If you’ve ever wondered whether to write “it’s called” or “it called,” you’re not alone. These phrases look almost identical, but the missing apostrophe in “it called” changes the grammar and meaning completely. Choosing the right expression is important when you’re describing the name of something in everyday conversation, academic writing, or professional communication.
The good news is that the correct choice is usually very simple: “it’s called” is the standard expression when you want to say that something has a particular name. “It called” is generally incorrect when used with that meaning because the sentence needs a form of the verb to be. However, “it called” can be grammatically correct in certain contexts when called is being used as a verb meaning “phoned” or “shouted.”
Quick Answer
“It’s called” is correct when you mean “it is called” or “its name is.”
“It called” can be correct only when called is the main verb, usually meaning that it made a phone call or shouted out.
Examples:
- ✅ It’s called a smartphone.
- ✅ It’s called the Blue Moon.
- ❌ It called the Blue Moon. (incorrect if you mean “It is named the Blue Moon.”)
- ✅ The machine called the number automatically. (different meaning)
So, if you’re talking about the name of something, use “it’s called.”
What Does “It’s Called” Mean?
“It’s called” is a shortened form of “it is called.”
Here, it’s = it is.
The phrase is used when identifying the name, title, term, or description of something.
For example:
- It’s called a laptop.
- It’s called the Eiffel Tower.
- It’s called a solar eclipse.
- It’s called English grammar.
- It’s called a traditional recipe.
You can usually replace “it’s” with “it is” to check whether the sentence is correct.
For example:
It’s called a rose.
Becomes:
It is called a rose.
The sentence still makes sense, so “it’s called” is correct.
What Does “It Called” Mean?
“It called” is not normally used to identify the name of something.
However, it can be grammatically correct when called functions as a past-tense verb.
For example:
- The phone called unexpectedly.
- The system called the wrong number.
- The machine called the emergency service.
- The dog called out to its owner. (less natural than “called out”)
In these examples, called means something like made a call or cried out, rather than was named.
Therefore, “it called” isn’t automatically grammatically wrong. The problem occurs when writers use it when they actually mean “it is called.”
It’s Called vs It Called: Comparison Table
| Expression | Grammar | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s called | It + is + called | It has a particular name | It’s called a dictionary. |
| It called | It + past-tense verb | It made a call or cried out | The system called automatically. |
| It is called | Full form | Same as “it’s called” | It is called a solar panel. |
| Its called | Incorrect in standard usage | Missing apostrophe | ❌ Its called a laptop. |
The key difference is the function of called in each sentence.
When Should You Use “It’s Called”?
Use “it’s called” when you’re telling someone the name of something.
This is by far the most common situation.
Examples
- What is this flower? It’s called a sunflower.
- Do you know that building? It’s called the Empire State Building.
- This dish is delicious. It’s called biryani.
- What is this grammatical rule? It’s called subject-verb agreement.
- That instrument is called a violin.
You can also use the phrase when explaining terminology:
- It’s called a metaphor.
- It’s called a compound word.
- It’s called a renewable resource.
When Can “It Called” Be Correct?
Although “it called” is often mistaken for an incorrect version of “it’s called,” it has legitimate uses.
For example:
The computer called the number automatically.
Here, called means that the computer made a telephone call.
Another example:
The bird called from the tree.
Here, called means the bird made a sound.
You could also say:
The program called the function.
In computing, called can mean that one function or process activated another.
Therefore, context is important.
The Easiest Grammar Test
There’s a simple test that can help you choose between “it’s called” and “it called.”
Replace “It’s” With “It Is”
Take this sentence:
It’s called a notebook.
Replace it’s with it is:
It is called a notebook.
It works perfectly.
Now consider:
It called a notebook.
If your intended meaning is “It is named a notebook,” the sentence doesn’t work.
So remember:
If “it is” makes sense, “it’s” is probably correct.
It’s vs Its: A Common Source of Confusion
Another common mistake is confusing it’s with its.
It’s
It’s is a contraction of it is or it has.
Examples:
- It’s cold today. → It is cold today.
- It’s called a tablet. → It is called a tablet.
- It’s been repaired. → It has been repaired.
Its
Its is a possessive determiner.
Examples:
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The company changed its policy.
- The computer lost its connection.
Therefore:
❌ Its called a laptop.
✅ It’s called a laptop.
This is one of the most common punctuation errors in English.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using “It Called” for a Name
❌ This animal it called a tiger.
✅ This animal is called a tiger.
Or:
✅ It’s called a tiger.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Apostrophe
❌ Its called a smartphone.
✅ It’s called a smartphone.
The apostrophe shows that it’s is a contraction.
Mistake 3: Confusing “It’s Called” With “It Called”
❌ I don’t know what it called.
If you’re asking about a name, say:
✅ I don’t know what it’s called.
Mistake 4: Using “It’s” When You Need “Its”
❌ The company changed it’s name.
Here, you mean possession.
✅ The company changed its name.
“What’s It Called?” vs “What Did It Call?”
These questions have completely different meanings.
What’s It Called?
This means:
What is its name?
Example:
I found a new plant. What’s it called?
Answer:
It’s called a peace lily.
What Did It Call?
This means:
What did it phone or contact?
Example:
The computer made a call. What did it call?
Answer:
It called the customer service number.
This distinction is particularly useful because both questions can sound similar in rapid speech.
It’s Called in American and British English
There is no meaningful American vs British English difference in the expression “it’s called.”
Both American English and British English use:
- It’s called a car.
- What’s it called?
- It’s called a university.
- I don’t know what it’s called.
The grammar is the same in both varieties.
However, pronunciation and accent may vary slightly between speakers, but the written form remains the same.
Formal and Informal Alternatives
“It’s called” is natural in both casual and professional communication.
For formal writing, you can use:
- It is called…
- It is known as…
- It is referred to as…
- The term for this is…
For example:
Casual:
It’s called photosynthesis.
Formal:
It is known as photosynthesis.
Both communicate essentially the same idea, but the longer forms may sound more formal.
Examples in Different Situations
Everyday Conversation
“What’s that tool called?”
“It’s called a screwdriver.”
Academic Writing
“This process is called cellular respiration.”
Business Communication
“The document is called the annual financial report.”
Technology
“This feature is called two-factor authentication.”
Food and Cooking
“The dish is called paella.”
These examples show why “it’s called” is such a useful expression in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “it’s called” correct?
Yes. “It’s called” is correct and means “it is called.” It is commonly used to identify the name of something.
Is “it called” grammatically correct?
It can be grammatically correct when called is a past-tense verb, such as “The computer called the number.” It is incorrect if you intend to say “it is called.”
What is the difference between “it’s called” and “it called”?
“It’s called” means something has a particular name. “It called” means that something made a call, shouted, or performed another action involving the verb call.
Is “its called” correct?
No, not when you mean “it is called.” The correct form is “it’s called.” The apostrophe indicates the contraction of it is.
What does “What’s it called?” mean?
“What’s it called?” means “What is its name?” It is a very common way to ask for the name of something.
Is “it’s called” the same in American and British English?
Yes. Both American and British English use “it’s called” in the same way.
Can I use “it is called” instead of “it’s called”?
Yes. “It is called” is the full form of “it’s called.” The full form can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.
How can I remember the correct form?
Remember that it’s = it is. If you can replace “it’s” with “it is” and the sentence still makes sense, “it’s” is likely the correct choice.
Summary
The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” is mainly about grammar and meaning. When you want to identify the name of something, use “it’s called,” which is short for “it is called.” For example, “It’s called a butterfly” means “It is called a butterfly.”
“It called” can be correct when called is being used as a past tense verb, such as in “The computer called the number.” Also remember the related distinction between it’s and its: it’s means it is or it has, while its shows possession. Understanding these small differences will help you write more accurately and naturally.
