Confused about when to use “its called” and “it called”? You’re not alone. Many writers and English learners struggle with this subtle yet important difference. Using the wrong phrase can make your sentences sound awkward or grammatically incorrect, especially in professional writing or formal communication.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between its called and it called, provide clear examples, highlight common mistakes, and even touch on how American and British English handle these expressions. By the end, you’ll feel confident using the right phrase every time.
Quick Answer
- Its called → Incorrect. Often mistakenly written instead of it’s called (with an apostrophe), which is the correct contraction of “it is called.”
- It called → Usually incorrect unless part of a past tense structure like “It called me yesterday.”
- ✅ Correct usage for naming something: It’s called [name].
Meaning and Explanation
Its Called
Many people write “its called” when they actually mean “it’s called.” The apostrophe is crucial because “it’s” is a contraction of “it is.” Without the apostrophe, “its” is a possessive pronoun, implying ownership, which doesn’t make sense in most naming contexts.
Example:
- ❌ Its called a “robin.”
- ✅ It’s called a “robin.”
Here, the correct version tells the reader what the object is called, not what belongs to it.
It Called
On the other hand, “it called” can sometimes appear in past tense sentences, but this is less common in everyday English. It usually needs an object or context to make sense.
Example:
- ✅ It called me last night.
- ❌ It called a “robin.”
Notice how “it called me” works because the verb “called” has a direct object (me). Without a proper object, the sentence sounds incomplete.
Common Mistakes
- Skipping the apostrophe: Writing “its called” instead of “it’s called.”
- Using “it called” for names: Incorrectly saying “it called a smartphone” instead of “it’s called a smartphone.”
- Confusing possessive vs contraction: Remember its = possessive (its tail, its color) vs it’s = it is or it has.
Tip: If you can replace the word with “it is” or “it has,” use it’s. If you’re showing possession, use its.
Its Called vs It Called: Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct Use | Example | Notes |
| Its called | ❌ Incorrect in naming | ❌ Its called a robin | Common mistake, missing apostrophe |
| It’s called | ✅ Correct for naming | ✅ It’s called a robin | Contraction of “it is called” |
| It called | ✅ Correct for past action with object | ✅ It called me yesterday | Needs a direct object to make sense |
American vs British English
The rules for its vs it’s and it called are the same in both American and British English. The main difference is stylistic: British English sometimes prefers slightly more formal phrasing in writing, but the apostrophe for it’s is always required when contracting “it is.”
Examples in Everyday Sentences
- Correct: It’s called Photoshop, and it’s used for editing images.
- Incorrect: Its called Photoshop, and its used for editing images.
- Correct (past action): It called my office to confirm the meeting.
- Incorrect (naming): It called my office a “meeting room.”
Notice how clarity depends on context and proper punctuation.
FAQs
1. Can I ever use “its called” correctly?
No, in naming contexts, “its called” is always incorrect. Always use it’s called.
2. What’s the difference between “its” and “it’s”?
- Its = possessive pronoun (belonging to it).
- It’s = contraction for “it is” or “it has.”
3. Is “it called” ever correct?
Yes, but only for past actions with a direct object. Example: “It called me yesterday.”
4. How do I remember the difference?
Try replacing it’s with it is. If the sentence still makes sense, you’re correct.
5. Are these differences important in professional writing?
Absolutely. Using the wrong form can make your writing look careless and affect readability.
6. Does this affect SEO?
Yes. Correct grammar improves readability and user experience, both of which can indirectly improve SEO.
7. Can British English writers use “its called”?
No, the same rules apply. Only it’s called is correct for naming.
8. What’s a quick trick to check?
If you’re naming something, always add the apostrophe: it’s called.
Summary
Understanding the difference between its called and it called is simple once you remember the rules: it’s called for naming things, and it called for past actions with an object.
Always mind the apostrophe because it changes the meaning entirely. Avoiding this mistake will make your writing clearer, more professional, and easier to read.
In everyday English, whether you’re writing a blog, an email, or a report, using the correct phrase demonstrates attention to detail. A small change like adding an apostrophe can prevent confusion and improve communication.
Actionable Takeaway:
Always pause and ask: “Can I replace it’s with it is?” If yes, use it’s called. If the sentence refers to a past action with an object, it called is fine. Keep this simple trick in mind, and your grammar will instantly improve.
Kylee Jennifer is a contributing author at SyntaxlyHub, focused on simplifying grammar rules and language concepts. She writes clear, learner-friendly content that helps readers improve sentence structure, writing accuracy, and overall confidence in English through practical examples and easy explanations for academic, professional, and everyday communication.
