It’s Called vs It Called – Understanding the Difference

When I first started teaching English, I realized many ESL learners struggle with It’s and It, which is why understanding It’s Called vs It Called: Understanding the Distinction is essential for clarity and accuracy. I remember confidently saying, “It called a new beginning,” during a conversation, and seeing puzzled faces.

That tiny apostrophe flipped the meaning completely upside down. The difference may appear small, but recognizing subtle distinctions like this is essential for improving communication, whether spoken or written, and avoiding common mistakes in grammar, writing, and speaking.

It’s is used when naming or describing something, serving as a contraction for “it is” or “it has.” For example, “It’s called karma” is clear, simple, and correctly shows the subject and verb function in a sentence. In contrast, “It called” can be confusing, suggesting the subject is actively calling someone, which may lead to errors for learners navigating phrases, structures, and English usage.

Paying attention to details, tense, and contractions helps avoid embarrassing moments, enhance fluency, and build confidence. This quick guide helps learners grasp key functions, examples, and context so they can use these forms correctly in daily writing, essays, or conversation without quirks, traps, or errors.

Understanding the Basics: ‘It’ vs ‘It’s’

The first step in mastering these phrases is understanding the building blocks: “It” and “It’s.”

• “It” is a pronoun. It usually refers to a subject or object that has already been mentioned or is understood from context.
  • Example: The book is on the table. It is red.
• “It’s” is a contraction of either “It is” or “It has.” Contractions combine words to make speech or writing smoother and more natural.
  • Example: “It’s raining outside” → It is raining outside.
  • Example: “It’s been a long day” → It has been a long day.

Here’s a quick comparison table for clarity:

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example
It	Pronoun, subject/object	It is on the shelf.
It’s	Contraction of “It is”	It’s amazing how fast time flies.
It’s	Contraction of “It has”	It’s been three years since we met.

Understanding this fundamental difference is key to using “It’s Called” correctly.

What ‘It’s’ Really Means

Breaking Down “It is”

When “It’s” stands for “It is”, it usually describes, defines, or states a fact about something.

• Example: “It’s called the Renaissance because it was a rebirth of art and culture.”
• Example: “It’s important to check your work before submitting.”

Notice how the contraction makes the sentence more conversational while keeping the meaning clear.

Breaking Down “It has”

When “It’s” stands for “It has”, it typically indicates possession or experience, especially when paired with a past participle.

• Example: “It’s been a challenging semester for students.”
• Example: “It’s already happened before anyone noticed.”

This distinction is subtle but important. Confusing “It’s” with “It” changes the meaning of the sentence entirely.

Correct Usage of ‘It’s Called’

The phrase “It’s Called” is widely used in English to name, describe, or identify something. In almost every context, it functions as a contraction of “It is called.”

• Academic Example: “It’s called photosynthesis, and it occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.”
• Professional Example: “It’s called the quarterly review because it happens every three months.”
• Casual Example: “It’s called binge-watching when you watch several episodes in one sitting.”

Why “It Called” is Usually Wrong

The phrase “It called” is rarely correct unless “called” is the main verb in a sentence. For example:

• Correct: “It called for immediate action” (Here, called is the past tense of the verb call.)
• Incorrect: “It called the Renaissance a rebirth” (Should be: “It’s called the Renaissance a rebirth.”)

Understanding ‘It’ Without the Apostrophe

While “It’s” is a contraction, “It” is just a pronoun. You use “It” when the subject of the sentence performs an action, or when you are referring to something previously mentioned.

• Example as Subject: “It called for a better solution.”
• Example as Object: “I saw it on the table.”

Notice that “It Called” is only correct in action-oriented sentences where “called” is the main verb, not a description.

Common Misconceptions and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned writers make mistakes with “It’s Called” versus “It Called.” Here are the most frequent misconceptions:

• Mistaking contractions for possession: Apostrophes can indicate contractions or possession, but not both.
  • Incorrect: “The system’s called a database.” (Could be confusing)
  • Correct: “It’s called a database.”
• Using contractions in formal writing: Many students avoid contractions in essays, but in professional emails or reports, they can make writing feel natural. Balance is key.
• Assuming “It Called” is acceptable anywhere: Only use when the action of calling is literal.

Quick rule of thumb:

• If you can replace the phrase with “It is called” or “It has”, use “It’s Called.”
• If “called” is a past tense verb for an action, use “It called.”

Contractions in Formal and Informal Writing

Contractions like “It’s” can make writing sound conversational. However, they are not always appropriate in formal writing.

Context	Contraction Allowed?	Example
Academic essay	Usually avoid	“It is called photosynthesis…”
Professional report	Occasionally	“It’s called the quarterly review…”
Casual email	Yes	“It’s been a long day!”
Spoken language	Yes	“It’s amazing!”

Using contractions strategically helps maintain a professional yet approachable tone.

Practical Examples in Context

Here’s a deeper dive into “It’s Called” in real-life contexts:

Academic Writing:

• “It’s called the Renaissance because it marked the revival of art and literature in Europe.”
• “It’s called mitosis, and it’s the process of cell division in eukaryotic organisms.”

Professional Communication:

• “It’s called the annual performance review, and it helps track employee progress.”
• “It’s called a risk assessment, and it identifies potential project pitfalls.”

Casual Conversation:

• “It’s called binge-watching when you watch multiple episodes of a show at once.”
• “It’s called a pop quiz, and no one likes them!”

Tips and Tricks to Remember the Difference

Learning grammar rules is easier with memory aids and practical tests. Here are some tips:

• Replace the contraction: Always try replacing “It’s” with “It is” or “It has.” If the sentence still makes sense, you used it correctly.
• Check the action: If “called” is a verb showing what something did, “It Called” may be correct.
• Visual mnemonic: Imagine a small apostrophe as a bridge connecting two words (It + is = It’s) to signal a contraction.
• Practice with flashcards: Write down common phrases like “It’s called…” and “It called…” and test yourself in context.

Why Getting This Right Matters

Grammar might seem trivial, but small mistakes can have real consequences:

• Clarity: Incorrect usage confuses readers and may obscure your meaning.
• Professionalism: Emails, reports, and presentations with errors can appear careless.
• Credibility: Academic papers or articles with grammar mistakes can lower your authority.

In short, mastering “It’s Called” versus “It Called” helps you communicate more effectively, whether you are teaching a class, writing a report, or submitting an essay.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between It’s and It may seem subtle, but it is essential for clear communication in English. It’s is a contraction used when naming or describing something, while It called can confuse learners by implying the subject is actively calling.

Paying attention to grammar rules, contractions, tense, and context helps prevent mistakes, improve fluency, and build confidence in both spoken and written English. Mastering these subtle distinctions enhances your ability to write, speak, and understand effectively.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main difference between “It’s called” and “It called”?

A1: It’s called uses the contraction “it is” or “it has” to name or describe something, while It called suggests the subject is actively calling, which can be confusing.

Q2: Why is the apostrophe in “It’s” important?

A2: The apostrophe changes the meaning entirely. Without it, learners may create grammatical mistakes or misinterpret the sentence.

Q3: How can ESL learners avoid confusion between the two?

A3: By focusing on grammar rules, tense, context, and common phrases, learners can recognize and use these forms correctly.

Q4: Can “It called” ever be correct?

A4: Yes, but only when the subject is actively calling someone or something. It is not used for naming or describing.

Q5: Does mastering this distinction improve overall English fluency?

A5: Absolutely. Understanding It’s Called vs It Called improves clarity, accuracy, and confidence in both writing and conversation.