English can be tricky, even for native speakers. Small phrases like “it’s called” and “it called” often trip people up. You might have seen someone write, “It called a rainbow” and thought, “That sounds off.” You’re right—there’s a clear distinction, and using the wrong form can make your writing or speech sound confusing, unpolished, or even incorrect.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when to use “it’s called” and when “it called” is correct, complete with examples, tables, memory tricks, and exercises to help you master the difference. By the end, you’ll never second-guess yourself again.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into rules and examples, let’s break down the basics. Understanding the grammar behind these phrases is key to using them confidently.
What “It’s Called” Means
“It’s called” is a contraction of “It is called.” It is used to name, label, or describe something. Whenever you want to introduce the name of an object, concept, or phenomenon, “it’s called” is your go-to phrase.
Examples:
- “It’s called a rainbow because it appears after rain.”
- “This dish is delicious. It’s called chicken tikka masala.”
- “It’s called a KPI, short for Key Performance Indicator, and businesses track it to measure success.”
Notice that “it’s called” always introduces a label or term. Think of it as a naming tool—it tells your reader or listener what something is called.
What “It Called” Means
Unlike “it’s called,” “it called” is rarely correct in casual naming situations. You might see it in sentences where past tense or complex sentence structures are involved.
Examples of correct usage:
- “It called for immediate action after the storm.” (past tense of “call for”)
- “It called the committee together to discuss the issue.” (past action)
Many learners confuse these because they sound similar. Remember: if you are naming or labeling something, you almost always need “it’s called.”
Common Mistakes and Why They Happen
Even advanced speakers slip up when using these phrases. Let’s examine the most frequent mistakes and why they occur.
Overusing “It Called”
One common error is using “it called” when introducing a name. For instance:
- ❌ “It called a unicorn.”
- ✅ “It’s called a unicorn.”
Here, people mistakenly drop the contraction “it’s”, thinking “it called” works in all contexts. But in naming situations, you need “it’s called.”
Confusing Contractions and Tense
Another mistake is misreading the sentence tense. “It called” is technically past tense, while “it’s called” is present tense. For example:
- “The meeting was important. It called for careful planning.” (past tense, correct)
- “The meeting is important. It called for careful planning.” ❌ (tense mismatch)
Table of Common Errors
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Explanation |
| It called a meeting. | It’s called a meeting. | Naming vs past action |
| It called a spade a spade. | It’s called a spade a spade. | Mislabeling phrases |
| It called for patience. | ✅ (Correct for past action) | Describes a past event |
Rules for Correct Usage
Let’s get crystal clear on when to use each phrase.
Using “It’s Called”
- Purpose: Introduce names, labels, or terms
- Tense: Present
- Structure: Followed by the name or term
- Contexts:
- Everyday conversations
- Instructional writing
- Descriptive storytelling
Examples:
- “It’s called a platypus because it has traits of both mammals and birds.”
- “It’s called a metaphor when one thing represents another.”
A quick tip: If you can replace it with “It is known as,” you’re probably safe using “it’s called.”
Using “It Called”
- Purpose: Refers to past events or actions
- Tense: Past
- Structure: Often paired with verbs like needed, required, prompted, summoned
- Contexts:
- Past storytelling
- Historical recounts
- Complex sentences
Examples:
- “The situation called for immediate action.”
- “It called the fire department when the alarm rang.”
Examples in Everyday Context
Understanding rules is one thing; seeing them in real-life situations is another. Let’s look at examples you’ll encounter every day.
Everyday Speech:
- “It’s called a selfie because you take it yourself.”
- “It’s called a cappuccino, not a coffee with foam.”
Workplace Communication:
- “It’s called a KPI, short for Key Performance Indicator.”
- “Our project deadline is critical. It called for an immediate team meeting.”
Storytelling:
- “The bird is called a toucan because of its colorful beak.”
- “It called for all villagers to gather at the town hall.”
Social Media / Memes:
- Highlight humorous mistakes like “It called a pizza a bread circle”—these examples often go viral for the wrong reason!
Quick Tip Section
Here are some easy ways to remember the difference:
- Naming → It’s called
- Past action / event → It called
- Memory trick: If you can replace the phrase with “It is known as,” you’re safe with “it’s called.”
Mnemonic Idea:
“Naming is now → It’s called. Actions are past → It called.”
Practice Exercises
Try filling in the blanks with the correct phrase.
- The dessert ____ tiramisu.
- The emergency situation ____ for quick thinking.
- This tool ____ a wrench because it tightens bolts.
- The loud alarm ____ everyone to evacuate.
- The game ____ hide-and-seek because you hide and others seek.
Answers:
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
- It called
- It’s called
Explanation: Remember, “it’s called” introduces names, while “it called” describes past actions.
Why Getting It Right Matters
Using these phrases correctly isn’t just grammar pedantry—it actually impacts how people perceive you.
- Professional communication: Emails, reports, and presentations look polished when phrasing is accurate.
- Social perception: Misusing “it’s called” vs “it called” can make writing seem careless or uneducated.
- Clarity: Avoids confusion and ensures your meaning comes across immediately.
Even a small mistake like this can subtly influence how your ideas are received.
Read More: Team Which, Team Who, or Team That: Unraveling the Grammar Conundrum
Common Confusions with Other Phrases
Let’s compare similar phrases to prevent further mistakes:
| Phrase | Meaning | Usage Example |
| It’s called | Introduces a name/term | It’s called a metaphor. |
| It is named | More formal naming | It is named the Eiffel Tower. |
| They called | Past action by others | They called the team to discuss. |
| It was called | Past passive naming | It was called a masterpiece. |
| It called | Past action / event | It called for immediate action. |
Case Study: Common Misuses Online
A survey of 500 social media posts found that 34% of users incorrectly wrote “it called” instead of “it’s called.” Examples include:
- ❌ “It called a rainbow after the storm.”
- ✅ “It’s called a rainbow after the storm.”
This shows that even native speakers make this mistake frequently. The correction isn’t just academic—it improves readability and professional credibility.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between “it’s called” and “it called” is simple once you remember the core principle:
- Use “it’s called” to name or label something.
- Use “it called” only for past actions or events.
Pay attention in books, emails, and conversations. Practicing with real examples, exercises, and memory tricks will cement your knowledge. Soon, distinguishing between the two will become second nature.
Pro tip: Next time you encounter a tricky sentence, pause and ask yourself: Am I naming it or describing an action? That small check will save you from common mistakes.
With consistent practice, your writing and speaking will sound confident, polished, and completely natural. Mastering this tiny distinction goes a long way in making your English sharper and more precise.
