English can become confusing when a tiny word changes the entire structure of a sentence. “It’s called” and “it called” look almost identical, but they perform completely different grammatical jobs. Understanding the difference is essential for clear writing, accurate speech, and natural English.
The main distinction is simple: “it’s called” usually means “it is called”, while “it called” normally describes an action performed by it in the past. The apostrophe in it’s is not decorative. It represents the verb is.
Consider these two sentences: “It’s called a smartphone” and “It called the office yesterday.” The first sentence identifies or names something. The second says that something made a phone call. The meaning changes because the grammatical structure changes.
If you have ever hesitated between it’s called vs it called, you are dealing with a common English grammar problem. The good news is that a few reliable tests can make the distinction much easier.
The Core Rule Explained Simply
The fastest way to understand it’s called is to expand the contraction.
It’s = it is.
Therefore:
It’s called a laptop.
= It is called a laptop.
The phrase “it’s called” commonly introduces the name, label, title, or description of something. It is especially common when identifying an object, concept, place, process, or expression.
Now look at it called.
Here, it is the subject and called is the main verb. The sentence means that it made a telephone call or, depending on context, that it summoned someone.
For example:
The machine called the technician.
Here, called is an ordinary past-tense verb. There is no contraction, and no hidden is.
The core rule is therefore straightforward:
It’s called = it is called.
It called = it made a call or summoned someone.
Here’s why:
The apostrophe creates a grammatical contraction. Without that apostrophe, the sentence can have an entirely different meaning.
“It’s Called” Means “It Is Called”
Use it’s called when you are naming or identifying something.
Examples:
- It’s called a renewable energy system.
- It’s called a compound sentence.
- It’s called the Pacific Ocean.
- It’s called a metaphor.
- It’s called an operating system.
In each example, it can be replaced by it is.
It’s called a metaphor.
It is called a metaphor.
Both versions are grammatical.
“It Called” Describes an Action
Use it called when it acted of calling.
Examples:
- The phone rang, and it called the emergency number automatically.
- The robot called the control center.
- The system called my number twice.
- The device called the service desk.
Here, called is a past-tense verb.
You cannot replace it with it is without changing or breaking the sentence.
It called the office.
It is called the office.
These sentences do not mean the same thing.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Situation | Example | Meaning | Correct Usage |
| Naming something | It’s called a glossary. | It is named a glossary. | It’s called |
| Identifying a term | It’s called irony. | The term for it is irony. | It’s called |
| Giving a title | It’s called “The Long Road.” | Its title is “The Long Road.” | It’s called |
| Describing a past call | It called my office. | It made a call to my office. | It called |
| Reporting an action | The system called the number. | The system contacted the number. | It called |
| Describing a label | It’s called a password manager. | That is its name or category. | It’s called |
| Describing a summons | The manager called the employee. | The manager summoned or contacted the employee. | Called |
| Identifying terminology | It’s called a dependent clause. | That is its grammatical name. | It’s called |
Deep Dive into “It’s Called”
The phrase “it’s called” is one of the most useful structures for introducing terminology. You can use it when explaining what something is named, known as, or referred to as.
For English learners, this construction appears frequently in dictionaries, textbooks, classrooms, articles, conversations, and technical explanations.
When to Use “It’s Called”
Use it’s called when the purpose of the sentence is identification.
For example:
This punctuation mark is called a semicolon.
You can make the sentence conversational:
It’s called a semicolon.
The speaker is not saying that the punctuation mark acted. The speaker is explaining its name.
The same pattern works with many subjects:
It’s called a deadline.
It’s called a nickname.
It’s called a shortcut.
It’s called a homophone.
It’s called a quotation mark.
The structure is especially useful when introducing a word that readers may not know.
The Grammar Behind “It’s Called”
In “It’s called a noun,” the structure can be analyzed as:
It + is + called + noun
The word called functions as a past participle in a passive construction. The subject receives the action rather than performing it.
Compare:
People call it a noun.
This is active.
It is called a noun.
This is passive.
The shortened version is:
It’s called a noun.
That is why it’s called is so common in explanations.
Examples in Different Contexts
Grammar:
It’s called an adjective because it modifies a noun or pronoun.
Technology:
It’s called two-factor authentication.
Science:
It’s called evaporation when a liquid changes into a gas.
Geography:
It’s called a peninsula because water surrounds it on three sides.
Everyday conversation:
It’s called a food processor.
Literature:
It’s called a metaphor because it compares ideas without using “like” or “as.”
Notice the shared pattern. In every example, the speaker is giving a name or classification.
Quick Test for “It’s Called”
Try replacing it’s with it is.
If the sentence still makes sense, it’s called is probably correct.
For example:
It’s called a comma.
Replace it:
It is called a comma.
The sentence works.
Try another:
It’s called a solar eclipse.
Replace it:
It is called a solar eclipse.
Again, it works.
Now ask yourself whether the sentence is answering a question such as:
“What is this called?”
If the answer is yes, it’s called is usually the structure you need.
Let’s make this concrete.
Question: What is this punctuation mark called?
Answer: It’s called an em dash.
Question: What is this process called?
Answer: It’s called photosynthesis.
Question: What is this type of sentence called?
Answer: It’s called a complex sentence.
The naming function is the key.
Deep Dive into “It Called”
The expression “it called” has a different grammatical structure. Here, called is the simple past form of the verb call.
The subject acts.
For example:
The automated system called me yesterday.
You can shorten the subject:
It called me yesterday.
The meaning is clear. The system made a telephone call.
When to Use “It Called”
Use it called when it is the thing acting on calling.
The action could involve:
- making a telephone call
- contacting someone
- summoning someone
- requesting someone’s attention
- calling a meeting
- calling a number
For example:
The machine called the support center.
The machine is presented as the actor.
Another example:
The program called the server automatically.
Again, called is an action.
“It Called” With Objects
The verb call can take a direct object.
Examples include:
It called me.
It called the police.
It called the manager.
It called the customer.
It called the office.
The person or organization receiving the call appears after called.
This pattern can help you recognize the structure.
It + called + someone/something
For example:
It called the doctor.
The sentence says that it contacted the doctor.
“It Called” Does Not Name Something
This is where many mistakes happen.
Consider:
It’s called a database.
This identifies something.
Now:
It called a database.
This means that it contacted or summoned a database, which is a completely different idea.
The apostrophe therefore matters.
It’s called describes a name or label.
It called describes an action.
Common Past-Tense Patterns
You can often recognize it as past tense because the sentence contains a time reference.
Examples:
It called yesterday.
It called earlier.
It called me last night.
It called three times.
It called the office this morning.
These sentences describe completed actions in the past.
The time expression is not required, but when it appears, it often makes the past-tense meaning obvious.
The Meaning Shift
The difference between it’s called and it called is not merely a spelling issue. It is a meaning shift caused by grammar.
When you write it’s called, you are normally talking about what something is named.
When you write it called, you are normally talking about what something did.
Compare:
It’s called a scanner.
This tells the reader the object’s name.
It called the scanner.
This says that another entity, represented by it, contacted or summoned the scanner.
The first sentence contains a passive construction. The second uses a simple past active construction.
This distinction becomes especially important in technical writing. A missing apostrophe can turn an explanation into a completely different statement.
There is also a pronunciation issue. In ordinary speech, it’s is usually pronounced as a short form of it is, while it and called are pronounced as separate words. Fast speech can make the distinction less obvious, which contributes to spelling mistakes.
Why the Confusion Persists
The confusion persists partly because it’s and it sound similar in connected speech. When people speak quickly, the grammatical difference may not be visually obvious.
Another reason is that called can function in several grammatical roles. It can describe an action, but it can also appear as part of a passive structure.
Compare:
The teacher called me.
Here, called is an active verb.
I was called by the teacher.
Here, called is part of a passive construction.
It’s called a lesson.
Here, called is also part of a passive construction, with it is contracted to it’s.
English learners may therefore recognize the word called but miss the role of the words surrounding it.
Another source of confusion is the apostrophe. Some writers treat apostrophes as optional marks used mainly for style. They are not. In contractions, apostrophes represent omitted letters.
It’s = it is
That’s = that is
There’s = there is
Who’s = who is
Removing the apostrophe can change the grammatical structure.
Formal vs Casual Contexts
Both it’s called and it called can appear in formal and casual English. The difference is not about formality. It is about meaning and grammar.
In casual conversation, speakers frequently use the contraction:
It’s called a food truck.
This sounds natural and conversational.
In more formal writing, especially when maximum clarity is preferred, writers may use the complete form:
It is called a food truck.
Both are grammatically correct.
Academic writing may favor the full form depending on the publication’s style, but it’s called is not inherently incorrect or unprofessional.
For it called, there is no contraction issue.
The automated system made the call.
This is appropriate in reports, technical documentation, and ordinary conversation if the intended meaning is that the system made the call.
The important point is simple:
Formality does not determine whether “it’s called” or “it called” is correct. Meaning does.
Case Studies and Pop Culture Examples
Everyday language provides countless examples of the distinction.
Imagine a character in a movie showing a strange machine to another character.
“What is this thing?”
The response might be:
“It’s called a communicator.”
The speaker is identifying the object.
Now imagine a scene involving an automated device:
“What happened after the alarm?”
“It called the emergency service.”
Here, the device acted.
The same distinction appears in books and educational materials.
A science textbook might say:
“It’s called condensation when water vapor turns into liquid.”
A technical report might say:
“The monitoring system called the administrator after detecting an error.”
A grammar lesson might say:
“It’s called a subordinate clause.”
A story might say:
“The old telephone called the number automatically.”
These examples demonstrate why context matters. The word called itself does not tell you which construction is correct. You must examine the grammatical structure and intended meaning.
Academic and Educational Context
Teachers frequently use it’s called when introducing terminology.
For example:
“This pattern is called parallel structure.”
Or conversationally:
“It’s called parallel structure.”
Students may also encounter:
“This phenomenon is called assimilation.”
The construction helps explain terminology efficiently.
Technology and Digital Systems
Technology provides many examples of it called because programs and devices can perform actions.
For example:
“The application called the server.”
This indicates an action.
But when defining a technology:
“It’s called an application programming interface.”
That sentence identifies the term.
The difference remains consistent even when the subject is abstract.
Advanced Scenarios and Flowchart
Some sentences require a little more thought because call has several meanings. Use this decision process when you are uncertain.
Start with the sentence you want to write.
↓
Are you giving the name, title, label, or terminology for something?
↓ Yes
Use “it’s called.”
Example:
It’s called a thesis statement.
↓ No
Are you saying that “it” performed the action of calling, contacting, or summoning someone or something?
↓ Yes
Use “it called.”
Example:
It called the manager.
↓ No
Can you replace “it’s” with “it is”?
↓ Yes
Use “it’s.”
Example:
It’s called a keyboard.
It is called a keyboard.
↓ No
Does the sentence describe a completed action in the past?
↓ Yes
Consider “it called.”
Example:
It called me yesterday.
↓
Still uncertain?
Ask:
“Am I naming something, or am I describing an action?”
Naming → It’s called
Action → It called
That final question solves most cases.
Quick Reference Table
| Phrase | Basic Meaning | Example |
| It’s called | It is named or known as | It’s called a dictionary. |
| It called | It made a call or summoned someone | It called the office. |
Remember the substitution test:
It’s called → It is called
If that replacement works, the contraction is correct.
For it called, think of called as an ordinary past-tense verb.
It called → It contacted/summoned
If that meaning fits, you probably need it called.
Common Mistakes That Lower Quality
Mistake 1: Writing “It called” When Giving a Name
Incorrect:
It called a metaphor.
If you mean that something has the name metaphor, write:
It’s called a metaphor.
The apostrophe is essential because it’s means it is.
Mistake 2: Removing the Apostrophe From “It’s”
Some writers type:
Its called a keyboard.
This is incorrect when the intended meaning is it is called.
Its, without an apostrophe, is normally a possessive determiner.
For example:
The company changed its policy.
That is different from:
It’s called a new policy.
The first indicates possession or association. The second means it is called.
Mistake 3: Assuming “Called” Always Means a Phone Call
The verb call has multiple meanings.
It can mean:
contact someone by phone
It can mean:
give something a name
It can mean:
summon someone
It can mean:
request an action
Therefore, you cannot choose the spelling based only on the word called.
Mistake 4: Using Context Incorrectly
Consider:
It’s called me twice.
If you mean that something contacted you twice, this is wrong.
The correct sentence is:
It called me twice.
Why?
Because called is describing an action performed by it.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the “It Is” Test
This is one of the easiest ways to catch an error.
Write:
It’s called a browser.
Then expand it:
It is called a browser.
The meaning remains intact.
That is strong evidence that it’s is correct.
Mistake 6: Confusing “Its” With “It’s”
These three forms should be kept separate:
It’s = it is or it has
Its = belonging to it
It = pronoun
Examples:
It’s called a puppy.
The puppy wagged its tail.
It called me.
Each form has a different grammatical function.
Memory Hacks That Actually Work
The best grammar rules are the ones you can use quickly.
Hack 1: Expand the Apostrophe
Whenever you see it’s, mentally expand it to it is.
It’s called a noun.
becomes:
It is called a noun.
If the sentence works, you have your answer.
Hack 2: Think “Name” Versus “Action”
Remember two words:
Name = it’s called
Action = it called
If you are identifying something, choose it’s called.
If you are describing something making a call, choose it called.
Hack 3: Look for an Object After “Called”
When it called means contacted someone or something, you may see an object afterward.
It called me.
It called her.
It called the doctor.
It called the office.
This pattern often signals an action.
Hack 4: Ask “What Is It Called?”
If your sentence answers the question “What is it called?”, use:
It’s called…
For example:
What is this grammatical structure called?
It’s called a passive construction.
This is one of the most practical memory devices for English learners.
Hack 5: Remember the Apostrophe as Missing Letters
The apostrophe in it’s represents the missing letters in is.
it + is → it’s
Therefore:
It’s called means:
It is called.
This simple connection can prevent many spelling errors.
Why Precision Matters for SEO and Authority
Grammar accuracy matters because readers use language quality as a signal of reliability. A small error such as confusing it’s called with it called can distract readers from the main point.
For educational websites, the stakes are even higher. Readers often arrive specifically because they want a trustworthy explanation of language. If the explanation contains avoidable grammatical errors, the content becomes less convincing.
Precise wording also improves clarity and search relevance. Search engines increasingly aim to connect users with content that directly satisfies their questions. Clear headings, accurate examples, useful explanations, and natural keyword placement help readers understand the subject without unnecessary friction.
The phrase “it’s called vs it called” itself reflects a common search intent. A strong article should therefore explain not only the spelling difference but also the underlying grammar.
That means defining:
what “it’s called” means
what “it called” means
when each phrase is appropriate
how to test the difference
which common mistakes to avoid
Good grammar content does not simply provide an answer. It gives readers a reusable rule.
That is what builds authority.
When readers learn that it’s called means it is called, they can apply the same contraction principle elsewhere. When they understand that it called uses called as a past-tense action verb, they can recognize the pattern in new sentences.
Precision therefore supports both reader trust and content quality.
A Quick Quiz
Fill in each blank with it’s called, or it called.
1. What is this punctuation mark? ______ a question mark.
Answer: It’s called
The sentence identifies the name of the punctuation mark. You can expand it to “It is called a question mark.”
2. The automated system ______ the technician after detecting an error.
Answer: It called
The system acted. It contacted the technician, so called is a simple past-tense verb.
3. This type of sentence ______ a compound sentence.
Answer: It’s called
The sentence gives the grammatical name of the sentence type. The complete form is “It is called a compound sentence.”
4. The security device ______ the monitoring center last night.
Answer: It called
The device acted contacting the monitoring center. The past-tense verb called is therefore required.
5. The technique ______ active listening.
Answer: It’s called
The speaker is identifying the name of a technique. It’s can be expanded to it is, making “It is called active listening” correct.
6. After the alarm went off, ______ the emergency number.
Answer: it called
The sentence describes an action completed in the past. The subject it acted of calling the emergency number.
7. What is this grammatical error ______?
Answer: it called
This sentence requires a different structure, so it is a useful reminder that context controls the answer. If the intended meaning is asking for a name, the natural sentence would be “What is this grammatical error called?” Here, called belongs to the passive question structure.
8. The process ______ photosynthesis.
Answer: It’s called
The sentence identifies the name of the process. The full version is “It is called photosynthesis.”
The central distinction is worth remembering: “It’s called” identifies something, while “it called” describes an action. Once you learn to expand it’s to it is, the difference becomes much easier to recognize. Use the meaning test, check the sentence structure, and pay attention to the apostrophe. With those three habits, choosing between it’s called vs it called becomes a quick and reliable grammar decision.
Conclusion
Understanding it’s called vs it called becomes much easier once you focus on the grammatical job each phrase performs. “It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called”, and it is normally used when you are identifying, naming, labeling, or describing what something is known as. For example, “It’s called a compound sentence” tells the reader the name of a particular sentence type.
In contrast, “it called” uses called as a simple past-tense verb and means that something or someone made a call, contacted another person, or summoned someone. The apostrophe in it’s therefore matters because it changes the grammatical structure and meaning of the expression.
The easiest way to make the correct choice is to use two practical tests. First, replace it’s with it is. If the sentence still makes sense, it’s likely correct. Second, ask whether it is acting on calling. If it is, it is called may be the appropriate form. Remember the simplest distinction: it’s called identifies a name, while it called describes an action.
Keeping this rule in mind will help you avoid common errors involving contractions, past-tense verbs, and possessive forms. Whether you are writing an academic explanation, an online article, a professional message, or everyday English, this small distinction can make your writing more precise and easier to understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “it’s called” grammatically correct?
Yes, “it’s called” is grammatically correct when you mean “it is called.” It is commonly used to introduce the name, title, label, or recognized term for something. For example, “It’s called a metaphor” means “It is called a metaphor.” The phrase is natural in both everyday conversation and many forms of written English.
Is “it called” grammatically correct?
Yes, “it called” can also be grammatically correct, but it has a different meaning. In this structure, called is the simple past tense of the verb call. It means that it acted such as contacting someone, making a telephone call, or summoning someone. For example, “It called the manager yesterday” describes a completed action.
What is the difference between “it’s called” and “it called”?
The main difference is grammar and meaning. “It’s called” means “it is called” and normally identifies the name or label of something. “It called” means that it acted of calling in the past. Compare “It’s called a dictionary” with “It called the office.” The first identifies something, while the second describes an action.
Can I replace “it’s” with “it is”?
Yes. This is one of the most useful tests for recognizing it’s. If you can replace it’s with it is without changing the intended meaning, the contraction is probably correct. For example, “It’s called a noun” becomes “It is called a noun.” Both sentences communicate the same idea, so it’s is correctly used.
Should I write “its called” or “it’s called”?
When you mean “it is called,” you should write “it’s called” with an apostrophe. Its without an apostrophe is generally a possessive form, as in “The company changed its name.” Therefore, “Its called a company” is incorrect when you intend to say “It is called a company.” The apostrophe is important.
Does “it’s called” always refer to a name?
Usually, “it’s called” is used to identify a name, label, term, title, or classification. It can also occur in broader descriptions where something is said to be referred to by a particular expression. The key point is that “it’s” means “it is” in this construction. If the sentence is identifying what something is called, this form is generally appropriate.
Does “it called” always mean making a phone call?
Not necessarily. The verb call has several meanings. “It called” can describe contacting someone by telephone, summoning someone, or performing another action associated with calling. Context determines the precise meaning. For example, “The system called the technician” may mean the system contacted the technician, while another context could give called a different sense.
What is the easiest way to remember “it’s called”?
Use the “it is” test. Whenever you write “it’s called,” mentally expand it to “it is called.” If the expanded sentence makes sense, your usage is likely correct. You can also remember the simple association “name = it’s called.” For example, if someone asks, “What is this called?”, a natural response is “It’s called a keyboard.”
What is a common mistake with “it called”?
A common mistake is using “it called” when the writer actually means “it is called.” For example, “It called a triangle” is incorrect if the intended meaning is that something has the name triangle. The correct sentence would be “It’s called a triangle.” Always determine whether you are identifying a name or describing an action before choosing the form.
Which phrase should English learners use when naming something?
When naming or identifying something, English learners should normally use “it’s called” or the full form “it is called.” For example, “It’s called a preposition” is correct when introducing the grammatical term. If you are describing something that acted as calling, use “it called.” The distinction depends on the intended meaning, not on whether the situation is formal or informal.
