 4: Overusing “it’s called” in formal writing. In academic or professional writing, phrases like “it’s called” can sound casual. Consider alternatives like “this is known as” or “this is referred to as.”
• Mistake 5: Forgetting subject-verb agreement with other pronouns. Remember, this rule only applies to “it.” Other pronouns follow different contraction patterns (he’s called, she’s called, they’re called).

Examples in Real-Life Contexts

Seeing these phrases in natural sentences makes the difference even clearer.

“It’s called” in context:

• “This app helps you track expenses. It’s called Mint.”
• “There’s a shortcut through the park, it’s called Miller’s Path.”
• “In cooking, that technique is called searing. It’s called that because it locks in the juices.”
• “What’s it called when the sun and moon align?”, “It’s called an eclipse.”

“It called” in context:

• “The taxi service was automated. It called me right after I booked.”
• “During the storm, the siren went off. It called everyone to shelter.”
• “The bird circled overhead, and it called out twice before flying away.”
• “My laptop had a virtual assistant feature. It called my contacts by accident.”

Notice how “it called” always follows a clear reference to something that performed the action earlier in the sentence or paragraph.

How to Decide Which One to Use

If you’re still unsure which phrase fits your sentence, run through this simple checklist:

1. Ask: is this about naming or identifying something? → Use “it’s called.”
2. Ask: is this about something that already happened (a call, sound, or action)? → Use “it called.”
3. Try the substitution test. Replace “it’s” with “it is.” If the sentence still makes sense, keep the apostrophe. If not, drop it.
4. Check the tense of the surrounding sentence. Present tense conversations (“what is this?”) usually pair with “it’s called.” Past tense storytelling pairs with “it called.”
5. Read the sentence aloud. Native speakers often catch the error faster by ear than by eye. “It’s called” and “it called” sound different enough once you’re listening for it.

Grammar Tips for ESL and Native Speakers

Whether English is your first language or your fifth, these tips will help the rule stick permanently.

• Remember the apostrophe rule for contractions: an apostrophe in “it’s” always signals a hidden word, either “is” or “has.” No apostrophe means possession (its) or a standalone past-tense verb (called).
• Use flashcards for tricky homophones: “it’s / its” is one of the most searched grammar pairs online, right alongside “your/you’re” and “their/there/they’re.”
• Practice with real questions: Ask yourself daily, “what is ~ called?” and answer using “it’s called.” This mirrors how the phrase is used naturally in speech, for example, “what’s it called when you forget a word mid-sentence? It’s called a tip-of-the-tongue moment.”
• Read your sentence back mentally as “it is.” If it flows, you’re using the contraction correctly.
• Don’t confuse tense with contraction. “It’s called” is not past tense, it’s present tense passive voice describing a current name or label.
• When writing formally, minimize contractions if your style guide prefers full words like “it is called” or “this is called.”

Quiz: Test Your Understanding

Try filling in the blank with either “it’s called” or “it called” before checking your answer.

1. My neighbor has a strange plant in her yard. ______ a snake plant.
2. The old truck broke down, so ______ a tow service.
3. What is this dance style? ______ salsa.
4. The wolf howled at midnight. ______ out again an hour later.
5. This street is famous for its bakeries. ______ Baker’s Row.

Answers: 1. It’s called | 2. it called | 3. It’s called | 4. It called | 5. It’s called

If you got most of these right, you’ve officially mastered the difference.

FAQs

What is “it called” used for?

“It called” is the simple past tense of “call,” used when referring to an action that already happened, like a phone call or a sound made in the past.

What’s it called when you’re not sure of a word?

When you can’t recall a specific term or name, you’d say, “I don’t know what it’s called,” using “it’s called” to ask about identification.

Is “its called” ever correct?

No. “Its called” without an apostrophe is grammatically incorrect in nearly every context, since “its” is possessive and doesn’t include the verb “is.”

What is it called when two words combine, like “it’s”?

That’s called a contraction, a shortened form of two words (in this case, “it” and “is”) joined with an apostrophe.

Can “it’s called” and “it is called” be used interchangeably?

Yes, they mean exactly the same thing. “It’s called” is simply the contracted, more conversational version of “it is called.”

Final Thoughts

The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to one small but powerful apostrophe. “It’s called” identifies or names something in the present, while “it called” describes a past action. Once you remember the substitution trick, swapping “it’s” for “it is”, this grammar rule becomes second nature.

Keep practicing with real sentences, read your writing aloud, and soon you’ll use both phrases correctly without even thinking twice.

Shoaib Ahmad

Shoaib Ahmad is a language-focused content writer and researcher at magazinesolo.com, where he explains the meaning of words, phrases, and text in a clear and reader-friendly way. His work focuses on simplifying language, uncovering context, and helping readers understand text with confidence and clarity.