Many English learners wonder if they should write it’s called or it called. Since both phrases look similar, it’s easy to omit the word is, especially when speaking or writing quickly. However, only one of these forms is grammatically correct in most situations.
Understanding the difference between it’s called vs it called will help you write accurate and natural English in conversations, essays, and professional communication.
Quick Answer
It’s called is the correct phrase when naming or identifying something. It called is usually incorrect unless called is used as a past-tense verb meaning telephoned, which is uncommon because it rarely refers to something that can make a phone call.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion happens because:
- It’s is a contraction of it is.
- Some learners accidentally omit the verb is.
- Spoken English can make it’s sound very short, leading to writing mistakes.
It’s Called
It’s called means it is called.
Meaning
It is used to:
- Give the name of something.
- Explain what something is known as.
- Introduce a term or title.
Examples
- It’s called a telescope.
- It’s called photosynthesis.
- The game is fun. It’s called chess.
- It’s called customer service.
- This flower is beautiful. It’s called a sunflower.
It Called
It called is generally incorrect when naming something.
It is only grammatically possible if called is the past tense of call, meaning telephoned.
Examples
- The robot malfunctioned because it called the emergency number by mistake. (Rare but grammatically possible.)
- The automated system called me yesterday. (More natural than using “it called” without context.)
When introducing a name, never use it called.
Comparison Table
| Feature | It’s Called | It Called |
|---|---|---|
| Correct for naming something | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Means “it is called” | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Uses the verb is | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Can describe a phone call | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, in rare contexts |
| Recommended for everyday use | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
When to Use Each
Use it’s called when:
- Naming a person, place, object, or idea.
- Explaining a term or concept.
- Introducing the title of a book, movie, or product.
Use it called only when:
- Called is the past tense of call, meaning telephoned, and it refers to something capable of making a call.
Examples
- It’s called a smartphone.
- It’s called artificial intelligence.
- It’s called the Pacific Ocean.
- It’s called a compass.
- It’s called a documentary.
- It’s called “The Great Adventure.”
- It’s called renewable energy.
- It’s called a microscope.
- It’s called a podcast.
- It’s called teamwork.
- The alarm system called the police automatically. (Not: “It’s called the police.”)
- The robot called for assistance when it detected smoke.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make these errors.
- Writing it called instead of it’s called.
- Forgetting that it’s means it is.
- Omitting the verb is before called.
Correct:
- It’s called a volcano.
Incorrect:
- It called a volcano.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
If you’re giving a name, you need “is.”
It’s called = It is called.
If you can replace it’s with it is, you’re using the correct phrase.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English.
Both varieties use it’s called when naming something.
Similar Words
You may also confuse these expressions:
- It’s vs Its
- It’s Named vs It Named
- That’s Called vs That Called
- This Is Called vs This Called
- They’re vs Their
- You’re vs Your
- Who’s vs Whose
- There vs Their vs They’re
- To vs Too
- Affect vs Effect
Final Verdict
The correct phrase is it’s called when introducing or identifying the name of something. It is a contraction of it is called and is used in both spoken and written English. It called is generally incorrect in this context and should only be used in the rare case where called means telephoned.
Whenever you’re naming something, remember to include is, either in full or as the contraction it’s.
Remember This
It’s called = Correct for naming something. ✅
It called = Only correct when called means telephoned. ⚠️
Think:
It’s called a rainbow. ✅
The automatic system called emergency services. ✅
FAQs
Which is correct, it’s called or it called?
It’s called is correct when naming or identifying something. It called is only correct when called means telephoned.
What does “it’s called” mean?
It means it is called and is used to introduce the name of something.
Is “it called” ever correct?
Yes, but only when called is the past tense of call, such as when referring to a machine or system making a phone call.
Why is “it called a car” incorrect?
Because it is missing the verb is. The correct sentence is It’s called a car.
Do British and American English use “it’s called” differently?
No. Both varieties use it’s called in the same way.
Can I write “it is called” instead of “it’s called”?
Yes. It is called is the full form, while it’s called is the common contraction.
Is “it’s called” suitable for formal writing?
Yes. You can use it is called in very formal writing, but it’s called is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.
Conclusion
The difference between it’s called and it called is simple but important. It’s called is the correct expression for introducing the name of something,
while it called is generally incorrect unless you’re talking about something making a phone call.
By remembering that it’s means it is, you’ll avoid this common grammar mistake and write more natural English.
Nancy Lisa is a passionate writer and contributor at DrameyHut, focused on uncovering the deeper meanings behind dreams. She creates engaging and insightful content that helps readers interpret their dreams and understand their subconscious thoughts. Her work inspires self-reflection, clarity, and a stronger connection to inner emotions.
