It’s Called vs It Called: Meaning and Grammar

At a quick glance, these phrases may look similar, yet the difference in how they serve English is key in It’s Called vs It Called.From my own time teaching English, I’ve watched many learners get confused, especially ESL students who struggle with the grammatical functions behind “It’s called” and “It called”.

The contraction “It’s” can mean “It is” or “It has”, forming a passive construction that is used to name or describe something, while on the other hand “It called” is a simple past tense sentence where the subject “it” actually “called” as a verb meaning “call” in action.

Over the years, I’ve seen many Misunderstandings around these forms happen more often than expected.When you finally understand the distinction, your sentences flow more naturally, and your message feels clearer.

I’ve used countless examples, case studies, tables, and even short memory tricks to help students fix these common mistakes, and every time they finally recognize when each form fits, they walk away with the ability to choose the correct phrase. Even tiny details can matter—sometimes a single word is the curveball that stops your progress.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview of “It’s Called vs It Called”

The difference between “it’s called” and “it called” comes down to meaning, tense, and intent. One identifies or names something. The other performs an action in the past.

Here’s a fast snapshot:

Phrase	Meaning	Tense	When to Use	Example
It’s called	It is named / It is referred to as	Present	When identifying, defining, describing, or explaining something	“It’s called photoresist technology.”
It called	It made a call / It summoned / It signaled	Past	When describing something making a call or performing an action in the past	“It called the nearest beacon before shutting down.”

Think of “it’s called” as a naming tool. Think of “it called” as an action performed by a subject.

What’s the Actual Difference Between “It’s Called” and “It Called”?

The heart of the confusion lies in the contraction “it’s”, which sounds identical to “its.” When someone hears the phrase, they often misinterpret tone or meaning.

A fast look at the grammar:

It’s = it is or it has
Called (in this phrase) = past participle describing a name
It called = past tense verb where “called” is the action

The distinction becomes clear when you consider purpose. “It’s called” communicates what something is. “It called” communicates what something did.

Here’s a quick visual timeline:

Present: It’s called quantum locking → identifies a current name

Past: It called for help → describes a completed action

This distinction affects clarity, especially in education, technology, and workplace communication where accuracy matters.

Understanding “It’s Called” – Meaning and Usage

“It’s called” means “it is called” and is used to name, identify, define, or label something. You use it when you want to tell the reader what something is known as.

You see it everywhere in explanations, from academic writing to daily conversations. It helps listeners understand an unfamiliar idea or concept without confusion.

Meaning and Function of “It’s Called”

You usually use this phrase when:

explaining vocabulary
defining a tool or feature
identifying steps in a process
naming objects, concepts, or ideas
clarifying something someone has never heard before

It acts as a bridge between the unknown and the familiar.

For example:

“It’s called kinetic sand, and kids love it.”
“It’s called thermal mass, and architects use it to stabilize indoor temperatures.”

It names, introduces, and clarifies—all in one concise phrase.

Practical Examples of “It’s Called”

You use “it’s called” every time you need to identify something:

Everyday speech

“It’s called multitasking when you try doing three things at once.”
“It’s called a hybrid bike, not a mountain bike.”

Business communication

“It’s called a unified reporting dashboard.”
“It’s called operational auditing.”

Academic descriptions

“It’s called photosynthesis, and it fuels plant life.”
“It’s called social proof, and marketers rely on it.”

Step-by-step instructions

“It’s called a locking clip, and you need it to secure the hose.”
“It’s called the neutral wire.”

This phrase clarifies meaning without excessive explanation.

Where You’ll See “It’s Called” Most

Dictionaries and reference guides
It introduces definitions and terms clearly.

Product descriptions
It explains features and branded concepts.

Tutorials and how-to content
It identifies tools, materials, and steps.

Classroom explanations
Teachers rely on it to name formulas and ideas.

This makes “it’s called” a foundational phrase across information-rich fields.

Real-World Applications of “It’s Called”

In Education

Teachers use “it’s called” to define concepts quickly, such as:

“It’s called a quadratic equation.”
“It’s called the water cycle.”

The phrase anchors new vocabulary in the learner’s mind.

In Technology

Tech relies on clear naming conventions:

“It’s called version control.”
“It’s called end-to-end encryption.”

Precise terminology keeps teams aligned.

In Pop Culture

People use it to explain references:

“It’s called character development.”
“It’s called a crossover episode.”

The phrase helps decode entertainment culture.

When “It Called” Is Correct

“It called” is a past tense verb construction. It describes something that made a call, summoned, or signaled in the past. This phrase is less common because “it” rarely performs the action of calling in everyday conversation.

Still, it exists, and when used correctly, it delivers clean, specific communication.

Meaning and Function of “It Called”

You use “it called” when something:

made a phone call
activated a call function
signaled another device
summoned help
emitted a call or sound

Examples:

“It called the backup generator when the system overheated.”
“It called for reinforcement.”

This phrase always refers to past action.

Correct Examples of “It Called”

Phone conversations

“It called me twice before I picked up.”

Narrative stories

“It called to the child like a distant whisper.”

Historical accounts

“It called the village together.”

Business communication

“It called the accounting API before executing the next step.”

The structure always implies action, not naming.

Valid but Rare Situations for “It Called”

Because “it” isn’t usually a caller, “it called” appears in specialized contexts.

Examples include:

AI assistants (“It called the user automatically.”)
Automated systems (“It called customer support when it failed.”)
Literary moments (“It called from deep within the cave.”)

In storytelling, it adds atmosphere and intrigue.

Example in Narrative Writing

Here’s a short narrative paragraph:

“The device vibrated once then twice. In the silence of the lab, it called the emergency line before shutting down. The alert echoed across the room like a final warning.”

This version of “it called” shows urgency and action. It communicates a completed task.

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

Errors occur because these phrases sound similar when spoken. Misinterpretation leads to confusing writing.

Grammar Confusions

The most common issues include:

Treating “it called” as a naming phrase
Mistaking “it’s” for “its”
Using “it’s called” in past tense statements
Translating directly from another language

When these mistakes happen, sentences feel awkward or unclear.

Key Errors to Avoid

Avoid the following pitfalls:

Saying “it called” when naming something
- Wrong: “It called oxygen.”
- Correct: “It’s called oxygen.”
Saying “it’s called” when describing past action
- Wrong: “Yesterday it’s called me.”
- Correct: “Yesterday it called me.”
Mixing tenses within one sentence
- Wrong: “It’s called a flare and it signaled for help earlier.”

Clarity comes from clean tense usage.

Pro Tip to Remember

If you’re naming something, use “it’s called.”
If something performed an action, use “it called.”

This single rule solves nearly every confusion.

Examples in Real-Life Contexts

Here are strong examples across everyday situations.

Customer Service

“It’s called caller authentication.”
“It called the customer back automatically.”

Classroom Activity

“It’s called a base-ten block.”
“It called for volunteers during the demonstration.”

Workplace Communication

“It’s called an adjustment report.”
“It called our system API to verify the request.”

Travel

“It’s called the express route.”
“It called the transit control center.”

Tech Troubleshooting

“It’s called a cache reset.”
“It called the default gateway.”

These examples build instinct around real usage.

How to Decide Which One to Use

Choosing between the phrases becomes easier when you break it down into purpose, meaning, and timing.

Decision Checklist

Use this simple checklist before writing:

Are you naming or identifying something?
→ Use it’s called
Are you describing a past action?
→ Use it called
Does the sentence involve an explanation?
→ Use it’s called
Does the sentence involve something performing a call or signal?
→ Use it called

Clear decisions come from clear intent.

Mnemonic Device

Here’s a quick memory trick:

“Naming needs ‘it’s.’ Action needs past tense.”

If you’re introducing a name or label, choose it’s called.
If you’re reporting what something did, choose it called.

It’s short, memorable, and accurate.

Grammar Tips for ESL and Native Speakers

These tips help tighten your writing regardless of experience level.

Understanding Verb Tenses

“It’s called” uses the present tense because it describes something true right now.
“It called” uses the past tense because the action already happened.

Here’s a visual comparison:

Phrase	Tense	What It Means	Time Frame
It’s called	Present	It is named	Now
It called	Past	It performed a call	Before now

Knowing your time frame solves most mistakes.

Active vs Passive Voice Notes

“It’s called” looks passive, and that’s fine because naming is typically passive. You don’t see sentences like “People call it…” in formal explanations, even though they’re technically active.

Examples:

Active: “Experts call it neuroplasticity.”
Passive: “It’s called neuroplasticity.”

Both are correct, but the passive version sounds clearer when defining terms.

“It called,” on the other hand, remains active because it performs an action.

Examples:

“It called for help.”
“It called the endpoint.”

When teaching or learning English, focus on clarity rather than forcing active voice everywhere. Some passive structures are natural and effective.

Quiz: Test Your Understanding

Choose the correct phrase: “it’s called” or “it called.”

___ a distribution hub.
Yesterday ___ three times before anyone answered.
___ an induction motor.
The alarm went off then ___ the control room.
In chemistry ___ a catalyst.
When the system overheated, ___ the backup protocol.
___ vector mapping.
The old device malfunctioned then ___ emergency services.

Answers

It’s called
It called
It’s called
It called
It’s called
It called
It’s called
It called

Conclusion

The confusion between It’s Called vs It Called may feel small at first, but it creates a big impact on how clearly you speak and write. When you choose “It’s called”, you are naming or identifying something. When you use “It called”, you are talking about an action that happened in the past. Once you recognize this difference, your sentences sound more natural and confident. With practice, these forms stop being tricky and start feeling automatic. The more you notice them in reading and listening, the faster they stick in daily use.