Many English learners feel confused about its called vs it called. These two phrases look almost the same, but they have different meanings. Because of this, students often write the wrong one in exams and daily writing. However, once you understand the grammar rule, the difference becomes very simple. In this article, you will learn the clear meaning, correct usage, common mistakes, and easy tricks to remember the difference. In addition, you will see many simple examples. By the end, you will use these phrases confidently and correctly.
Main Difference
First, let us understand the basic idea.
You use it’s called when you give the name of something. You use it called when something performed a past action.
So, the difference depends on meaning. One talks about a name, while the other talks about an action.
Meaning of “It’s Called”
“It’s called” means “it is called.”
People use this phrase to tell the name of a thing, place, idea, or object. Therefore, this phrase helps when you introduce something new.
Instead of writing in passive style too much, think of the meaning clearly. When you give a name, you are telling what people call something.
Examples:
People call this fruit a mango. People call that animal a tiger. Most people call this game football. People call the city Karachi.
Now look at the same meaning in common form:
This is called a mango. It’s called a tiger. It’s called football.
In daily English, people often say “it’s called.”
Important rule:
“It’s” has an apostrophe. It means “it is.”
Wrong: Its called a pen. Correct: It’s called a pen.
If you remove the apostrophe, the sentence becomes wrong.
Meaning of “It Called”
Now let us understand “it called.”
This phrase talks about a past action. Here, “called” works as the main verb in past tense. So, something performed the action of calling.
Examples:
It called me yesterday. The phone called during the meeting. The bell called the students to class.
In these sentences, “it” does the action. That is why we use simple past tense.
Wrong example:
It called a mango.
This sentence does not make sense because calling a mango is not a past action in this context.
Clear Comparison
Let us compare both phrases in a simple way.
If you talk about a name → use “it’s called.” If you talk about a past action → use “it called.”
For example:
Ali bought a new device. People call that device a smartwatch. So, he said, “It’s called a smartwatch.”
Later, the device rang. It called him while he was studying.
Notice the difference. First, he gave the name. Then, he described an action.
Common Mistakes
Many learners make similar mistakes. However, you can avoid them if you check your sentence carefully.
Mistake 1: Missing apostrophe
Wrong: Its called a book. Correct: It’s called a book.
Mistake 2: Using wrong tense
Wrong: It’s called me yesterday. Correct: It called me yesterday.
Mistake 3: Mixing meaning
Wrong: It called Pakistan. Correct: People call it Pakistan. Or: It’s called Pakistan.
Always check your meaning first. After that, choose the correct form.
Grammar Explanation in Simple Words
“It’s called”
“It’s” = it is “Called” = past participle
This structure gives a name.
“It called”
“It” = subject “Called” = simple past verb
This structure shows a completed action in the past.
So, grammar depends on tense and function.
Why the Apostrophe Is Important
The apostrophe changes the meaning.
“It’s” means “it is.” “Its” shows possession.
Example:
It’s called a lion. The dog wagged its tail.
If you write “Its called,” you make a grammar mistake. Therefore, always check punctuation carefully.
More Daily Examples
To make things clearer, read these short situations.
Situation 1: Naming
Sara saw a strange fruit. She asked her mother about it. Her mother said, “It’s called a kiwi.”
Situation 2: Action
Sara’s phone rang at night. It called her at 10 pm.
Situation 3: Both Together
Ahmed bought a new app. People call that app Zoom. So, he said, “It’s called Zoom.” Later, the app called him for a meeting.
These examples show both forms clearly.
Simple Memory Trick
Ask yourself one question:
Am I giving a name? If yes, use “it’s called.”
Am I talking about a past action? If yes, use “it called.”
This simple question will help you every time.
Practice Sentences
Choose the correct option.
- ___ a smartphone. Answer: It’s called a smartphone.
- ___ me last night. Answer: It called me last night.
- ___ a new movie. Answer: It’s called a new movie.
- ___ during class. Answer: It called during class.
Practice like this daily. As a result, your grammar will improve quickly.
Why This Difference Matters
Correct grammar makes your writing clear. In addition, teachers check these small mistakes in exams. If you confuse “it’s called” and “it called,” your sentence may sound strange. Therefore, learning this rule improves your confidence.
Furthermore, correct punctuation shows careful writing. Small errors, such as missing apostrophes, can change meaning. So always proofread your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between its called vs it called is simple. “It’s called” gives the name of something. On the other hand, “it called” describes a past action. The apostrophe in “it’s” is very important because it means “it is.” If you remember this small rule, you will avoid common mistakes. Practice regularly, check your meaning, and read your sentences carefully. Soon, you will use both phrases correctly without confusion.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: its called or it’s called?
It’s called is correct because it means “it is called.”
2. Can I use it called to give a name?
No, you should use it’s called when you give a name.
3. What does it’s called mean?
It means “it is called” and tells the name of something.
4. When do we use it called?
We use it called when something performed an action in the past.
5. Why is the apostrophe important in it’s?
The apostrophe shows that it means “it is.”
6. Is it called me yesterday correct?
No, the correct sentence is “It called me yesterday.”
7. Can it’s called show past tense?
No, it’s called is used for naming, not for past actions.
8. Why do students confuse these phrases?
They look and sound similar, so many learners mix them.
9. How can I remember the difference easily?
Think: name equals it’s called, action equals it called.
10. Is its called ever correct?
No, its called is always incorrect because it misses the apostrophe.
