It’s Called vs It Called – Know the Real Difference and Use It Right

When paused and typing, many learners, whether native or non-native speakers, get confused about It’s called versus It called. It’s Called vs It Called – Know the Real Difference and Use It Right highlights that these phrases may appear similar, but their meanings and functions are entirely different. It’s is a contraction for It is or It has, forming a passive construction used to name, describe, or label something. Meanwhile, It called is a simple past tense sentence, where it is the subject and called is the past tense verb. Recognising this nuance is essential for anyone striving for clarity, accuracy, and effective communication.

In daily use, these phrases can easily confuse learners, especially ESL students or anyone unfamiliar with grammar rules. From my experience, even a tiny apostrophe or misused contraction can completely shift meaning, making a sentence puzzling or embarrassing. Paying attention and focus to these subtle distinctions improves both spoken and written communication. Whether writing essays, engaging in conversation, or avoiding common mistakes, understanding when to use It’s called versus It called is key.

I often demonstrate this in workshops or writing exercises, where learners practice calling, naming, and describing objects or concepts. Using examples, illustrations, and guidance, they quickly grasp the rules, structure, and flow of sentences. Understanding details, including tiny quirks, loaded expressions, and passive versus active constructions, allows learners to write confidently, speak naturally, and avoid misinterpretation. Even friendly, plain explanations or easy-to-follow approaches make the concepts accessible and ensure accuracy in all forms of English communication.

Quick Reference: Correct Usage

Here is a simple truth you should remember:

• ✅ It’s called = Correct
• ❌ It called = Incorrect (unless part of a longer sentence)

Why?

Because:

• It’s = It is
• So It’s called = It is called (a complete and correct structure)

But:

• It called is missing a helping verb like is or was.

Quick Table:

Phrase	Correct	Why
It’s called	✅ Yes	Short for It is called
It called	❌ No	Missing helping verb
It was called	✅ Yes	Past tense form
It will be called	✅ Yes	Future tense form

Understanding “It’s Called”

The phrase “it’s called” is a contraction of “it is called.”

You use it when:

• You are naming something
• You are describing what something is known as
• You are explaining a term, object, or concept

Examples of “It’s Called”

• It’s called photosynthesis.
• It’s called a digital footprint.
• It’s called supply and demand in economics.
• It’s called a run-on sentence in grammar.

Why It Works

“It’s called” works because it has:

• A subject: It
• A verb: is
• A past participle: called

This makes a complete grammatical structure.

Deep Grammar Structure

Part	Role
It	Subject
is (’s)	Helping verb
called	Main verb

Without “is”, your sentence becomes broken.

Understanding “It Called”

The phrase “it called” on its own is grammatically incomplete.

It only works when:

• It is part of a longer sentence
• It follows another verb

When “It Called” Can Appear Correctly

Here are correct structures:

• Nobody knows what it called attention to.
• He explained how it called the audience’s reaction.

In these cases, another word or structure supports it.
But alone, “it called” makes no sense.

Incorrect Usage Examples

❌ It called my favorite book.
✅ It is called my favorite book.

❌ It called photosynthesis.
✅ It’s called photosynthesis.

The Possessive Pronoun “Its” (Without Apostrophe)

Many people confuse “it’s” with “its”.

Let’s make it simple:

Word	Meaning
It’s	It is
Its	Belonging to it

Examples:

• The cat licked its paw.
• The company revised its policy.
• The app updated its features.

Its never has an apostrophe.
The apostrophe always means contraction.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

These mistakes appear everywhere — from blogs to news articles.

Confusing “It’s” and “Its”

People add an apostrophe where it doesn’t belong.

❌ The dog wagged it’s tail.
✅ The dog wagged its tail.

Tip:
If you can replace “it’s” with “it is,” then it’s correct.

Using “It Called” Instead of “It’s Called”

This usually happens due to fast typing or lack of grammar revision.

❌ It called a passive voice structure.
✅ It’s called a passive voice structure.

Simple fix:
Say it out loud. If it sounds incomplete, it probably is.

Forgetting the Apostrophe

Sometimes people write:

❌ Its called peer review.
✅ It’s called peer review.

Remember:
If you mean “it is”, always use it’s.

Quick Fix Strategy

Here is a step-by-step method to never get confused again:

• Say the sentence with “it is” instead.
• If it makes sense, use “it’s.”
• If it shows ownership, use “its.”
• If it feels incomplete, you probably need a helping verb.

Visual Grammar Guide: It’s vs Its vs It Called

Form	Meaning	Example
It’s	It is	It’s called recursion
Its	Possession	The dog wagged its tail
It called	Incomplete alone	It called for attention

Real-World Examples

Everyday Conversation

• It’s called multitasking.
• It’s called time management.
• That technique? It’s called brainstorming.

Business & Technology

• It’s called cloud computing.
• It’s called machine learning.
• It’s called agile methodology.

Literature and Media

• It’s called dramatic irony.
• It’s called foreshadowing.
• It’s called character development.

Case Study: Context Changes Everything

Imagine two students writing an essay:

Student A (Wrong):

It called symbolism when objects represent ideas.

Student B (Correct):

It’s called symbolism when objects represent ideas.

Only one extra letter makes the sentence clear and professional.

This shows how it’s called vs it called dramatically impacts clarity, tone, and correctness.

Contractions in Formal vs Informal Writing

Informal Writing:

You can use contractions freely:

• It’s called parallel structure.
• It’s called passive voice.

Formal Writing:

In academic tone, avoid contractions:

• It is called parallel structure.
• It is called passive voice.

Both are correct, but depend on context.

Building Better Sentences with “It’s Called”

To master this phrase, practice building sentences around it.

Structure Pattern:

It’s called + concept + explanation

Examples:

• It’s called critical thinking when you analyze information logically.
• It’s called peer review because others evaluate your work.
• It’s called plagiarism when you copy without credit.

Common Real-Life Mistake Examples

Here are some real errors seen online:

Incorrect	Correct
Its called marketing.	It’s called marketing.
It called grammar.	It’s called grammar.
Its called innovation.	It’s called innovation.

Expert Grammar Insight

Linguists agree that contraction errors are among the top writing mistakes globally.
According to modern writing studies, misuse of it’s, its, and it called often makes writing appear unprofessional and careless.

Professional editors recommend:

“If unsure, write ‘it is’ instead of ‘it’s’ to ensure accuracy.”

Deep Explanation: Why “It Called” Sounds Wrong

Because English syntax relies on verb completeness.
A sentence must have:

• Subject
• Verb
• Object or complement

“It called” only has:

• Subject: it
• Verb: called

It lacks tense or auxiliary support such as:

• is
• was
• will be
• has been

So your brain naturally feels something is missing.

Memory Aids to Never Forget

Simple Trick:

If the phrase sounds like it’s missing life, it probably is.

Say:
“It’s called…”
Your mind will automatically ask: Did what? When? How?

But:
“It’s called…” sounds complete.

Quick Mnemonic

Here is a simple mnemonic:

👉 If you mean “it is”, use “it’s”.
If it shows ownership, use “its”.
If it sounds unfinished, it’s wrong.

Practice Sentences

Try filling these:

• ___ called active listening.
• The company updated ___ policy.
• ___ called cognitive bias.
  

Answers:

• It’s
• its
• It’s

Why This Matters for Writers, Students and Professionals

Correct grammar builds:

• Credibility
• Clarity
• Professional image
• Strong communication

Using it’s called vs it called correctly improves:

• Academic writing
• Blog writing
• SEO content
• Professional communication

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between It’s called and It called is essential for clear, precise English communication. While It’s is a contraction used in a passive construction to name, describe, or label something, It called is a simple past tense sentence where it is the subject. Paying attention to subtle distinctions, tiny quirks, and grammar rules helps avoid misinterpretation. With practice, examples, and careful focus, learners can write confidently, speak naturally, and ensure accuracy. Mastering this difference allows anyone striving for clarity to communicate effectively in all forms of English.

FAQs

Q1: When should I use “It’s called”?

 A1: Use It’s called when you want to name, describe, or label something. It’s a contraction for It is or It has and forms a passive construction.

Q2: When should I use “It called”?

 A2: It called is used in simple past tense sentences where it is the subject performing the action. Example: “It called me yesterday.”

Q3: Why do learners often confuse these phrases?

 A3: Many learners, especially ESL students, get confused because the phrases appear similar, but a tiny apostrophe and context completely change the meaning.

Q4: Can mastering these phrases improve my writing and speaking?

 A4: Yes. Understanding It’s called vs It called, grammar rules, and subtle distinctions improves both spoken and written communication, helping you write confidently and speak naturally.

Q5: What strategies help remember the difference?

 A5: Practice using examples, illustrations, writing exercises, and workshops. Paying attention to tiny quirks, passive versus active constructions, and sentence structure ensures correct usage every time.