I still remember a time in a professional meeting when a colleague used it called instead of it’s called, and the message felt incomplete. That tiny apostrophe changes the meaning entirely, and in settings where effective communication is key, this can hurt a writer’s credibility.
The nuances of English grammar may seem small, but they make a huge impact on understanding. As someone who works on drafting campaign briefs and product descriptions, I’ve learned that clarity, accuracy, and avoiding mistakes matter just as much as creativity. Whether you’re naming names in a guide or giving tips in an article, avoiding misusing common expressions helps prevent misinterpretation and issues that could alter how your word is received.
From my experience, writing with precision means paying attention to these distinctions. Even in a quick brief or drafting a message, I try to keep the tone sharp and avoid minor errors that could change the meaning. For instance, “it’s called a new beginning” clearly implies a name or label, while “it called” suggests an action, which could cause confusion. In professional settings, such phrases should be used correctly to maintain clarity and effective communication.
Over time, I’ve developed my own examples and details to help others learn—whether it’s in a learning workshop, writing exercise, or even a grammar article. In the end, choosing the right phrase isn’t just about rules—it’s about keeping your message as strong as possible.
Why This Distinction Matters
In both spoken and written English, subtle grammar errors can change the entire meaning of a sentence. The difference between “It’s called” and “It called” might seem small, but using the wrong one can lead to misunderstandings.
For example:
- Correct: It’s called a safety net. (You’re explaining the name or term for something.)
- Incorrect: It called a safety net. (This suggests “it” performed the action of calling, which is odd in this context.)
When you get this right, you instantly sound more fluent, precise, and professional.
The Core Difference Between “It’s” and “It”
At the heart of this confusion is the apostrophe in “it’s.” That tiny mark changes the entire grammatical role of the word.
| Form | Function | Example Sentence |
| It’s | Contraction of it is or it has | It’s called a hypothesis. |
| It | Pronoun only (no apostrophe) | It called for a quick response. |
Key takeaway:
- It’s is not possessive.
- It without the apostrophe can be followed by verbs in any tense, including called.
Understanding the Meaning of “It’s Called”
The phrase “It’s called” is most often used to introduce the name of something. In everyday conversation, academic explanations, and even professional reports, it acts as a quick way to define or label something.
Literal meaning: “It is referred to as…”
Examples
- Science: It’s called photosynthesis, and it’s how plants make food.
- Education: It’s called critical thinking—analyzing information before forming a judgment.
- Business: It’s called brand loyalty, and it’s essential for customer retention.
By using “It’s called”, you frame information in a way that’s easy for the listener or reader to digest.
Breaking Down the Two Uses of “It’s”
It’s = It is
When “it’s” stands for it is, it’s present tense. You’re describing something that exists right now.
Example:
It’s called a feedback loop. (You’re explaining the current name of something.)
It’s = It has
When “it’s” means it has, it’s typically followed by a past participle.
Example:
It’s called attention to the lack of safety measures. (It has drawn attention.)
Important note:
In “It’s called”, the meaning almost always comes from “It is called”. The “It has” form is far less common in this phrase.
Why “It Called” is Not the Same
“It called” uses the past tense of the verb call. It’s an action performed by it in the past. This changes the meaning entirely.
Correct Contexts
- It called for immediate action. (Meaning: It required action.)
- It called the police after hearing the noise. (Meaning: “It” performed the act of calling.)
In most cases, if you’re introducing a name or term, “It called” would be incorrect. Instead, use “It’s called”.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Using “It called” when naming something
t called the process photosynthesis.
It’s called photosynthesis.
Mistake 2: Confusing it’s with its
- It’s = it is or it has.
- Its = possessive form of it.
Mistake 3: Overusing contractions in formal writing
In professional or academic work, you may want to use “It is called” instead of “It’s called” to maintain formality.
Possessive Pronouns: ‘Its’ Without the Apostrophe
Many people mistakenly write it’s when they mean the possessive its. This error is so common that even published materials sometimes get it wrong.
Possessive “its” shows ownership:
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The company changed its policy.
Quick check: If you can replace it with it is or it has and the sentence still makes sense, you need the apostrophe.
“It’s Called” in Real-Life Contexts
Here’s how “It’s called” appears in different fields:
| Field | Example Usage |
| Education | It’s called active recall, and it boosts memory retention. |
| Science | It’s called the greenhouse effect, and it impacts global climate. |
| Business | It’s called market segmentation, and it helps target specific audiences. |
| Technology | It’s called two-factor authentication, and it adds security to accounts. |
Using the phrase correctly adds authority to your explanations, no matter the context.
Formal vs Informal Writing: When to Use Contractions
- Formal: Avoid contractions in essays, research papers, or legal documents.
Example: It is called mitosis. - Informal: Contractions sound natural in conversation, blogs, or casual emails.
Example: It’s called multitasking.
By adjusting your usage to the setting, you maintain both clarity and professionalism.
Memory Tricks and Quick Rules
Here are some easy ways to remember the correct form:
- The Replacement Test: Can you swap it’s with it is or it has? If yes, use the apostrophe.
- Think of Ownership: If you’re showing possession, drop the apostrophe (its).
- Past Action = No Apostrophe: If the sentence is about something that happened, you might need it called, not it’s called.
Final Takeaways
- It’s called = “It is referred to as…” → Used for naming or identifying.
- It called = past tense verb phrase → Used for describing an action in the past.
- Its = possessive → No apostrophe needed.
Getting this right isn’t just about grammar—it’s about clarity and credibility in every conversation, email, or document.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between it’s called and it called is more than just a grammar tip—it’s a skill that can shape how others perceive your message. The apostrophe in it’s signals a contraction of “it is” or “it has,” which adds clarity and accuracy to your communication.
Without it, your sentence might unintentionally imply an action rather than a label or description. Whether in casual conversation or professional writing, using the correct phrase shows attention to detail, boosts credibility, and prevents confusion.
By practicing and staying mindful of these distinctions, you can make your language sharper and your communication more effective. Remember, small changes can have a big impact, especially in situations where precision matters most.
FAQs
Q1: What does “it’s called” mean?
“It’s called” means “it is named” or “it is referred to as.” It’s used when identifying or labeling something.
Q2: What does “it called” mean?
“It called” suggests that a subject performed the action of calling. For example, “It called me yesterday” means the thing or person contacted you.
Q3: Why is “it’s called” correct in most cases?
Because when naming something, you need “it’s” (it is) to make the sentence grammatically correct and clear.
Q4: How can I remember the difference?
Think of “it’s” as “it is.” If replacing it with “it is” still makes sense, then “it’s” is correct.
Q5: Can using the wrong phrase change the meaning completely?
Yes. Using “it called” instead of “it’s called” can confuse your audience and alter your intended meaning.
