English has a habit of hiding big differences inside tiny details, and the apostrophe is one of the biggest offenders. “It’s called” and “it called” look almost identical on the page, yet they belong to completely different grammatical categories. One names something. The other describes an action someone or something performed in the past.
Getting this wrong is more common than people think, especially among ESL learners, students, and even native speakers typing quickly. This guide breaks down exactly when to use each phrase, why the grammar works the way it does, and how to stop making the mistake for good.
What Is the Difference Between “It’s Called” and “It Called”?
The short version: “It’s called” identifies or names something, while “it called” describes a past action.
“It’s” is a contraction of “it is” (or occasionally “it has”). When you say “it’s called,” you’re using a passive voice construction to explain what something is named. For example: “This tool is called a spatula” or “It’s called a spatula.”
“It called,” on the other hand, is simple past tense. Here, “it” is the subject actively doing something, specifically calling. For example: “It called the office twice yesterday.”
Why “It’s Called” Works
“It’s called” works because it follows a standard passive naming pattern used constantly in English. The subject of the sentence receives a name or label rather than performing an action. This structure shows up in definitions, explanations, and everyday conversation:
- It’s called photosynthesis.
- It’s called a smartphone.
- This condition is called insomnia.
Each example identifies a term, object, or concept. That is the entire job of this phrase.
Why “It Called” Usually Doesn’t Work
“It called” usually feels incomplete when used to name something because “called” here functions as an action verb, not a naming tool. If you write “it called artificial intelligence,” readers expect more information, such as who or what was contacted. Compare that to “it called its owner yesterday,” where the sentence makes complete sense because “called” is doing exactly what an action verb should do.
Quick Answer
| Phrase | Function | Example |
| It’s called | Naming or identifying something | It’s called a violin. |
| It called | Describing a past action | It called for backup. |
If you’re naming something, use “it’s called.” If something performed the action of calling, use “it called.”
Understanding the Grammar Behind “It’s Called”
To use this phrase with confidence, it helps to understand what’s actually happening grammatically.
Breaking Down “It’s”
“It’s” is a contraction, and contractions always represent two words joined together. In this case, “it’s” stands for “it is.” The apostrophe simply replaces the missing letter. You can test this by expanding the sentence:
- It’s called a telescope. → It is called a telescope.
Both versions mean the same thing. The contracted form is simply more natural in everyday speech and writing.
The Passive Voice Structure
“It’s called” is a passive construction. In active voice, the subject performs the action. In passive voice, the subject receives the action instead. When you say “it’s called X,” the subject (“it”) isn’t doing anything. It’s being named or labeled by someone or something else, even if that “someone” isn’t stated directly.
This is different from an active sentence like “She called it a telescope,” where “she” performs the action of calling.
Why Passive Voice Is Common Here
Passive voice gets a bad reputation in general writing advice, but it’s the correct and expected structure when defining or identifying something. Nobody says “people call it a telescope” in casual conversation. Instead, English speakers default to the passive form because it’s shorter, cleaner, and puts the focus on the object being named rather than the person doing the naming.
When Can “It Called” Be Correct?
“It called” is grammatically correct, just far less common in this specific context. It becomes correct when “it” is genuinely the subject performing the action of calling.
“Called” as an Action Verb
When “called” functions as a verb showing action, “it called” makes complete sense:
- It called out in the night.
- It called for immediate attention.
- It called its owner three times.
In each case, “it” is doing something, not receiving a name.
Complete Sentences vs Incomplete Sentences
The biggest giveaway that “it called” is being misused is an incomplete or confusing sentence. “It called minimalism” leaves readers unsure what happened. Did something dial minimalism? Compare that to “it’s called minimalism,” which immediately makes sense as a label.
A simple test: if the sentence needs the word “is” to make sense, use “it’s called.” If the sentence already works as a complete action, “it called” may be correct.
Context Matters
Context decides which phrase fits. In storytelling or narrative writing, “it called” often appears naturally:
- The wolf called out across the valley. It called again moments later.
In definitions, explanations, or naming contexts, “it’s called” is almost always the right choice.
It’s Called vs It Called: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | It’s Called | It Called |
| Full form | It is called | It (subject) + called (past tense verb) |
| Voice | Passive | Active |
| Purpose | Naming or identifying | Describing a past action |
| Common use | Definitions, explanations | Storytelling, past events |
| Example | It’s called gravity. | It called out for help. |
Easy Memory Trick
A simple way to remember the difference:
- Think “name” for “it’s called” (naming something).
- Think “action” for “it called” (an action performed in the past).
If you’re ever unsure, try replacing “it’s” with “it is.” If the sentence still makes sense, you’re using the correct form.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even experienced writers slip up occasionally. Here are the most frequent errors and how to fix them.
Mistake 1: Dropping the Helping Verb
Writing “it called a spatula” instead of “it’s called a spatula” removes the helping verb “is,” which breaks the passive structure the sentence needs. Without it, the sentence sounds unfinished or grammatically off.
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding Contractions
Some writers confuse “it’s” (it is) with “its” (possessive). Neither of these should ever be confused with “it called.” A quick rule:
- It’s = it is or it has
- Its = belonging to it
- It called = past tense action
Mistake 3: Confusing Naming With Actions
Mixing up naming and action verbs leads to sentences like “it called wisdom” instead of “it’s called wisdom.” Remember that naming requires the passive structure with “is.”
Mistake 4: Translating Directly From Another Language
Many ESL learners translate sentence structures directly from their native language, which doesn’t always match English grammar rules. Since not every language uses passive voice for naming, this can lead to dropped helping verbs or incorrect word order.
How to Avoid These Errors
- Always test with “it is” before finalizing a sentence.
- Read the sentence aloud to check if it sounds complete.
- Ask whether the subject is naming something or doing something.
- Keep a short list of examples handy for quick reference.
Real-Life Example: How a Content Writer Fixed a Common Grammar Error
A freelance content writer once submitted an article describing a new kitchen gadget. Her draft included the line: “It called a multi-cooker because it combines several functions.” An editor flagged the sentence immediately, since readers were left wondering what the gadget had actually called.
After revising it to “It’s called a multi-cooker because it combines several functions,” the sentence read clearly and professionally. The writer began applying the same replacement test, swapping “it’s” for “it is,” to every similar sentence before submitting future work. The result was twofold. Her writing became noticeably easier to read, and clients spent far less time correcting small grammar issues. It was a small fix with a lasting impact on her writing quality and client trust.
Conclusion
The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to one simple question: are you naming something, or describing an action? “It’s called” is the correct choice almost every time you’re identifying, defining, or labeling something, whether that’s an object, a concept, or a condition. “It called” only fits when “it” is the subject actively performing the act of calling.
Keep the memory trick in mind: name versus action. Test your sentence by expanding “it’s” into “it is.” If it still makes sense, you’re on the right track. With this simple distinction clear, you’ll never second-guess yourself again when writing or speaking English.
David is the creator and author behind Healthy Leeks, a platform focused on grammar, writing skills, and English language learning. Passionate about clear communication and effective writing, David shares practical grammar tips, easy-to-follow language guides, and educational content to help readers improve their English with confidence.
