Introduction
You’ve probably asked this phrase many times in daily life without even thinking about it: “What is it called?” Maybe you pointed at something, forgot a word, or tried to describe an object you didn’t know the name of.
The phrase what is it called is one of the most common expressions in English, but many learners still get confused about how it actually works. Is it correct grammar? Why do we say “it’s called” instead of “it called”?
In this guide, we’ll break everything down in a simple way so you finally understand how and when to use it correctly in real conversations.
What Does “What Is It Called” Mean?
Simple Definition of the Phrase
“What is it called” is a question used to ask the name of something. It helps you identify an object, idea, or term when you don’t know its name.
👉 Short answer: It means “What is the name of this thing?”
Literal vs Contextual Meaning
Literally, it breaks down like this:
- What → asking for information
- is it → referring to the object
- called → name or label
In real use, it simply means asking for a name in everyday English.
Why This Phrase Is So Common in English
People use it because:
- They forget words easily in conversation
- It works for anything (objects, ideas, places)
- It is simple and natural in spoken English
Grammar Breakdown of “What Is It Called”
Sentence Structure Explained
The structure is:
Question word + auxiliary verb + subject + verb (past participle)
👉 What + is + it + called
Subject, Verb, and Object in the Phrase
- Subject: it
- Verb: is called (passive form)
- Question word: what
Why “It Called” Alone Is Usually Incorrect
Saying “it called” is grammatically incomplete in most cases because it misses the helping verb “is.”
Correct form:
✔ It is called
❌ It called
Role of Auxiliary Verb “Is”
The word “is” is important because it:
- Forms present tense
- Creates passive voice
- Makes the sentence complete
“It’s Called” vs “It Called” – Key Difference Explained
Understanding “It’s Called” (Correct Usage)
It’s called = It is called
Used when naming something.
Example:
- It’s called a smartphone.
Why “It Called” Sounds Wrong in Most Cases
“It called” lacks structure. It only works in rare storytelling contexts but not in everyday speech.
Simple Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correctness | Usage |
| It’s called | Correct | Naming something |
| It called | Incorrect | Rare/narrative use only |
Quick Rule to Remember
👉 If you are naming something → always use “It’s called”
How to Use “What Is It Called” in Real Life
Everyday Conversation Examples
- What is it called? I’ve never seen this before.
- What is it called in English?
Asking for Names of Objects
- What is it called when you mix colors?
- What is this tool called?
Asking for Terminology in Education or Work
- What is it called in biology?
- What is this process called in programming?
Real-Life Examples of “What Is It Called”
Simple Daily Life Examples
- What is it called when you can’t remember words?
- What is it called if water turns into steam?
Technology-Related Examples
- What is it called when your phone restarts automatically?
- What is it called in this app feature?
Education & Classroom Examples
- What is it called in grammar?
- What is this concept called in math?
Pop Culture & Social Media Usage
- What is it called when a song goes viral?
- What is it called when people remix videos?
When “It Called” Can Be Correct (Rare Cases)
Passive Voice in Past Tense
In storytelling, “it called” can appear in past narration:
- The village it called “Hope Valley” in ancient records.
But this is rare and not used in daily speech.
Example in Storytelling or Narration
- The book it called “The Lost City” by historians.
Formal Writing Contexts
Sometimes used in literary or historical writing styles.
Common Mistakes People Make
Dropping Auxiliary Verbs
- Wrong: It called a laptop
- Correct: It is called a laptop
Confusing Present vs Past Tense
People mix:
- is called (present)
- was called (past)
Over-Simplifying English Structure
Many learners remove “is” to sound short—but it becomes incorrect.
Native vs ESL Learner Mistakes
Even native speakers sometimes shorten speech, but grammar rules still apply.
How to Decide Which Form to Use
Simple Decision Checklist
Ask yourself:
- Am I naming something? → use “It’s called”
- Am I describing past history? → use “It was called”
Tense Identification Trick
- Now = is called
- Past = was called
Easy Mnemonic to Remember
👉 “Name today = It’s called”
Expert Grammar Tips
Understanding Passive Voice in English
“It’s called” is passive voice, meaning the object receives the name.
Why English Uses “It’s Called” So Often
Because English prefers passive structure for naming things.
Natural Speaking vs Grammar Rules
In casual speech, people shorten sentences, but correct grammar still includes “is.”
Common Questions (People Also Ask)
What does “what is it called” mean in simple English?
It simply asks for the name of something you don’t know. It is one of the easiest and most common English questions used in daily conversation.
Is “it called” correct grammar?
Not usually. It is missing the auxiliary verb “is,” so it sounds incomplete in standard English.
Why do people say “it’s called”?
Because it is the correct passive form used to name things in English grammar.
Can I use “what do you call it” instead?
Yes, both are correct. “What do you call it” is more conversational and active.
What is the easiest way to remember the difference?
Just remember: if you are naming something, always use “it’s called.”
Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Multiple Choice Questions
- What is it called?
A) Asking for a name
B) Giving instructions
Fill in the Blanks
- It ___ called a laptop.
Answers
- A
- is
Conclusion
Understanding what is it called becomes easy once you break it into structure and usage. It is simply a way to ask for the name of something, and it follows a clear grammar rule using “is called.”
Next time you get confused, just remember: if you are naming something in English, the correct form is always “it’s called.”
FAQs
1. What is the meaning of “what is it called”?
It is a question used to ask the name of something you don’t know.
2. When should I use “it’s called”?
Use it when you are naming or identifying something in the present tense.
3. Is “it called” grammatically wrong?
Yes, in most cases it is incorrect because it misses the verb “is.”
4. Why is this phrase confusing for learners?
Because English uses passive voice in naming, which is different from many other languages.
5. What is the easiest way to use it correctly?
Always add “is” or “was” depending on the tense.
6. Can I say “what do you call this” instead?
Yes, it is a natural and commonly used alternative.
7. Is “what is it called” formal or informal?
It is neutral and works in both formal and informal English.
8. What is the difference between “it’s called” and “it called”?
“It’s called” is correct present tense; “it called” is usually incorrect in modern English.
9. Can native speakers make this mistake?
Yes, in fast speech, but grammar rules still require “is called.”
10. What is the easiest way to remember it?
Think: Name = It’s called