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

Have you ever paused while typing and wondered if it should be “it’s called” or “it called”? You are not alone. This tiny apostrophe trips up native speakers and ESL learners alike.

The confusion makes sense since both phrases look and sound almost identical. But one names something while the other describes a past action. Mixing them up can make a sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect.

This guide breaks down both phrases in plain language, with examples and a simple trick to remember the rule for good.

What Does “It’s Called” Mean?

“It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called.” It uses the passive voice to name, define, or identify something.

People use this phrase constantly in daily conversation. It works whenever you want to tell someone the name of a thing, a place, an idea, or a concept.

Examples:

• It’s called a spatula.
• It’s called photosynthesis.
• It’s called Stranger Things.
• It’s called machine learning.

In each example, something is receiving a name rather than performing an action. That is the core function of “it’s called.”

Was It Called?

“Was it called” follows the same passive structure but shifts the naming into the past tense. Use it when asking what something used to be named.

Example: Was it called something different before the rebrand?

This version is useful when discussing old names, former titles, or outdated terms that have since changed.

Full Form vs Contracted Form

Every contraction has a full form hiding behind it. Understanding this helps you test whether your sentence is correct.

A simple test works every time. Try replacing “it’s” with “it is” or “it has.” If the sentence still makes sense, your contraction is correct. If it sounds odd, something is wrong.

What Is It Called?

“What is it called?” is the standard question form used to ask for a name you don’t know or can’t remember. It is grammatically complete because it includes the verb “is.”

Example: What is it called when you feel happy for someone else’s success? (Answer: It’s called compersion.)

Avoid saying “how is it called,” since “how” asks about manner, not identity. English always uses “what” when asking for a name.

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

“It called” is the simple past tense of the verb “to call.” Here, “it” is the subject actively performing the action of calling. There is no contraction and no hidden verb. The grammar is straightforward.

This phrase only makes sense when something nonhuman, like a machine, an animal, or an organization represented as “it,” genuinely placed a call or said something out loud.

Examples:

• The phone rang, then it called again.
• The system glitched, then it called the backup function.
• The committee reviewed the file. It called for a second opinion.

Notice that “it called” never works for naming something. Saying “it called a spatula” leaves the reader confused, since “called” alone cannot introduce a label without the helping verb “is.”

What Is That Called?

This question follows the same passive naming pattern as “what is it called.” Use it when pointing to something specific and asking for its name.

Example: What is that called, the tool you used to smooth the icing?

This phrasing is common in spoken English, especially when gesturing toward an object during conversation.

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

Seeing both phrases next to each other makes the distinction click faster.

The pattern is consistent. If you are naming or defining something, you need “it’s called.” If something performed an action, you need “it called.”

The Contraction vs Possessive Trap

A second layer of confusion comes from mixing up “it’s” with “its.” These words sound identical but serve different purposes.

• It’s always means “it is” or “it has.” Example: It’s called a lion.
• Its shows possession, meaning something belongs to “it.” Example: The dog wagged its tail.

Writing “its called” is always incorrect. This missing apostrophe is one of the most common grammar mistakes, even among fluent writers.

Memory Trick That Works

Keep this short rule in your back pocket:

If it names, use “it’s called.” If it acts, use “it called.”

Another helpful trick: ask yourself two quick questions before you write.

1. Am I giving something a name or title? Use “it’s called.”
2. Did “it” actually perform an action in the past? Use “it called.”

If you can swap in “it is” and the sentence still makes sense, the apostrophe belongs there. If the swap creates nonsense, drop the apostrophe and check whether your subject is performing an action instead.

Conclusion

The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to one small apostrophe with a big impact on meaning. “It’s called” identifies, defines, or names something, and you will use it in the vast majority of everyday writing and speech. “It called” describes a past action performed by a subject, and it appears far less often, mostly in storytelling or specific situations involving machines, animals, or organizations.

Once this distinction clicks, you will stop second guessing your sentences. Test the contraction by expanding it, read your writing aloud, and remember the rule: naming needs the apostrophe, action does not.

Brook

Brook is the creator and author behind Healthy Leeks, a platform focused on grammar, writing skills, and English language learning. Passionate about clear communication and effective writing, Brook shares practical grammar tips, easy-to-follow language guides, and educational content to help readers improve their English with confidence.