It’s Called vs It Called: Understanding the Distinction With Clear Rules and Examples

Many English learners and even native speakers stumble over “It’s called vs It called.”
The confusion looks small. Yet it changes grammar, clarity, and meaning.
You might see both phrases online, in texts, and in casual speech.
However, only one is correct in standard English in most cases.

Understanding this distinction helps you write confidently, speak naturally, and avoid common grammar errors.
It also boosts clarity in academic writing, professional communication, and SEO-friendly content.

In this guide, you’ll learn what “It’s called” means, why “It called” usually sounds wrong, and how to never mix them up again.
You’ll see real examples, comparison tables, memory tricks, and practice exercises.
By the end, you’ll use these phrases like a fluent speaker—without second-guessing.

Table of Contents

What Does “It’s Called” Mean?

Grammar Breakdown of “It’s Called”

“It’s called” is a contraction of “It is called.”
This phrase uses the passive voice to name or label something.

Structure:

It → subject
is → auxiliary verb
called → past participle

So the full meaning is: “This thing is named…”

Example:

It’s called a solar eclipse.

This means people call it a solar eclipse.

Why English Uses “It’s Called” for Naming

English often uses the passive voice when the speaker does not need to mention who named something.
The focus stays on the name itself, not the person who gave it.

Common naming structures include:

It’s called
It is known as
It is referred to as
It is termed

These structures keep communication direct and natural.

Common Uses of “It’s Called”

You’ll hear “It’s called” in many contexts:

Explaining vocabulary:
It’s called a metaphor.
Introducing concepts:
It’s called blockchain technology.
Daily conversation:
It’s called a shawarma wrap.
Academic writing:
This process is called photosynthesis.

Examples of “It’s Called” in Sentences

Everyday Speech:

It’s called a rain check.
It’s called a life hack.

Formal Writing:

The phenomenon is called the Doppler effect.
This approach is called qualitative research.

Casual Tone:

It’s called binge-watching.
It’s called ghosting.

What Does “It Called” Mean?

Why “It Called” Is Grammatically Incomplete

“It called” lacks an auxiliary verb.
English verbs often need helping verbs to form correct tense and voice.

Incorrect structure:

It called a strategy. ❌

Correct structure:

It is called a strategy. ✅
It was called a strategy. ✅

Without is, was, or another auxiliary, the sentence feels broken.

When “It Called” Can Appear in Real English

Despite being incorrect in standard grammar, you may still see “It called” in:

Informal speech:
People drop words while speaking quickly.
Dialects:
Some regional dialects omit auxiliary verbs.
Creative writing:
Authors use fragments to show character voice.

Example in fiction:

It called me back, like a ghost whispering.

Here, called acts as an active verb, not a naming phrase.

Correct vs Incorrect Examples

Sentence	Correct?	Explanation
It called a new trend.	❌	Missing auxiliary verb
It’s called a new trend.	✅	Correct naming structure
It was called Project Orion.	✅	Past tense naming
It called me last night.	✅	Active verb, not naming

Key Differences: It’s Called vs It Called

Meaning Differences

It’s called → Used to name something
It called → Means something performed the action of calling

Grammar Differences

Feature	It’s Called	It Called
Auxiliary verb	Present (is)	None
Voice	Passive	Active
Usage	Naming	Action

Usage Context Differences

Use “It’s called” when:

Naming objects
Explaining terms
Defining concepts

Use “It called” when:

Describing an action
Writing narrative fiction
Reporting an event

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Phrase	Grammar Structure	Correctness	Example	Context
It’s called	Passive + auxiliary	Correct	It’s called a podcast.	Naming
It called	Active verb	Correct only when literal	It called my phone.	Action
It called (naming)	Missing auxiliary	Incorrect	It called a podcast.	Error

Common Mistakes and Why They Happen

Influence of Spoken English

People often drop words while speaking fast.
That habit carries into writing.

ESL Language Transfer

Many languages don’t use auxiliary verbs in the same way.
Learners translate directly, which causes errors.

Autocorrect and Typing Habits

Typing fast on phones leads to missing contractions.
“It’s” becomes “It” accidentally.

Social Media Language Habits

Platforms encourage short, informal writing.
Grammar often gets sacrificed for speed.

Read More” Extensible vs. Extendible: What’s the Difference?

Simple Rules to Never Confuse Them Again

The “Is Rule”

If you are naming something, you need is or was.

Example:

It’s called digital marketing.

The Substitution Test

Replace the phrase with “It is named.”

If the sentence still makes sense, use It’s called.

Memory Tricks

Naming = It’s called
Action = It called

Think of “is” as the naming glue that holds the sentence together.

Real-Life Examples From Different Contexts

Everyday Conversation Examples

It’s called street food.
It’s called multitasking.
It’s called jet lag.

Academic and Professional Writing Examples

This technique is called regression analysis.
The theory is called cognitive dissonance.
The system is called artificial intelligence

Pop Culture and Media Examples

Tech Articles:

The device is called the iPhone 15 Pro.

Movies:

It’s called Inception.

Music:

It’s called a remix.

Mini Practice Section

Fill in the Blank

It ___ called a startup.
It ___ called me at midnight.
This method is ___ called clustering.

Answers:

is
called
often

Correct the Sentence

Wrong:

It called machine learning.

Correct:

It’s called machine learning.

FAQs About It’s Called vs It Called

Is “It called” ever correct in standard English?

Yes, but only when called is an action verb, not a naming phrase.

Is “It’s called” informal or formal?

It’s neutral.
Use It is called in formal academic writing.

Can I use “It’s called” in academic writing?

Yes, but many academic journals prefer It is called for a formal tone.

What is the difference between “It’s called” and “It is known as”?

Both name something.
“Known as” sounds more formal and descriptive.

Why do native speakers say “It called” sometimes?

They drop words in casual speech.
It’s common in conversation but not in standard writing.

Conclusion: Clear Takeaways

“It’s called” is the correct phrase when naming something.
“It called” only works when describing an action.

Remember the rule: Naming needs “is.”
Use the substitution test to check your sentence.

Once you understand this difference, your English will sound clearer, more natural, and professional.
Practice using both phrases in context.
Soon, you’ll never confuse them again.

Alyan Ashraf

Word	Tone	Usage
Called	Neutral	Common speech
Named	Formal	Writing, official naming
Termed	Academic	Research and formal text