Have you ever typed its called or it called and stopped to wonder if either one is correct? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common grammar questions English learners and even native speakers search for. The confusion usually comes from spoken English, where the missing word is hard to notice, and from quick typing on social media or in text messages.
The short answer is simple. Neither its called nor it called is correct in standard English when introducing the name of something.
For example.
✔ It’s called a solar eclipse.
✘ Its called a solar eclipse.
✘ It called a solar eclipse.
The mistake often happens because its and it’s sound exactly the same but have different meanings. Once you understand the role of the apostrophe and the verb is, you’ll never mix them up again.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between its called, it called, and it’s called, along with grammar rules, real life examples, common mistakes, memory tricks, and expert editing tips that make the correct choice easy every time.
Need another quick comparison? Read What Kind Of Vs What Kinds Of Made Simple 2026.
Quick Answer
It’s called is the correct phrase because it’s means it is. Its called is incorrect because its is a possessive determiner, not a contraction. It called is also incorrect because it is missing the helping verb is. If you are naming or identifying something, always write it’s called.
Its Called Vs It Called Comparison Table
| Feature | Its Called | It Called | It’s Called |
|---|---|---|---|
| Correct in standard English | No | No | Yes |
| Grammar | Possessive word used incorrectly | Missing helping verb | Contraction plus past participle |
| Meaning | No complete meaning | Incomplete sentence | Used to name or identify something |
| Formal writing | Incorrect | Incorrect | Correct |
| Everyday writing | Common typo | Rare error | Standard usage |
| Example | ✘ Its called coffee. | ✘ It called coffee. | ✔ It’s called coffee. |
What Does Its Called Mean
Strictly speaking, its called does not have a correct meaning in standard English.
The confusion comes from the word its.
Its is a possessive determiner. It shows that something belongs to or is connected with it.
Examples.
- The dog wagged its tail.
- The company changed its logo.
- The tree lost its leaves.
Notice that its always comes before a noun that belongs to something.
When you write its called, the sentence becomes grammatically incomplete because its cannot replace it is.
Incorrect examples.
- ✘ Its called a rainbow.
- ✘ Its called my favorite movie.
- ✘ Its called teamwork.
Each sentence should use it’s instead.
Correct versions.
- ✔ It’s called a rainbow.
- ✔ It’s called my favorite movie.
- ✔ It’s called teamwork.
What Does It Called Mean
It called is also incorrect in this context.
The problem is that the sentence is missing the helping verb is.
English passive voice requires a form of the verb be before a past participle.
Correct pattern.
It is called + name.
Examples.
- ✔ It is called gravity.
- ✔ It is called photosynthesis.
Without is, the sentence is incomplete.
Incorrect examples.
- ✘ It called gravity.
- ✘ It called success.
There are a few rare situations where called acts as a simple past tense verb, but the sentence structure changes completely.
Example.
✔ It called my phone twice.
Here, called is the main verb, not part of the phrase it is called.
Which One Is Correct
If you want to introduce or identify the name of something, the correct phrase is it’s called.
Examples.
- It’s called a compass.
- It’s called artificial intelligence.
- It’s called customer support.
- It’s called a scholarship.
- It’s called a documentary.
You can also use the full form.
- It is called a compass.
- It is called artificial intelligence.
- It is called customer support.
The contraction it’s is common in conversation, emails, blogs, and most everyday writing.
The full form it is often appears in formal writing, academic work, and situations where you want extra emphasis.
Why People Confuse Its Called And It Called
Several reasons make these expressions easy to confuse.
Its And It’s Sound Exactly Alike
Both words have the same pronunciation, so you cannot hear the apostrophe in speech.
Fast Typing
Many people accidentally leave out the apostrophe while texting or posting online.
For example.
✘ Its called a podcast.
Instead of.
✔ It’s called a podcast.
Autocorrect Does Not Always Help
Grammar mistakes involving its and it’s often slip past spell check because both are real English words.
Missing Helping Verbs
English learners sometimes forget the helping verb is.
That leads to sentences like.
✘ It called biology.
Instead of.
✔ It is called biology.
Understanding these common mistakes makes it much easier to spot and fix them before you publish or send your writing.
Key Differences Between Its Called And It Called
Although both expressions are incorrect for introducing the name of something, they are wrong for different reasons.
| Feature | Its Called | It Called |
|---|---|---|
| Main error | Uses the wrong form of its | Missing the helping verb is |
| Grammar issue | Possessive determiner used instead of a contraction | Incomplete passive voice |
| Can it identify a name | No | No |
| Correct replacement | It’s called | It’s called or It is called |
The easiest way to remember the difference is this.
Its shows ownership.
It’s means it is.
If you can replace the word with it is, you need it’s.
Grammar Explanation
The phrase it’s called follows a simple grammar pattern.
It + is + called + name
Let’s look at each part.
It
It refers to a thing, place, idea, object, or concept.
Examples.
- It is delicious.
- It is expensive.
- It is called a telescope.
Is
Is is a helping verb. It connects the subject with the rest of the sentence.
Without is, the sentence is incomplete.
Compare these examples.
✔ It is called a glacier.
✘ It called a glacier.
Called
Called is the past participle of the verb call.
In this phrase, it forms part of the passive voice.
Someone calls it something.
It is called something.
The passive voice focuses on the thing being named instead of the person doing the naming.
Why Its Does Not Work
Many learners think its is a shortened form of it is.
It is not.
Compare these words.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Its | Shows possession |
| It’s | Means it is or it has |
Examples.
✔ It’s raining outside.
✔ It’s called a volcano.
✘ Its called a volcano.
The apostrophe changes the meaning completely.
Spelling Rule You Should Remember
English contractions use an apostrophe to show that one or more letters are missing.
Examples.
- It is becomes it’s.
- She is becomes she’s.
- He is becomes he’s.
- That is becomes that’s.
Possessive pronouns do not use apostrophes.
Examples.
- Its.
- His.
- Hers.
- Yours.
Many people expect its to follow the same rule as nouns like dog’s or teacher’s, but possessive pronouns are different.
This is one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English.
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Pronunciation Guide
Interestingly, all three expressions sound almost identical.
It’s
IPA
American English.
/ɪts/
Its
IPA
American English.
/ɪts/
The pronunciation is exactly the same.
That is why proofreading matters. Your ears cannot hear the apostrophe.
It Called
When spoken quickly, some people accidentally drop the helping verb is.
Native speakers may understand the meaning in casual speech, but the sentence is still grammatically incorrect in writing.
Word Origin
Understanding the history of these words helps explain why English learners struggle with them.
It
The pronoun it comes from Old English and has been part of the language for more than a thousand years.
Its
The possessive form its became common in the seventeenth century. Before then, English writers often used his when referring to objects.
It’s
The contraction it’s developed naturally as English speakers shortened it is in everyday conversation.
Today, both forms are standard English, but they serve completely different purposes.
British And American English
There is no difference between American English and British English in this grammar rule.
The same rule also applies in Canadian English, Australian English, and New Zealand English.
All major English style guides recommend the following.
✔ It’s called.
✘ Its called.
✘ It called.
No regional variety of English accepts its called or it called as the standard form.
Real Life Examples
Seeing the phrase in different situations makes the rule much easier to remember.
Daily Conversation
- It’s called a food processor.
- It’s called a sunrise because the sun appears to rise.
- It’s called a bookmark.
- It’s called a shortcut.
Workplace
- It’s called project management software.
- It’s called an annual performance review.
- It’s called a customer satisfaction survey.
- It’s called a shared workspace.
Emails
- It’s called the employee handbook.
- It’s called the onboarding process.
- It’s called the quarterly report.
Academic Writing
- It’s called photosynthesis.
- It’s called the water cycle.
- It’s called the scientific method.
Journalism
- It’s called a breaking news alert.
- It’s called investigative reporting.
Social Media
- It’s called self care for a reason.
- It’s called setting healthy boundaries.
- It’s called good manners.
- It’s called learning from mistakes.
Notice that every correct example uses it’s called or the full form it is called.
Common Mistakes
Even experienced writers occasionally confuse its, it’s, and it is. Most mistakes happen because all three sound the same in conversation.
Here are the errors that appear most often.
Using Its Instead Of It’s
Incorrect.
✘ Its called a microscope.
Correct.
✔ It’s called a microscope.
The apostrophe matters because it’s means it is.
Leaving Out The Helping Verb
Incorrect.
✘ It called climate change.
Correct.
✔ It is called climate change.
Passive voice needs a form of the verb be.
Using Its Before A Verb
Remember that its should come before a noun, not a verb.
Correct.
✔ The company changed its policy.
✔ The bird built its nest.
Incorrect.
✘ Its called teamwork.
Assuming Spell Check Will Catch The Error
Spell check often misses this mistake because its and it’s are both real English words.
Always proofread your work instead of relying only on grammar tools.
Memory Tricks
A simple memory trick can save you from making this mistake.
Expand The Contraction
Whenever you write it’s, replace it with it is.
If the sentence still makes sense, it’s is correct.
Example.
It’s called a telescope.
It is called a telescope.
Both sentences work.
Now try the same sentence with its.
Its called a telescope.
Its is called a telescope.
The sentence no longer makes sense, so its is incorrect.
Remember What Its Means
Think of its the same way you think of these possessive words.
- His.
- Her.
- Their.
- Your.
They all show ownership.
Examples.
- The laptop lost its charger.
- The school updated its website.
Neither sentence can use it’s.
Remember The Naming Formula
If you are introducing the name of something, remember this simple pattern.
It’s called + name.
Examples.
- It’s called algebra.
- It’s called customer service.
- It’s called renewable energy.
If you remember this pattern, you’ll avoid both mistakes.
Related Words
Learning related grammar points will strengthen your writing.
Similar Grammar Topics
- Its vs It’s.
- There Their and They’re.
- Your and You’re.
- Whose and Who’s.
- Then and Than.
Related Expressions
- It is known as.
- It is referred to as.
- It is named.
- It is described as.
- It is known for.
These expressions often replace it’s called in formal writing.
Expert Editor’s Note
Professional editors pay close attention to small grammar details because they shape a reader’s confidence in your writing.
Every major dictionary and style guide agrees on one rule.
Use it’s called or it is called when introducing the name of something.
Use its only to show possession.
Editors also recommend writing the full form it is called in formal reports, research papers, and business documents when extra clarity is helpful.
In everyday writing, emails, blogs, and conversations, it’s called sounds natural and is widely accepted.
If you pause for a moment and ask yourself, Can I replace this with it is?, you’ll almost always make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Its Called Ever Correct?
No. Its called is not correct in standard English. The correct expression is it’s called because it’s means it is.
Is It Called Grammatically Correct?
No, not by itself. If you are naming something, write it is called or it’s called. Without is, the sentence is incomplete.
Why Do People Write Its Called So Often?
The mistake happens because its and it’s sound exactly the same. Fast typing and missing apostrophes also contribute to the error.
Can I Use It Is Called Instead Of It’s Called?
Yes. Both forms are grammatically correct. It is called sounds slightly more formal, while it’s called is more common in everyday English.
Is This Rule Different In British English?
No. American English, British English, Canadian English, Australian English, and other major varieties of English follow the same grammar rule.
How Can I Remember The Difference Between Its And It’s?
Replace it’s with it is. If the sentence still works, it’s is correct. If it does not, you probably need its or another word.
Does Grammarly Catch This Mistake?
Most grammar checkers catch many errors, but they are not perfect. Proofreading your own writing is still the best way to spot mistakes involving its and it’s.
Many readers also check Any Problem Or Any Problems Which One Is Correct 2026.
Conclusion
The answer to its called vs it called is straightforward.
Neither phrase is correct when you are introducing the name of something.
The correct expression is it’s called because it’s means it is.
Remember that its shows possession, while it’s is a contraction. Also remember that it called is incomplete because it leaves out the helping verb is.
One quick check can prevent this mistake every time.
Replace it’s with it is. If the sentence still sounds natural, you’ve chosen the correct form.
Small grammar details make a big difference, and mastering this one will make your writing look more polished and professional.
Senior Grammar Editor
Olivia Reynolds is a grammar editor and language writer who enjoys making complex English rules easy to understand. She specializes in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and everyday writing tips, helping readers write with greater confidence and clarity.