Have you ever paused while writing because you weren’t sure whether to use “it’s called” or “it called”? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common English grammar mistakes among learners and even native speakers when typing quickly. While the two phrases look similar, only one is grammatically correct in most situations.
Understanding the difference can instantly improve your writing, speaking, and overall confidence in English. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when to use “it’s called,” why “it called” is usually incorrect, and how to avoid this mistake forever. We’ll also cover practical examples, common errors, memory tips, and frequently asked questions to help you master this grammar point.
Quick Answer
“It’s called” is the correct phrase when introducing or naming something because it’s means it is. “It called” is generally incorrect unless it’s part of a longer sentence like “it called my attention,” where called is the main verb. In everyday English, use “it’s called.”
Why People Confuse It
Many English learners confuse these phrases because they focus on the word called and overlook the missing verb.
The confusion happens because:
- “It’s” is a contraction of it is.
- “It” is only a pronoun.
- Every complete English sentence needs a proper verb.
- Fast typing often leads people to omit is accidentally.
Since both phrases sound somewhat similar in casual speech, the mistake frequently appears in emails, social media posts, and essays.
First Word: “It’s Called”
“It’s called” means “it is called.” It introduces the name of a person, place, object, idea, or concept.
Structure
It’s + called + name
Examples
- It’s called a telescope.
- It’s called artificial intelligence.
- It’s called a solar eclipse.
- It’s called teamwork.
- It’s called patience.
This is the standard and grammatically correct expression.
Second Word: “It Called”
“It called” is usually not a complete sentence.
The word called is the past tense of call, so it normally requires a subject performing the action.
Correct examples include:
- It called my phone yesterday.
- It called attention to the issue.
- The system called emergency services.
Notice that these sentences do not mean “it is called.”
If you’re introducing a name, it called is incorrect.
Comparison Table
| Feature | It’s Called | It Called |
| Grammar | Correct | Usually incorrect alone |
| Meaning | It is named | It performed the action “called” |
| Complete sentence | Yes | Usually no |
| Common use | Naming things | Describing an action |
| Formal writing | Yes | Only in specific contexts |
When to Use Each
Use “It’s Called” When
- Naming something
- Explaining a term
- Introducing a concept
- Teaching vocabulary
- Defining an object
Examples:
- It’s called a compass.
- It’s called machine learning.
- It’s called empathy.
- It’s called photosynthesis.
- It’s called a smartphone.
Use “It Called” When
Use it only if called is the main verb.
Examples:
- It called everyone inside.
- It called for immediate action.
- It called my attention.
- It called the wrong number.
- It called the meeting to order.
Examples
Here are practical examples to understand the difference.
- It’s called a rainbow.
- It’s called a keyboard.
- It’s called renewable energy.
- It’s called confidence.
- It’s called grammar.
- It’s called a documentary.
- It’s called teamwork.
- It’s called a hypothesis.
- It’s called digital marketing.
- It’s called customer service.
- The alarm called everyone outside.
- The software called the server automatically.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent grammar errors.
❌ It called artificial intelligence.
✅ It’s called artificial intelligence.
❌ It called happiness.
✅ It’s called happiness.
❌ It called a microscope.
✅ It’s called a microscope.
Another common mistake is confusing it’s with its.
- It’s = it is
- Its = possessive
Example:
- It’s called a violin.
- Its strings are made of metal.
Memory Trick
Here’s an easy way to remember it:
Ask yourself:
Can I replace “it’s” with “it is”?
If yes, it’s called is correct.
Example:
- It is called gravity.
- It’s called gravity.
Both work perfectly.
If the sentence talks about someone or something making a phone call or attracting attention, then called is acting as a verb.
American vs British English
There is no difference between American and British English for this expression.
Both varieties use:
- It’s called…
- It is called…
The grammar rule remains exactly the same in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other English speaking countries.
Similar Words
These related expressions often appear alongside it’s called.
- It is known as
- It is named
- This is called
- Referred to as
- Known as
- Named
- Described as
- Termed
- Identified as
- Labeled as
These alternatives help make your writing more varied and natural.
Final Verdict
If you’re naming or defining something, “it’s called” is the correct choice.
Use “it called” only when called functions as the main verb describing an action. In nearly every grammar question comparing these two phrases, it’s called is the correct answer.
Learning this simple distinction will make your English sound more natural, professional, and grammatically accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “it called” grammatically correct?
Usually no. It needs additional words because called functions as the main verb.
Is “it’s called” formal English?
Yes. It is appropriate in both formal and informal writing.
What does “it’s called” mean?
It means “it is named.”
Can I say “it called AI”?
No. Say “it’s called AI” when introducing the name.
What’s the difference between “it’s called” and “called”?
It’s called forms a complete expression, while called alone often requires a subject or auxiliary verb.
Is “it’s called” used in academic writing?
Yes. It’s commonly used to define terms, concepts, and technical vocabulary.
Conclusion
Using “it’s called” instead of “it called” is one of the easiest ways to improve your English grammar. Since it’s means it is, the phrase naturally introduces the name of a person, object, place, or concept. This structure is accepted across formal writing, academic English, business communication, and everyday conversations.
Meanwhile, “it called” only works when called functions as the main action verb, such as describing something making a call or drawing attention. Once you remember this difference, you’ll avoid a very common grammar mistake and write with greater clarity and confidence.
Remember This
If you’re giving something a name, always choose “it’s called.” If “called” describes an action, then “it called” may be correct but only as part of a complete sentence.
Roazi is a visionary thinker driven by creativity, innovation, and purpose. With a passion for excellence, he transforms bold ideas into meaningful realities.
