It’s Called vs It Called Which Phrase Is Grammatically Correct?

Have you ever paused while writing it called vs it’s called and wondered which phrase is correct? Many students, writers, and English learners make this mistake because the two expressions look almost identical. However, one small apostrophe changes the meaning completely. It’s called helps you name, explain, or identify something, while it called shows that a person, device, or object performed the action of calling. This confusion often leads to grammar mistakes and unclear sentences. In this article, you will learn the difference through simple explanations, clear grammar rules, and practical examples. By the end, you will know exactly which phrase to use and avoid this common English mistake with confidence.

It’s Called vs It Called Quick Answer

If you only need a quick answer, here it is.

Phrase	Correct?	Meaning
It’s called	✓ Correct	It is named or known as something
It called	✓ Sometimes	It performed the action of calling
Its called	✗ Incorrect	Grammar mistake

Examples

✓ It’s called passive voice.

✓ What is it called?

✗ Its called a telescope.

✗ It called a telescope.

The phrase it is called is commonly shortened to it’s called, making it one of the most frequently used expressions in English.

What Does “It’s Called” Mean?

The it’s called meaning is very simple.

It’s called means it is called.

English speakers use this phrase when naming something, identifying an object, introducing terminology, or explaining a concept.

Examples

• It’s called a smartphone.
• It’s called photosynthesis.
• It’s called an adjective.
• It’s called a keyboard shortcut.
• This symbol is called an apostrophe.

This structure follows a passive voice pattern.

Sentence Structure

It + is + called + name

Examples:

• It is called gravity.
• It is called a noun.
• It is called the solar system.

The contraction it’s is simply the shortened form of it is.

What Does “It Called” Mean?

The it called meaning is completely different.

In this phrase, called acts as a past-tense verb rather than a naming expression.

Examples

• The device called emergency services.
• The system called the operator.
• The robot called for assistance.
• The software called another function.

Here, it performs the action.

Sentence Structure

It + called + object

Examples:

• It called my phone.
• It called the police.
• It called the office.

This is why it called grammar belongs to the active voice, while it’s called grammar belongs to the passive voice.

It’s Called vs It Called: The Main Difference

The confusion in it called vs it’s called usually happens because writers overlook the apostrophe.

Phrase	Grammar	Voice	Meaning
It’s called	Passive voice	Passive	It is named
It called	Action verb	Active	It made a call

Example 1

It’s called a microscope.

Meaning: The object has this name.

Example 2

It called the doctor.

Meaning: The subject performed the action.

One phrase identifies something. The other describes an action.

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Is “Its Called” Correct?

One of the most common grammar mistakes is writing:

Its called a keyboard.

This sentence is incorrect.

Why?

Its is a possessive pronoun.

Examples:

• The company changed its logo.
• The cat moved its tail.
• The phone lost its battery.

It’s is a contraction of it is.

Examples:

• It’s raining.
• It’s called a metaphor.
• It’s an important lesson.

Word	Meaning
Its	Belonging to it
It’s	It is

Therefore:

✓ It’s called.

✗ Its called.

This mistake appears frequently in emails, social media posts, and student writing.

It Is Called vs It’s Called

Both expressions are grammatically correct.

It Is Called

This is the complete form.

Examples:

• It is called photosynthesis.
• It is called the Atlantic Ocean.
• It is called active voice.

It’s Called

This is the contracted form.

Examples:

• It’s called a tablet.
• It’s called a conjunction.
• It’s called machine learning.

Comparison

Form	Style
It is called	Formal writing
It’s called	Informal writing and speech
Both	Correct

Formal reports, academic papers, and business documents often use it is called, while conversations and everyday writing usually use it’s called.

This Symbol Is Called and That’s Called

English frequently uses naming expressions.

This Symbol Is Called

Examples:

• This symbol is called an ampersand.
• This symbol is called a semicolon.
• This symbol is called a hashtag.

That’s Called Meaning

That’s called means that is called.

Examples:

• That’s called teamwork.
• That’s called irony.
• That’s called good communication.
• That’s called passive voice.

These expressions help speakers define, explain, and identify concepts.

When Is “It Called” Correct?

Many learners assume it called is always wrong.

That is not true.

The phrase becomes correct when called functions as an action verb.

Examples

• The alarm called the police.
• The software called another program.
• The system called for assistance.
• The machine called emergency services.

Technology Example

The application called the server automatically.

Here, the system performs the action.

Compare these two sentences:

• It’s called a security system.
• The security system called the police.

The first sentence gives a name.

The second sentence describes an action.

Common Mistakes With It’s Called and It Called

Forgetting the Apostrophe

Incorrect:

Its called grammar.

Correct:

It’s called grammar.

Omitting the Verb “Is”

Incorrect:

It called passive voice.

Correct:

It’s called passive voice.

Confusing Active and Passive Voice

Incorrect:

It called a microscope.

Correct:

It’s called a microscope.

Translating Directly From Another Language

Many ESL learners directly translate expressions from their native language, which often creates errors involving it called or it’s called.

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It’s Called vs It Called Comparison Table

Feature	It’s Called	It Called
Grammar	Naming phrase	Action phrase
Voice	Passive	Active
Meaning	Is named	Performed calling
Frequency	Very common	Less common
Usage	Definitions and names	Actions
Formality	Standard English	Context-dependent

Real-Life Examples of It’s Called

In School

• It’s called algebra.
• It’s called a paragraph.
• It’s called a fraction.

Science

• It’s called evaporation.
• It’s called gravity.
• It’s called photosynthesis.

Technology

• It’s called artificial intelligence.
• It’s called cloud computing.
• It’s called machine learning.

Daily Conversation

• What’s it called?
• It’s called a blender.
• It’s called a smartwatch.

These examples demonstrate why it’s called examples appear constantly in English conversation and writing.

Why Is “It’s Called” More Common?

There is a simple reason why it’s called appears much more frequently than it called.

People constantly:

• identify objects
• explain ideas
• introduce terminology
• define concepts

Examples:

• It’s called a laptop.
• It’s called an idiom.
• It’s called a keyboard shortcut.

Meanwhile, it called only appears when something actually performs the action of calling.

Part 2: It’s Called vs It Called

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Grammar Rules Behind “Called”

To fully understand it called vs it’s called, you must understand how the word called functions in English grammar. The word can serve as either a past-tense verb or a past participle, and this difference completely changes the meaning of the sentence.

Called as a Past-Tense Verb

When called acts as the main verb, it describes an action performed by the subject.

Examples:

• The device called emergency services.
• The software called the database.
• The alarm system called the police.
• The application called another program.

In these sentences, it performs the action. This makes it called grammatically correct.

Called as a Past Participle

When called follows a helping verb such as is, was, or has been, it becomes a past participle.

Examples:

• It’s called a smartphone.
• It is called passive voice.
• The process is called evaporation.
• This method is called encryption.

This creates a passive voice structure used for naming or identifying something.

Structure	Example	Function
It called the doctor.	Action	Active voice
It’s called a telescope.	Naming	Passive voice

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Active Voice vs Passive Voice

The difference between active voice and passive voice explains why these two expressions behave differently.

Active Voice

In active voice, the subject performs the action.

Examples:

• The robot called the office.
• The machine called for assistance.
• The application called the server.

Passive Voice

In passive voice, the subject receives the action or is identified by it.

Examples:

• It’s called a microscope.
• It is called a metaphor.
• This process is called evaporation.

Voice	Example	Purpose
Active	It called the operator.	Describes an action
Passive	It’s called an operator.	Gives a name

Understanding this distinction eliminates much of the confusion surrounding it called grammar and it’s called grammar.

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Sentence Structure Examples

Correct sentence structure helps you avoid common writing mistakes.

Structure of “It’s Called”

It + is + called + name

Examples:

• It’s called a keyboard.
• It’s called a conjunction.
• It’s called photosynthesis.
• It’s called an adjective.

Structure of “It Called”

It + called + object

Examples:

• It called the police.
• It called the operator.
• It called emergency services.
• It called technical support.

One missing word is can make a sentence incorrect.

Incorrect:

It called a noun.

Correct:

It’s called a noun.

When to Use “It’s Called”

Use it’s called whenever you are naming, defining, introducing, or identifying something.

Common situations include:

• Naming objects
• Defining concepts
• Explaining terms
• Identifying symbols
• Teaching vocabulary

Examples:

• It’s called a triangle.
• It’s called an idiom.
• It’s called artificial intelligence.
• It’s called passive voice.

Common Uses

Situation	Example
Naming an object	It’s called a telescope.
Defining a term	It’s called irony.
Explaining grammar	It’s called passive voice.
Identifying symbols	This symbol is called an ampersand.

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When to Use “It Called”

Use it called only when something performs the action of calling.

Examples:

• The alarm called the police.
• The system called technical support.
• The device called emergency services.
• The software called another application.

This usage appears most often in:

• Technology
• Programming
• Automation systems
• Machine functions

Examples:

• The program called the server automatically.
• The application called the database.
• The security system called the operator.

Although correct, this structure is far less common than it’s called.

It’s Called Synonyms

Several expressions share the same meaning as it’s called.

Common alternatives include:

• it is known as
• it is referred to as
• it is named
• it is identified as
• it is described as

Examples:

• It is known as gravity.
• It is referred to as passive voice.
• It is named the Atlantic Ocean.
• It is identified as a noun.

Expression	Example
It’s called	It’s called photosynthesis.
It’s known as	It’s known as photosynthesis.
It’s referred to as	It’s referred to as photosynthesis.
It’s named	It’s named photosynthesis.

These alternatives help improve writing variety.

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Real-Life Examples of “It’s Called”

In Education

• It’s called a fraction.
• It’s called a paragraph.
• It’s called a noun.

Science

• It’s called gravity.
• It’s called evaporation.
• It’s called photosynthesis.

Technology

• It’s called cloud computing.
• It’s called machine learning.
• It’s called artificial intelligence.

In Daily Conversation

• What’s it called?
• It’s called a smartwatch.
• It’s called a blender.

These examples demonstrate why it’s called examples are extremely common in spoken and written English.

Real-Life Examples of “It Called”

Although less common, it called examples do exist.

Technology Examples

• The software called the server.
• The application called the database.
• The system called technical support.

Automation Examples

• The alarm called the police.
• The device called emergency services.
• The machine called for assistance.

Programming Examples

• The function called another function.
• The program called the API.
• The script called the server.

These examples show that it called meaning involves performing an action rather than naming something.

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Common Grammar Mistakes

Many learners make the same mistakes repeatedly.

Writing “Its Called”

Incorrect:

Its called a noun.

Correct:

It’s called a noun.

Forgetting the Verb “Is”

Incorrect:

It called passive voice.

Correct:

It’s called passive voice.

Confusing Action and Naming

Incorrect:

It called a microscope.

Correct:

It’s called a microscope.

Direct Translation Errors

Many ESL students translate directly from their native language, which often produces incorrect sentence structures.

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Proofreading Tips

Before using it’s called, ask yourself:

Can I replace “it’s” with “it is”?

If the answer is yes, the sentence is correct.

Example:

• It’s called gravity.
• It is called gravity.

Both sentences work.

If it is does not fit naturally, then it called may be correct.

Example:

• It called the operator.

You cannot say:

It is called the operator.

Therefore, the active form is required.

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Memory Trick to Avoid Mistakes

A simple memory rule can help.

The Expansion Test

Expand the contraction:

• It’s called a noun.
• It is called a noun.

If the expanded sentence works, use it’s called.

The Action Test

Ask:

Is something performing the action of calling?

If yes, use it called.

Example:

• The alarm called the police.

This simple technique helps students avoid most grammar mistakes.

Comparison Table

Question	Answer
Is it called or it’s called?	It’s called
Can I say it called?	Yes, in certain contexts
Is its called correct?	No
Is it’s called a contraction?	Yes
What does it’s called mean?	It is named
What does it called mean?	It performed the action

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Practice Session It’s Called vs It Called

Choose it called or it’s called to complete each sentence.

1. ________ a microscope.
2. The alarm ________ the police.
3. ________ passive voice.
4. The system ________ technical support.
5. ________ an apostrophe.
6. The device ________ emergency services.
7. ________ artificial intelligence.
8. The software ________ the server.
9. ________ a conjunction.
10. The robot ________ for help.
11. ________ a telescope.
12. The application ________ the database.
13. ________ photosynthesis.
14. The machine ________ the operator.
15. ________ a semicolon.
16. The security system ________ the emergency number.
17. ________ an adjective.
18. The computer ________ another program.
19. ________ a keyboard shortcut.
20. The alarm ________ the fire department.

Answers

1. It’s called
2. called
3. It’s called
4. called
5. It’s called
6. called
7. It’s called
8. called
9. It’s called
10. called
11. It’s called
12. called
13. It’s called
14. called
15. It’s called
16. called
17. It’s called
18. called
19. It’s called
20. called

Here’s a trusted source for clear word meanings:

• Cambridge Dictionary

FAQs

Is it called or it’s called?

It’s called is usually correct because it means it is called. Use it called only when a person, machine, or object performs the action of calling.

Which is correct: it is or it’s?

Both forms are correct. It is is the full form, while it’s is the contracted form. Writers often use it is in formal writing and it’s in everyday English.

What does “it’s called” mean?

It’s called means it is named, it is known as, or it is referred to as something.

Example:
It’s called a microscope.

What is the difference between it called and it’s called?

It’s called introduces a name, definition, or explanation. It called describes an action in which someone or something makes a call.

Is “it’s called” grammatically correct?

Yes. It’s called is grammatically correct because it’s is the contraction of it is.

Can I say “it called”?

Yes. You can use it called when the subject performs the action of calling.

Example:
The alarm called the police.

Is “its called” correct grammar?

No. Its called is incorrect because its is a possessive pronoun. The correct phrase is it’s called.

What does “called” mean in English?

The word called can mean named, known as, or telephoned, depending on the sentence and context.

What is “it’s” called in grammar?

It’s is a contraction. It combines the words it and is into a shorter form.

What is the contraction of “it is”?

The contraction of it is is it’s.

When should I use “it’s” instead of “it”?

Use it’s when you mean it is or it has. Use it as a pronoun.

Example:

• It’s raining.
• It works well.

What is the difference between “its” and “it’s”?

Its shows possession, while it’s means it is.

Examples:

• The dog wagged its tail.
• It’s raining outside.

Should I write “it is called” or “it’s called”?

Both are correct. It is called sounds more formal, while it’s called sounds more natural in everyday writing and speech.

Is “what is it called” correct?

Yes. What is it called? is a grammatically correct question that asks for the name of something.

What does “that’s called” mean?

That’s called means that is called. Speakers use it to explain or identify something.

Example:
That’s called teamwork.

What are the most common mistakes with “it’s”?

Common mistakes include:

• Writing its instead of it’s
• Forgetting the apostrophe
• Using it called when naming something
• Confusing its and it’s

Why do people confuse it called and it’s called?

People confuse these phrases because they look very similar. However, it’s called gives a name or definition, while it called describes an action.

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Conclusion

The confusion between it called vs it’s called shows how one small punctuation mark can completely change the meaning of a sentence. Many writers make this mistake, but the rule becomes easy once you understand it. Use it’s called when you name, explain, or identify something, and use it called when a person, machine, or object performs the action of calling. The next time these phrases appear in your writing, do not let a missing apostrophe create confusion. Master this simple grammar rule, avoid common mistakes, and give your writing the clarity, accuracy, and confidence it deserves.