Many English learners confuse “its called” and “it called” because both phrases look incomplete and sound similar in fast speech.
However, neither form is fully correct in standard English when you talk about naming something.
So, if you want natural and grammatically correct English, you need to know the proper phrase. In this guide, you’ll learn the correct usage, examples, and an easy trick to remember it.
Quick Answer
✨ Here’s the correct rule:
- ❌ Its called = incorrect
- ❌ It called = usually incorrect
- ✅ It’s called = correct
👉 Easy trick:
- It’s = it is
🌟 Examples:
- It’s called a keyboard. ✔
- Its called a keyboard. ❌
- It called a keyboard. ❌
Why “It’s Called” Is Correct
First of all, “it’s called” is short for “it is called.” Therefore, it correctly introduces the name of something.
Common Uses:
- Naming objects
- Explaining terms
- Identifying things
Examples:
- It’s called a smartphone.
- It’s called teamwork.
- It’s called a shortcut.
👉 So, whenever you name something, you should use “it’s called.”
Why “Its Called” Is Incorrect
On the other hand, “its” is a possessive word, not a contraction.
👉 Because:
- Its = belonging to it
- It’s = it is
Wrong vs Right:
- Its called ❌
- It’s called ✔
Example:
- The dog wagged its tail. ✔
- Its called a laptop. ❌
Why “It Called” Is Usually Incorrect
Now, “it called” usually sounds incomplete because it misses the helping verb “is.”
👉 Because:
- English passive structure needs “is called”
- Without “is,” the sentence feels broken
Wrong vs Right:
- It called ❌
- It’s called ✔
Key Differences Between “Its Called,” “It Called,” and “It’s Called”
| Phrase | Correctness | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| It’s called | ✅ Correct | Naming something |
| Its called | ❌ Incorrect | Wrong contraction |
| It called | ❌ Usually incorrect | Incomplete structure |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though the rule is simple, many learners still make mistakes. So, let’s fix them:
❌ Incorrect:
- Its called a printer.
✔ Correct: It’s called a printer.
❌ Incorrect:
- It called a tablet.
✔ Correct: It’s called a tablet.
👉 So, always include “is” through the contraction “it’s.”
Easy Trick to Remember
Whenever you feel unsure, remember:
- It’s = it is
- Naming something → it is called
👉 So:
- It is called → It’s called
Because of this trick, you will avoid mistakes instantly.
American vs British English
Interestingly, both American and British English use “it’s called” the same way. So, you don’t need to worry about regional differences.
Real-Life Examples
In Daily Life:
- It’s called a backpack.
- It’s called a refrigerator.
In Learning:
- It’s called gravity.
- It’s called photosynthesis.
Why This Matters
Although this looks like a tiny grammar issue, it changes sentence correctness completely. When you use the correct form:
- You sound more natural
- You improve clarity
- You avoid grammar mistakes
As a result, your English becomes smoother and more professional.
FAQs
Which is correct: its called, it called, or it’s called?
“It’s called” is correct, while the other two are incorrect in most situations.
Why is its called wrong?
Because “its” is possessive and does not mean “it is.”
Why is it called usually wrong?
Because it misses the helping verb “is.”
What does it’s called mean?
It means “it is called” and introduces a name.
Is it’s called used in US and UK English?
Yes, both use it the same way.
What is the easiest way to remember this?
Think “it’s = it is,” so use “it’s called.”
Final Thoughts
Now you clearly understand that “it’s called” is the correct phrase for naming something, while “its called” and “it called” are incorrect in most situations. Because of this simple rule, you can avoid a very common grammar mistake easily.
As you continue practicing, you will naturally choose the correct form without hesitation. So, instead of guessing, you will speak and write clearly every time.
