It’s Called vs It Called: Meaning and Grammar Explained
English learners often struggle with phrases that look almost identical but have completely different grammatical structures. One of the most common examples is “it’s called” vs “it called.” While these expressions may appear similar at first glance, only one is commonly correct in standard English.
Understanding the difference between these two phrases can improve your grammar, writing accuracy, and spoken communication. Whether you’re learning English as a second language, preparing for exams, or simply polishing your writing skills, mastering this distinction is important.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of both expressions, how they are used in American and British English, common mistakes to avoid, practical examples, alternative phrases, and exercises to test your understanding.
What Does “It’s Called” Mean?
The phrase “it’s called” is a contraction of “it is called.”
It is used when naming, identifying, describing, or introducing something. The phrase is extremely common in both spoken and written English.
Structure
It’s + called + noun/name/term
Examples
- It’s called a smartphone because it performs many computer-like functions.
- The process is called photosynthesis.
- It’s called a coincidence when two unrelated events happen at the same time.
The phrase indicates that something has a particular name or label.
What Does “It Called” Mean?
The phrase “it called” is usually grammatically incorrect in modern English because the verb called requires a proper subject and helping verb in most situations.
Native speakers rarely use “it called” by itself.
Incorrect Examples
❌ It called a bird.
❌ It called the machine.
❌ It called a smartphone.
These sentences sound incomplete because they lack proper grammatical structure.
Correct Forms
✔ It is called a bird.
✔ It called me yesterday.
✔ It has called several times.
Notice that when “called” acts as an action verb, the sentence must provide a complete meaning.
Understanding “It’s Called” – Meaning and Usage
The expression “it’s called” serves as a naming or identification phrase. It helps speakers explain what something is known as.
Why Is It Common?
People use it when:
- Defining terms
- Naming objects
- Explaining concepts
- Introducing new vocabulary
- Describing technical terminology
Examples in Everyday Conversation
Example 1
“It’s called a bookmark. You place it inside a book to save your page.”
Example 2
“The game is popular. It’s called chess.”
Example 3
“It’s called customer service because it helps customers solve problems.”
American English (USA) Usage
In the United States, “it’s called” is frequently used in both formal and informal situations.
Examples:
- It’s called a freeway.
- It’s called a cellphone.
- It’s called a flash drive.
British English (UK) Usage
In British English, the phrase functions the same way, though some vocabulary differs.
Examples:
- It’s called a motorway.
- It’s called a mobile phone.
- It’s called a memory stick.
The grammar remains identical in both countries.
Common Situations Where “It’s Called” Is Used
- Classroom explanations
- Business presentations
- Technical manuals
- News reports
- Everyday conversations
- Academic writing
Tips for Using “It’s Called” Correctly
- Use it when introducing a name.
- Use it when defining a term.
- Follow it with a noun or phrase.
- Avoid replacing it with “it called” when naming something.
What’s the Actual Difference Between “It’s Called” and “It Called”?
Many learners assume the difference is small, but grammatically they serve very different purposes.
| Feature | It’s Called | It Called |
| Meaning | It is named | Performed the action of calling |
| Grammar | Passive voice | Active voice |
| Common Usage | Very common | Rare by itself |
| Correct as a standalone phrase | Yes | Usually no |
| Used for naming | Yes | No |
| Used for actions | No | Yes |
Understanding the Grammar
It’s Called
Passive construction:
It + is + called
Example:
“It’s called artificial intelligence.”
The subject receives the action.
It Called
Active construction:
It + called + object
Example:
“The automated system called customers.”
Here, “called” is an action verb.
Example Set 1
Correct:
✔ It’s called gravity.
Incorrect:
❌ It called gravity.
Example Set 2
Correct:
✔ It’s called a laptop.
Incorrect:
❌ It called a laptop.
Example Set 3
Correct:
✔ It’s called renewable energy.
Incorrect:
❌ It called renewable energy.
Quick Rule
If you are giving a name to something, use “it’s called.”
If “called” means telephoned or shouted, use a complete active sentence with an object.
Example:
✔ The robot called the operator.
✔ The alarm called attention to the problem.
USA vs UK English: Are There Any Differences?
The distinction between “it’s called” and “it called” is essentially the same in both American and British English.
American English Examples
- It’s called an elevator.
- It’s called a flashlight.
- It’s called an apartment.
British English Examples
- It’s called a lift.
- It’s called a torch.
- It’s called a flat.
The naming structure remains unchanged.
Key Takeaway
Vocabulary differs between the USA and UK, but the grammar of “it’s called” stays the same.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Mistake 1: Omitting “is”
❌ It called a smartphone.
✔ It’s called a smartphone.
Mistake 2: Confusing Active and Passive Voice
❌ It called photosynthesis.
✔ It’s called photosynthesis.
Mistake 3: Translating Directly from Another Language
Some languages allow sentence structures that English does not.
Always check whether a helping verb is required.
Mistake 4: Using “It Called” as a Definition
❌ It called democracy.
✔ It’s called democracy.
Mistake 5: Forgetting the Subject in Active Sentences
❌ It called.
✔ It called me yesterday.
Other Ways to Say “It’s Called”
If you want variety in your writing, you can use these alternatives.
15+ Alternative Phrases
- It is known as
- It is referred to as
- It goes by the name
- It is named
- It is identified as
- People call it
- It is commonly known as
- It is recognized as
- It is described as
- It is labeled as
- It is termed
- It is designated as
- It is classified as
- It is regarded as
- It is defined as
- It is referred to by
- It is popularly known as
Example
Instead of:
“It’s called a telescope.”
You can say:
“It’s known as a telescope.”
When Should You Use “It’s Called”?
Use the phrase when:
- Naming an object
- Defining terminology
- Teaching vocabulary
- Explaining scientific concepts
- Describing products
- Introducing new ideas
- Writing educational content
- Giving instructions
- Creating tutorials
- Answering questions about names
Real-Life Examples
Education
“It’s called algebra.”
Technology
“It’s called cloud computing.”
Medicine
“It’s called hypertension.”
Travel
“It’s called a boarding pass.”
Science
“It’s called photosynthesis.”
Business
“It’s called customer retention.”
Sports
“It’s called a penalty kick.”
Finance
“It’s called compound interest.”
Cooking
“It’s called a whisk.”
Music
“It’s called a chord progression.”
Memory Trick to Remember the Difference
Ask yourself:
Am I naming something?
If yes:
✔ Use “it’s called.”
Am I describing an action?
If yes:
✔ Use “called” as a normal verb in a complete sentence.
Examples:
Naming:
✔ It’s called a microscope.
Action:
✔ The system called the technician.
This simple rule works almost every time.
Fill in the Blanks Exercise
Choose either “it’s called” or “it called” to complete each sentence.
Questions
- ________ artificial intelligence.
- The automated system ________ the customer yesterday.
- ________ a smartphone.
- The robot ________ emergency services.
- ________ a solar panel.
- The software ________ the administrator.
- ________ a microscope.
- The alarm ________ security personnel.
- ________ renewable energy.
- The device ________ the operator automatically.
Answers
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
- It called
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Right Answer
- If you’re naming something, use it’s called.
- If an action is happening, use called as a verb.
- Look for a noun being introduced.
- Check whether “is” is needed.
- Ask whether the sentence defines something.
- Active sentences usually have an object after “called.”
- Definitions often use passive voice.
- Educational writing frequently uses “it’s called.”
- If the sentence sounds incomplete, check for a missing helping verb.
- Practice identifying passive and active voice
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “it’s called” and “it called” is essential for accurate English communication. The phrase “it’s called” means “it is named” and is commonly used to define, identify, or introduce something. In contrast, “it called” is only correct when “called” functions as an action verb within a complete sentence. This rule applies equally in both American and British English. By learning the distinction, practicing examples, and avoiding common mistakes, you can write and speak more naturally and confidently. Remember: if you’re naming something, the correct choice is almost always “it’s called.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “it’s called” and “it called”?
“It’s called” means “it is named” or “it is known as,” while “it called” describes an action where something performed the act of calling someone or something.
Is “it’s called” grammatically correct?
Yes, “it’s called” is grammatically correct. It is the contraction of “it is called” and is commonly used to identify or name something.
Is “it called” grammatically correct?
“It called” can be grammatically correct only when “called” is used as an action verb. For example, “The system called the customer yesterday.”
When should I use “it’s called”?
Use “it’s called” when introducing, defining, naming, or identifying a person, object, concept, or term.
Can I use “it called” to define something?
No. To define or name something, you should use “it’s called,” not “it called.”
Do American and British English use “it’s called” differently?
No. Both American and British English use “it’s called” in the same grammatical way. Only some vocabulary terms may differ between the two varieties.
Why do English learners confuse “it’s called” and “it called”?
Many learners confuse them because the phrases look similar. However, one is a passive structure (“it is called”), while the other is an active verb form.
What are some examples of “it’s called” in a sentence?
Examples include:
- It’s called a microscope.
- It’s called renewable energy.
- It’s called customer service.
What are some examples of “it called” in a sentence?
Examples include:
- The automated system called the customer.
- The robot called emergency services.
- The device called the operator automatically.
How can I remember the difference between “it’s called” and “it called”?
A simple trick is to ask yourself whether you’re naming something or describing an action. If you’re naming something, use “it’s called.” If an action of calling is happening, use “it called” in a complete sentence.
