It’s Called vs. It Called: Understanding the Real Difference

I once confidently said, “It called a new beginning,” during a talk, and saw puzzled faces. What I meant was, “It’s called a new beginning.” That tiny apostrophe had flipped the entire meaning upside down. One small mark, yet such a big difference. In English, contractions like “It’s” (short for “it is” or “it has”) matter more than we think. They’re not just grammar fluff – they carry real weight in how native and non-native speakers speak, write, and understand each other. The moment you misuse one, it sounds wrong, even embarrassing, especially when people assume you’re doing it on purpose. This is exactly why we need to talk about “It’s Called vs. It Called” because small things make a big impact.

Let’s break it down: “It’s called” is used when you’re naming something, like “It’s called karma.” You’re stating a label or title. But when you say “It called,” it sounds like a subject is calling someone – or something – which becomes confusing fast. English is loaded with grammar traps, quirky details, and little quirks that make it tricky for any learner navigating through them.

Why “It’s Called” vs. “It Called” Is So Often Misunderstood

Both phrases sound similar, but their grammar and meanings couldn’t be more different. The confusion often stems from:

• Similar pronunciation
• Autocorrect or spellcheck errors
• Not understanding contractions or past tense usage
• Misinterpreting possessives (“its” vs. “it’s”)

Let’s start with what each one really means.

What Does “It’s” Actually Mean? A Contraction Breakdown

“It’s” is short for either:

• “It is”
• “It has”

That’s it. That’s all it ever means.

Common Examples of “It’s” as a Contraction

Full Form	Contraction	Example Sentence
It is	It’s	It’s a great day.
It has	It’s	It’s been raining all morning.

Quick Test: Try replacing “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.” If it fits, you’re using it correctly.

Breaking Down “It’s Called”

When you say “It’s called,” you’re using a passive voice construction. It means:

“It is called [something]” → The subject (it) is receiving the action (being called).

You’re giving a name to something.

Examples in Everyday Use

• It’s called the Doppler effect.
• This condition? It’s called sleep apnea.
• That new restaurant? It’s called “The Maple Lounge.”

You’re labeling, naming, or defining.

So What About “It Called”?

“It called” is a past tense action using the verb “call.” It means the subject actively called something or someone.

There’s no contraction here. It’s not a shortcut. It’s straightforward grammar.

Examples Using “It Called”

• The phone rang, and it called three times.
• The system glitched, then it called the backup function.
• I think it called the wrong number.

Here, “it” is doing the calling. That’s your big difference.

It’s Called vs. It Called: Direct Comparison

To make this crystal clear, here’s a visual breakdown:

Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example	Common Error
It’s called	Contraction (Passive Voice)	“It is named/labeled as”	It’s called jazz.	Its called jazz. (missing apostrophe)
It called	Simple Past Tense Verb	“It made a call” or “It took action”	It called the doctor.	It’s called the doctor. (wrong form)

Pro Tip: If you’re naming something, use “It’s called.” If something is performing an action, use “It called.”

Real-World Examples: “It’s Called” vs. “It Called” in Action

In Technology

• “It’s called machine learning.” → You’re labeling a concept.
• “It called the API again.” → The system took an action.

In Pop Culture

• “It’s called Stranger Things.” → You’re stating a title.
• “The ghost? It called its name three times.” → Storytelling past action.

In Education

• “It’s called photosynthesis.” → Definition.
• “The bell rang and it called everyone to lunch.” → Past action.

Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Mistake 1: Writing “Its called”

Wrong: Its called empathy. Why it’s wrong: “Its” is a possessive, not a contraction. Fix: It’s called empathy. ✅

Mistake 2: Using “It called” when defining something

Wrong: It called relativity. Why it’s wrong: Sounds like it’s doing the action. Fix: It’s called relativity. ✅

Mistake 3: Overcorrecting in Formal Writing

Wrong: In formal essays, some people avoid “It’s” and write awkward phrases like “It called being polite.” Fix: In most formal contexts, write: “It is called being polite.”

The Role of Possessive “Its” in the Confusion

Adding to the mix is the possessive “its” – no apostrophe.

Word	Type	Example
It’s	Contraction	It’s going to rain.
Its	Possessive Pronoun	Its cover is torn.
It called	Past Tense Verb Phrase	It called the police.

Remember: “Its” = ownership. “It’s” = It is / It has.

The Grammar Behind “It’s Called” – Passive Voice Explained

Passive voice means the subject receives the action, not performs it.

• Active: People call it genius.
• Passive: It’s called genius (by people).

That’s why “It’s called” works so well when labeling or defining.

When Should You Use “It’s Called”?

Use it when you want to:

• Label or name something
  • “It’s called reverse psychology.”
• Introduce a concept
  • “It’s called intermittent fasting.”
• Define a term
  • “It’s called emotional intelligence.”

These are all passive uses where the subject isn’t doing the action – it’s receiving a label.

When to Use “It Called” Correctly

Use “It called” when:

• You’re narrating a past event.
  • “It called for help.”
• The subject is a person or object taking action.
  • “It called a taxi.”

Avoid using “It called” when you mean to name something.

Formal vs. Informal Writing: What’s Acceptable Where?

Style	Preferred Use	Example
Formal	Avoid contractions	It is called a principle.
Informal	Use contractions	It’s called a shortcut.
Academic	Depends on tone	It is called metacognition.
Conversational	Use contractions	It’s called being honest.

How Native Speakers Actually Use These Phrases

In conversation, “It’s called” is far more common.

According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “it’s called” appears 7x more often in speech than “it called,” mainly because people talk about naming or describing things more often than describing what “it” did.

Visual Decision Guide: When to Use Each One

pgsql

CopyEdit

[Are you naming something?] 

    → Yes → Use “It’s called”

    → No → [Is it taking an action in the past?] 

            → Yes → Use “It called”

            → No → Recheck grammar

You can even print this chart or bookmark it.

Pro Writing Checklist: Master These Every Time

✅ Use “It’s called” to label or define something ✅ Use “It called” to describe a past action ✅ Never use “Its called” – always add the apostrophe ✅ Replace “It’s” with “It is” or “It has” to test usage ✅ Match tone: use “It is” in formal writing, “It’s” in casual speech

Why This Tiny Distinction Really Matters

Grammar isn’t just about being picky. It’s about clarity.

If you write, “It called kindness,” people might think your subject dialed a phone. But “It’s called kindness” instantly makes sense.

In business emails, academic papers, or casual texts – this difference builds trust and avoids confusion.

Memorable Tips to Remember the Difference

• Think of “It’s called” as naming a pet: “It’s called Buddy.”
• Think of “It called” like a phone: “It called someone yesterday.”
• Use the replacement trick: swap “it’s” for “it is” or “it has.”
• Listen out loud – your ears often catch what your eyes miss.

Final Thoughts:

Understanding the difference between “It’s called” and “It called” might seem small, but it plays a big role in how clear and credible your communication sounds. These two phrases aren’t interchangeable – they serve completely different grammatical functions. One is a contraction (short for “it is” or “it has”) that introduces or names something. The other is a simple past tense verb construction, describing an action already taken.

Mistakes with these expressions aren’t just minor slip-ups. In professional writing, business communication, or academic settings, getting it wrong can damage clarity and credibility. That’s why knowing when to use “It’s called” (for labeling or identifying) and “It called” (when something or someone took action) is so important.

In short: It’s called good writing. Not it called good writing.

FAQs:

Can “It’s called” and “It called” be used interchangeably?

No, they have different meanings. “It’s called” is used to name or describe something. “It called” describes a past action the subject performed. Swapping them changes the meaning completely.

Is “Its called” ever grammatically correct?

Never. “Its” is possessive, and “called” needs a subject with a verb. The correct form is “It’s called,” with the apostrophe indicating a contraction for “it is” or “it has.”

What’s the easiest way to tell the difference between them?

Use the replacement trick. If “it’s” can be replaced with “it is” or “it has,” then “it’s called” is right. If describing a past action by the subject, then “it called” fits.

Which is more common in daily conversation?

“It’s called” is far more common in spoken English, especially when introducing names, definitions, or new ideas. “It called” is more specific and used when describing actions in past tense.

Should I use “It’s called” in formal writing?

Yes, but cautiously. In very formal or academic writing, it’s better to use the full form “It is called.” However, in most business or general formal writing, “It’s called” is perfectly acceptable.