“It’s called” and “it called” look nearly identical — but one is correct for naming things and the other is almost never used the way most people think.
“It’s called” is the right phrase when identifying or naming something. “It called” describes a past action performed by a subject — a completely different use.
This guide breaks down the difference between it’s called and it called, explains when each is correct, and clears up one of the most common grammar questions people search for.
What Does “It’s Called” Mean?
“It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called” — a present passive voice construction. It is used to identify, define, or name something.
When you want to tell someone what something is named, “it’s called” is the correct and natural phrase to use.
Example: “What is this kitchen tool? It’s called a spatula.”
The structure here is passive — the subject receives the name rather than performing an action. This is the standard way to identify things in English.
Common uses:
- Naming an object, place, or concept
- Explaining what something is
- Defining a term or title
- Answering “what is it called?” questions
Related Structures
What Does “It Called” Mean?
“It called” is the simple past active voice. Here “it” is the subject performing the action of calling — not receiving a name.
This structure is grammatically correct only in very specific situations where an object or entity literally performed the act of calling in the past.
Example: “The alarm system detected the fire — it called the emergency services automatically.”
In this sentence, the system itself performed the action. This usage is rare and applies mostly to automated systems, devices, or animals.
The key point: “it called” is almost never the right choice when you are trying to name or identify something. That job belongs to “it’s called.”
Quick Comparison Table
The Key Difference Between “It’s Called” vs “It Called”
The Apostrophe Changes Everything
The single apostrophe in “it’s” makes all the difference. It signals a contraction — it is — turning the phrase into a passive identification structure.
Without the apostrophe, “it called” becomes an active past tense sentence where the subject performed an action.
“It’s Called” vs “It Called” Comparison
The “How Is It Called” Mistake
This is one of the most common grammar errors — especially among people learning English as a second language.
Many people ask: “How is it called?”
This is grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct question is always:
- ✅ “What is it called?”
- ✅ “What do you call it?”
- ❌ “How is it called?”
Why? In English, you ask “what” — not “how” — when asking for the name of something. “How” asks about manner or method, not identity or name.
When to Use “It’s Called” vs “It Called”
Use “It’s Called” When:
- Naming or identifying an object, place, or concept
- Answering a “what is it called?” question
- Defining a term, title, or technical word
- Explaining what something is known as
Examples:
- “That bird with the long neck? It’s called a heron.”
- “The process of water turning to vapor — it’s called evaporation.”
Use “It Called” When:
- The subject performed the action of calling in the past
- Referring to an automated system, device, or animal that initiated contact
- Writing in simple past active tense where the subject is the actor
Examples:
- “The smoke detector sensed the gas leak — it called the emergency line.”
- “The program ran overnight and it called the server three times.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Memory trick: If you are naming something — you need the apostrophe. It’s = it is. Ask yourself: “Can I replace it’s with it is?” If yes — use it’s called. If that swap does not work — you need it called.
FAQs — It’s Called vs It Called
What does it’s called mean?
“It’s called” means “it is called” — a passive phrase used to identify or name something. Example: “This device? It’s called a modem.”
What is it’s vs it is called?
They mean exactly the same thing. “It’s called” is simply the contracted, more natural spoken form of “it is called.” Both are grammatically correct.
What is it called vs how is it called?
“What is it called?” is correct. “How is it called?” is grammatically incorrect in English. Always use what — not how — when asking for the name of something.
Is how is it called grammatically correct?
No. “How is it called?” is not correct in standard English. The proper question is “What is it called?” or “What do you call it?”
Is what is it called correct?
Yes — “What is it called?” is the grammatically correct and natural way to ask for the name of something in English.
What is the meaning of it is called?
“It is called” is a passive voice phrase meaning something has been given a specific name or title. It identifies what something is known as.
What is the use of called?
“Called” is used in passive constructions to identify or name something — as in “it is called” — or in active sentences to describe the past act of making a call or giving a name.
Is called a past tense?
“Called” is the past tense and past participle of call. In “it’s called,” it functions as part of a passive voice construction — not strictly as a simple past tense verb.
What is that’s called in grammar?
“That’s called” follows the same passive structure as “it’s called.” It means “that is called” — used to name or define something. Example: “When ice turns to liquid — that’s called melting.”
Conclusion
The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to one small apostrophe — but that apostrophe carries a huge meaning shift. “It’s called” names and identifies things. “It called” describes a past action performed by a subject.
In everyday writing and conversation, “it’s called” is the phrase you will use almost every time. Remember to always ask “what is it called?” — never “how is it called?” — and your grammar will stay sharp and correct every single time.
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