It’s Called vs It Called: Understanding the Distinction

English can be tricky, especially when it comes to small but important details like contractions and pronouns. A common point of confusion for many people is the difference between “It’s Called” and “It Called.” 

While the two may sound similar, they serve different grammatical purposes and understanding this difference can enhance your writing and speaking. 

This guide breaks down these two expressions, offering clarity on their correct usage, and providing practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes.

What Does “It’s” Mean? A Deep Dive

To start, let’s clarify the meaning of “It’s”. This contraction is a combination of two words: “It is” or “It has”. While the apostrophe in “It’s” might seem insignificant, it plays a critical role in simplifying the phrase. For example:

• It’s raining outside. (Here, “It’s” stands for “It is”.)
• It’s been a long day. (In this case, “It’s” stands for “It has”.)

In both examples, “It’s” conveys the same meaning, but the context helps determine whether the contraction stands for “it is” or “it has.”

Examples of “It’s” in Sentences:

• It’s been a pleasure meeting you. (Here, “It’s” = “It has”)
• It’s a beautiful day today. (Here, “It’s” = “It is”)

Understanding these distinctions is key to using contractions correctly in both written and spoken language.

The Apostrophe’s Role: ‘It’s’ vs ‘It’

The apostrophe in “It’s” is essential because it signifies that two words have been combined into one. Without the apostrophe, you get “It”, which is simply a pronoun used to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified in context.

• “It’s” = Contraction of “It is” or “It has”.
• “It” = A possessive or demonstrative pronoun.

For example:

• It’s a cat. (Referring to something or someone, here, “It is”.)
• Its tail is long. (Possessive form of “it”.)

As you can see, “It” without the apostrophe refers to possession, indicating that something belongs to “it” (the cat in this case).

Breaking Down “It’s Called”

Now that we understand the basics of “It’s” let’s dive into the phrase “It’s Called”. This is a common expression where “It’s” (the contraction for “It is” or “It has”) is followed by the verb “Called.”

In this context, “It’s Called” often refers to the name or title of something. For example:

• It’s called “The Great Adventure.”
• It’s called “Python Programming 101.”

In these sentences, “It’s Called” is used to introduce the name of something, like a book, a course, a place, etc.

Common Examples of “It’s Called”:

• It’s called “The Art of Cooking.”
• It’s called “The Old Mill.”

How to Use “It’s Called” Correctly:

• The verb “called” here is acting as a past participle, indicating that something has been named or identified.
• The expression is almost always used in casual or descriptive contexts.

The Case of Possession: When “It” Doesn’t Need an Apostrophe

Another important aspect of the word “It” is its possessive form: “Its”. Unlike “It’s”, “Its” has no apostrophe and is used to show ownership or possession. For example:

• The dog wagged its tail.
• The company changed its policies.

This can be a tricky distinction for many because “It’s” and “Its” are so similar in sound, but they have different functions in a sentence.

Quick Guide:

• It’s = “It is” or “It has”
• Its = Possessive form of “it”

Remember: “It’s” always has an apostrophe (because it’s a contraction), while “Its” never does.

Common Misunderstandings

Even though the rules for “It’s” and “It” are relatively simple, many people still make mistakes. Here are a few common misunderstandings and how to avoid them:

1. Using “It’s” for Possession:

Many people mistakenly use “It’s” when they mean “Its” (possessive form). For example:

• Incorrect: The cat licked it’s paw.
• Correct: The cat licked its paw.

2. Using “It Called” Incorrectly:

“It Called” is often misunderstood or used in the wrong context. While it’s technically grammatically correct to say “It Called”, it doesn’t work as a contraction like “It’s Called”. “It Called” is more likely to be used in passive voice or in a different tense.

3. Overusing Contractions:

Contractions like “It’s” are commonly used in informal writing or speech, but should be avoided in formal writing. In professional, academic, or business contexts, it’s often better to write out “It is” or “It has” for clarity and formality.

‘It Called’ Without the Contraction: When Does It Make Sense?

“It Called” is less common, but it does have its place. Unlike “It’s Called”, this phrase isn’t a contraction. It typically appears in sentences with passive voice, different tenses, or in certain expressions. For example:

• The phone called out to me.
• The service called for immediate action.

In these instances, “It Called” refers to an action that took place, typically involving something external (like a phone, an alarm, etc.).

Contractions in Formal vs Informal Writing

While contractions are commonly used in everyday speech and informal writing, they have no place in more formal or academic writing. For example:

• Informal: It’s raining, so we can’t go outside.
• Formal: It is raining, so we cannot go outside.

Unregister vs Deregister: Here’s the Difference + Examples

Tips for Using Contractions in Writing:

• Use contractions in casual writing: Blogs, social media posts, and email communications often call for contractions, as they make your writing sound conversational.
• Avoid contractions in academic or formal writing: In reports, research papers, and business communications, avoid contractions to maintain professionalism.

Practical Applications: Real-Life Examples

Example 1: “It’s Called” in Action

Imagine you’re at a bookstore and you’re looking for a novel:

• “It’s called The Silent Night,” the clerk says, referring to the book you’re looking for.

Here, “It’s Called” is used to refer to the title of a book, simplifying the sentence and making it more natural.

Example 2: Using “It Called” Correctly

Now, imagine you’re describing a situation where an action has occurred:

• “The fire alarm called for everyone to evacuate.”

This sentence uses “It Called” in a different context, referring to an event where something (in this case, the alarm) triggered an action.

Memorable Tips for Remembering the Difference

If you’re still having trouble keeping “It’s” and “Its” straight, here are some quick tips to help you out:

• If you can replace “It’s” with “It is” or “It has” in a sentence, use the contraction with the apostrophe.
• If you’re showing possession, remember “Its” has no apostrophe.
• When using “It’s Called”, remember it refers to naming or identifying something, while “It Called” is used for something acting or calling out.

Why the Difference Matters: Language Precision

Understanding the difference between “It’s Called” and It Called is more than just an academic exercise. Language precision matters in professional and everyday contexts. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your ideas are conveyed effectively.

Whether you’re writing a blog post, preparing a report, or simply engaging in a conversation, paying attention to these small details can elevate your language skills and boost your credibility.

FAQ Section: Commonly Asked Questions

Q1: Can “It Called” be used in formal writing?

Yes, it can. However, it’s typically used in a different grammatical context, such as passive voice or specific past tense constructions.

Q2: Is it always wrong to use “It’s” for possession?

Yes, “It’s” should never be used to indicate possession. Always use “Its” when referring to something that belongs to “it.”

Q3: How do I know when to use contractions?

In formal writing, avoid contractions, but in casual or conversational writing, feel free to use them to sound more natural and approachable.

Conclusion:

The difference between “It’s Called” and “It Called” may seem subtle, but mastering this distinction can greatly improve your writing clarity. By remembering the roles of contractions and possessive pronouns, you’ll avoid common mistakes and write more confidently.

Next time you’re writing or speaking, keep these tips in mind to ensure your language is always precise and clear. The more you practice, the easier it will become to distinguish between these similar-sounding terms.