It’s Called vs It Called – What’s the Difference? 2026

English grammar often causes confusion when similar-looking phrases have completely different meanings. One common example is “it’s called” vs “it called.” At first glance, the difference may seem minor—just an apostrophe and one missing letter—but these expressions serve different grammatical purposes and are used in different situations.

Many writers, students, and English learners accidentally mix up these phrases because contractions can be tricky. Understanding when to use “it’s called” and when “it called” is correct will improve your writing accuracy, grammar skills, and overall communication. In this guide, you’ll learn the meanings, grammar rules, examples, memory tricks, and common mistakes associated with these expressions.

What Does “It’s Called” Mean?

“It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called.”

The apostrophe in it’s replaces the missing letter i in is. This phrase is commonly used when naming, identifying, describing, or introducing something.

Examples:

• It’s called a smartphone because it performs many computer-like functions.
• It’s called photosynthesis when plants convert sunlight into energy.
• It’s called teamwork when people cooperate toward a common goal.
• It’s called empathy when you understand another person’s feelings.

In each example, “it’s called” introduces the name or definition of something.

Common Uses of “It’s Called”

• Naming an object
• Explaining a concept
• Defining a term
• Introducing terminology
• Teaching vocabulary

Examples:

• It’s called a peninsula when land is surrounded by water on three sides.
• It’s called inflation when prices rise over time.
• It’s called renewable energy because it comes from naturally replenished sources.

Because it functions as “it is called,” this phrase is extremely common in both spoken and written English.

Full Form vs Contracted Form

The difference between the full form and contracted form is simple.

Form	Meaning	Example
It is called	Full form	It is called artificial intelligence.
It’s called	Contracted form	It’s called artificial intelligence.

Both versions mean exactly the same thing.

When to Use the Full Form

The full form “it is called” is often preferred in:

• Academic writing
• Formal reports
• Research papers
• Legal documents
• Professional communication

Example:

• It is called biodiversity because it refers to the variety of life forms.

When to Use the Contraction

The contraction “it’s called” is common in:

• Blogs
• Conversations
• Social media
• Emails
• Informal writing

Example:

• It’s called a podcast because it combines audio content with online distribution.

Both forms are grammatically correct. The choice usually depends on tone and style.

What Does “It Called” Mean? (When Is This Correct?)

Unlike “it’s called,” the phrase “it called” is usually incomplete by itself.

In most situations, “it called” sounds grammatically incorrect because the verb phrase is missing important words.

Incorrect:

• It called a smartphone.
• It called photosynthesis.

These sentences are incomplete and confusing.

However, “it called” can be correct when called functions as a simple past-tense verb and it performs the action.

Examples:

• The phone rang because it called the emergency number automatically.
• The software malfunctioned after it called the wrong database.

In these examples:

• It = subject
• Called = past-tense verb

The phrase is not introducing a name or definition. Instead, it describes an action.

Why Confusion Happens

Many writers accidentally remove the apostrophe from it’s called, creating it called, which changes the sentence completely.

Compare:

• It’s called artificial intelligence. ✅
• It called artificial intelligence. ❌

The second sentence no longer makes grammatical sense.

Read This: Anyone Has or Anyone Have?  The Complete Grammar Guide You’ll Never Forget 

It’s Called vs It Called Side-by-Side Comparison

The easiest way to understand the difference is through direct comparison.

Feature	It’s Called	It Called
Meaning	It is called	It performed the action of calling
Grammar Type	Contraction + passive verb	Subject + past-tense verb
Common Usage	Very common	Less common
Introduces Names	Yes	No
Introduces Definitions	Yes	No
Formal Writing	Accepted	Depends on context
Everyday English	Extremely common	Context-specific

Examples:

Sentence	Correct?
It’s called gravity.	✅
It’s called machine learning.	✅
It called the customer yesterday.	✅
It called gravity.	❌

The Contraction vs Possessive Trap

One of the biggest grammar mistakes in English involves confusing it’s and its.

Remember:

Word	Meaning
It’s	It is or it has
Its	Possessive form of it

Examples:

• It’s called renewable energy. ✅
• The company changed its logo. ✅

Incorrect:

• Its called renewable energy. ❌

Many grammar errors occur because writers mistakenly use its when they actually mean it is.

A quick test can help.

Replace it’s with it is:

• It is called renewable energy. ✅

Since the sentence still works, it’s is correct.

Memory Trick That Works

A simple memory trick can prevent this mistake forever.

Step 1: Expand the Contraction

Whenever you see it’s, replace it mentally with it is.

Example:

• It’s called climate science.
• It is called climate science.

If the expanded version sounds correct, use it’s.

Step 2: Check Whether Something Is Being Named

If the sentence introduces a name, definition, label, or term, it’s called is almost always correct.

Examples:

• It’s called economics.
• It’s called astronomy.
• It’s called a hypothesis.

Step 3: Look for an Action

If it is performing the action of calling someone or something, it called may be correct.

Examples:

• The device called emergency services.
• The software called the server.
• The application called the API.

Quick Rule

• Naming something → It’s called
• Performing the action of calling → It called

This shortcut solves the problem in seconds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some frequently seen errors.

Mistake 1: Missing Apostrophe

Incorrect:

• Its called a telescope.

Correct:

• It’s called a telescope.

Mistake 2: Removing “Is”

Incorrect:

• It called renewable energy.

Correct:

• It’s called renewable energy.

Mistake 3: Confusing Its and It’s

Incorrect:

• Its called biodiversity.

Correct:

• It’s called biodiversity.

Mistake 4: Using “It Called” for Definitions

Incorrect:

• It called photosynthesis.

Correct:

• It’s called photosynthesis.

Real-World Examples

Correct examples of it’s called:

• It’s called artificial intelligence.
• It’s called digital marketing.
• It’s called a solar eclipse.
• It’s called a hypothesis in scientific research.
• It’s called emotional intelligence.

Correct examples of it called:

• The device called emergency services.
• The program called another function.
• The system called the user automatically.
• The robot called the control center.

Notice how the meaning changes completely depending on the grammar structure.

Conclusion

The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to grammar and meaning. “It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called” and is used to introduce names, definitions, labels, and explanations. This is the version most people use in everyday English.

On the other hand, “it called” describes an action where something performs the act of calling. While it is grammatically correct in specific contexts, it cannot replace “it’s called” when naming or defining something. Remember the simple test: if you can replace it’s with it is, then the contraction is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “it’s called” grammatically correct?

Yes, “it’s called” is grammatically correct and is a contraction of “it is called.”

Is “it called” incorrect?

Not always. It is correct when “called” functions as a past-tense action verb.

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

“It’s called” names or defines something, while “it called” describes an action performed by something.

Can I replace “it’s called” with “it is called”?

Yes, both forms have the same meaning and are grammatically correct.

Why do people confuse “it’s” and “its”?

Because they sound identical in speech, many writers accidentally use the possessive form instead of the contraction.

Is “its called” correct?

No. The correct phrase is “it’s called” because it means “it is called.”

Which phrase is more common in English?

“It’s called” is far more common because it is frequently used to explain names and definitions.