What Is It Called: Meaning, Correct Usage, Grammar Rules, and Examples

The phrase “what is it called” is commonly used in everyday English when someone wants to know the name of an object, place, person, idea, or situation. You might use it when you see something unfamiliar, forget a particular word, or want to learn the correct English term for something. Although the expression sounds simple, many English learners confuse it with phrases such as “how is it called,” “what do you call it,” and “it’s called.” Understanding these differences can help you speak and write more naturally. This guide explains what “what is it called” means, how its grammar works, when to use it, and which common mistakes to avoid.

What Does “What Is It Called” Mean?

“What is it called?” is a question used to ask for the name or accepted term of something.

In simple English, it means:

“What is the name of this thing?”

People use this expression when they recognize something but cannot remember or do not know its name.

For example:

• You see an unfamiliar kitchen tool and ask, “What is it called?”

• You hear a new English word and ask, “What is it called in Spanish?”

• You notice an unusual weather condition and ask, “What is it called?”

• You see a particular building style and ask, “What is that design called?”

The phrase works in casual conversations, classrooms, workplaces, and everyday communication.

Understanding the Grammar of “What Is It Called”

To understand this expression, it helps to examine its individual parts.

The sentence contains four elements:

The expression follows a question structure that uses the passive voice.

The basic pattern is:

What + is + subject + past participle?

For example:

• What is this instrument called?

• What is that process called?

• What is this symbol called?

The phrase is grammatically correct because the helping verb “is” works with “called” to form the present passive construction.

Why Do People Use “What Is It Called”?

People often know what something looks like or how it works but cannot remember its name. This expression helps them ask for that missing information without explaining everything in detail.

It is useful in several situations.

Finding the name of an unfamiliar object: You can point to an object and ask someone what it is called.

Learning a new language: You can ask for the English name of something you recognize in another language.

Understanding unfamiliar terminology: Students and professionals use the phrase when learning technical words or concepts.

Remembering forgotten words: It is also useful when you temporarily forget the name of something you already know.

Its flexibility makes it a natural part of everyday American English.

Is “What Is It Called” Correct English?

Yes. “What is it called?” is grammatically correct and widely understood in American English.

It is particularly useful when the person asking the question does not know the name of something.

For example:

• I found this small electronic device. What is it called?

• What is the process called when plants make their food?

• What is that type of music called?

You can also use the shortened version, “What’s it called?”

Both forms are correct. The shortened version is especially common in informal conversations.

“What Is It Called” vs. “What Do You Call It”

These expressions are closely related, but their sentence structures are different. Both are correct and can be used to ask about the name of something.

The main difference is that “what is it called?” uses passive voice, while “what do you call it?” uses active voice.

In everyday conversations, both sound natural.

For example:

Person A: I saw a machine that cleans carpets automatically.

Person B: What do you call it?

Person A: It’s called a carpet cleaner.

You can choose either expression depending on how you want to structure your question.

“What Is It Called” vs. “How Is It Called”

One common mistake among English learners is using “how is it called?” instead of “what is it called?”

The standard and more natural American English expression is:

• Correct: What is it called?

• Less natural: How is it called?

The reason is simple. When asking for the name of something, English speakers normally use “what,” not “how.”

The word “how” usually asks about a method, process, condition, or manner.

For example:

• How is it made?

• How is it used?

• How does it work?

However, when you want to know the actual name of something, use “what.”

Natural: What is this cooking technique called?

Unnatural: How is this cooking technique called?

This distinction is particularly important for people learning English as a second language.

“It’s Called” vs. “It Called”: What’s the Difference?

These two expressions look similar, but they have different grammatical meanings.

What Does “It’s Called” Mean?

“It’s called” is a contraction of “it is called.”

It is used to tell someone the name of an object, place, person, or concept.

Examples:

• It’s called a microwave.

• It’s called artificial intelligence.

• It’s called a solar panel.

• It’s called the Grand Canyon.

The expression uses the present passive voice.

For example:

Question: What is this device called?

Answer: It’s called a digital thermometer.

What Does “It Called” Mean?

“It called” is not always incorrect. It can be grammatically correct when “called” is the simple past form of the active verb “call.”

For example:

• It called me yesterday.

• The office called twice this morning.

• My phone called the emergency number automatically.

However, “it called” cannot normally replace “it is called” when you want to give an object’s name.

Compare these examples:

The last example is already correct because it describes an action in the past.

Understanding this distinction helps prevent confusion between active and passive sentence structures.

When Should You Use “What Is It Called”?

You can use this question in several everyday situations. The following examples show how naturally it fits into different conversations.

Asking About Objects

When you see something unfamiliar, you can use this expression to discover its name.

Examples:

• What is the tool used for cutting glass called?

• What is that small kitchen appliance called?

• What is the thing attached to the wall called?

• What is the device used to measure temperature called?

These questions are helpful when shopping, learning new skills, or discussing unfamiliar objects.

Asking About Places

You can also use the phrase when you want to identify a particular place.

Examples:

• What is that famous building called?

• What is the park near the river called?

• What is the name of the place where people borrow books? What is it called?

It helps you ask for geographical names, landmarks, and locations.

Asking About Words and Expressions

English learners frequently use this question when they want to learn vocabulary.

Examples:

• What is this word called in English?

• What is the opposite of happiness called?

• What is the expression for saying goodbye politely called?

• What is this punctuation mark called?

You can also ask for translations:

Example: What is this fruit called in Spanish?

Asking About Science and Education

The expression is useful in academic conversations when someone wants to understand a particular concept.

Examples:

• What is the process of converting water into vapor called?

• What is the force that pulls objects toward Earth called?

• What is the study of living organisms called?

• What is the process of plants making their own food called?

These questions allow students to learn scientific terms without needing to know them beforehand.

Asking About Technology

Technology introduces new words and concepts regularly. This phrase makes it easier to ask about unfamiliar features and tools.

Examples:

• What is the small computer chip inside a phone called?

• What is the process of storing information online called?

• What is the feature that recognizes someone’s face called?

• What is the device used to connect computers to a network called?

More Real-Life Examples of “What Is It Called?”

Here are additional examples showing how the expression works in natural English.

These examples demonstrate that the phrase is not limited to a particular subject. It can be used whenever you need to identify a name or term.

What Is the Difference Between “What Is It Called” and “What’s It Called”?

Both expressions have the same basic meaning.

“What is it called?” is the complete form, while “what’s it called?” uses a contraction.

Consider these examples:

Complete form:

“What is that musical instrument called?”

Contracted form:

“What’s that musical instrument called?”

The first version may sound slightly more deliberate, while the second is common in relaxed conversations.

In American English, contractions are widely used in everyday speech and informal writing.

However, if you are writing a formal academic paper or preparing an official document, the complete form may be more suitable.

Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid

Even though the phrase is simple, learners sometimes make mistakes when using it.

Using “How” Instead of “What”

A common error is asking, “How is it called?” when looking for the name of something.

Use “What is it called?” instead.

Forgetting the Helping Verb

Another mistake is removing “is” from the sentence.

Incorrect: What it called?

Correct: What is it called?

The helping verb is necessary for the present passive question.

Confusing “Its” and “It’s”

These words sound the same but have different meanings.

“It’s” means “it is” or “it has.”

“Its” shows possession.

Examples:

• It’s called a laptop.

• The laptop has its own charging port.

Remember that “it’s called” is correct when you are giving an object’s name.

Using the Wrong Tense

The correct tense depends on whether you are asking about a current name or a previous name.

• Present: What is it called?

• Past: What was it called?

• Future: What will it be called?

For example:

“What was this city called before it changed its name?”

This question asks about a historical name.

How to Answer the Question “What Is It Called?”

When someone asks you this question, you can respond in several natural ways.

The easiest method is to use “It’s called” followed by the name.

Examples:

Question: What is this animal called?

Answer: It’s called a kangaroo.

Question: What is this type of computer called?

Answer: It’s called a laptop.

Question: What is this process called?

Answer: It’s called evaporation.

If you do not know the answer, you can say:

• I’m not sure what it’s called.

• I don’t know its exact name.

• Let me look it up.

• I think it’s called something different.

These responses keep the conversation natural without forcing you to guess.

Is “What Is It Called” Formal or Informal?

“What is it called?” is suitable for both formal and informal situations.

You can use it while speaking with friends, asking a teacher a question, communicating with colleagues, or discussing unfamiliar terminology.

However, the surrounding sentence can change how formal your question sounds.

For casual conversations:

“What’s that thing called?”

For professional or academic conversations:

“Could you tell me what this component is called?”

For classroom discussions:

“Can you explain what this process is called?”

The phrase itself is neutral. You can make it more polite or formal by changing the words around it.

What Is It Called in Different English Situations?

The phrase can be adapted depending on what information you need.

When you forget a name:

“What’s it called again?”

When asking about a translation:

“What is this called in English?”

When asking about a particular activity:

“What is it called when someone writes with both hands?”

When asking about a technical term:

“What is this process called in computer science?”

When asking someone politely:

“Could you please tell me what this is called?”

These variations help you communicate more clearly in different situations.

Simple Tips to Remember the Correct Expression

If you regularly confuse English question structures, a few simple tips can make the difference easier to remember.

First, remember that what asks for a name or identity, while how usually asks about a method or manner.

Second, use “is called” when giving the current name of something.

Third, use “was called” when discussing an earlier name.

Finally, remember that “what do you call it?” is another correct way to ask for a name.

A simple comparison makes the rule easier:

• Asking for a name: What is it called?

• Giving a name: It’s called a notebook.

• Asking about a past name: What was it called?

• Asking someone to identify it: What do you call it?

Practicing these four structures can improve your everyday English communication.

Why Is “What Is It Called” Important for English Learners?

Learning common expressions is an important part of developing English communication skills. Knowing individual vocabulary words is useful, but understanding how to ask questions makes conversations easier.

“What is it called?” is especially helpful because it allows learners to ask about unfamiliar things without needing advanced vocabulary.

It also helps build confidence when speaking with native English speakers. Instead of stopping a conversation because you cannot remember a word, you can simply ask for its name.

The best way to learn this expression is through regular practice. Use it when reading, watching videos, learning new vocabulary, or talking with other people.

Conclusion

“What is it called?” is a simple, correct, and widely used English expression for asking about the name of something. It works in everyday conversations, education, professional communication, and many other situations. The most important thing to remember is the difference between “what is it called?” and “it’s called.” The first asks for a name, while the second provides one. You should also remember that “what do you call it?” is a natural alternative, whereas “how is it called?” is generally not the preferred American English construction. With a little practice, you can use these expressions confidently and avoid common grammar mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “what is it called” mean?

It means asking for the name of something. You use it when you see, hear, or discuss something but do not know its name.

2. Is “what is it called” grammatically correct?

Yes. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English.

3. Is “how is it called” correct English?

It is generally not the natural way to ask for a name in standard American English. “What is it called?” is the preferred expression.

4. What is the difference between “what is it called” and “what do you call it”?

Both ask for the name of something. The first uses passive voice, while the second uses active voice.

5. Is “it’s called” the same as “it is called”?

Yes. “It’s called” is the contracted form of “it is called.” Both expressions are correct.

6. Is “it called” grammatically correct?

It can be correct when describing a past action, such as “The company called yesterday.” However, when giving an object’s name, use “it is called.”

7. Can I use “what’s it called” in everyday conversation?

Yes. “What’s it called?” is a natural, commonly used shortened version of “what is it called?”

8. How do you answer “what is it called”?

You can answer with “It’s called” followed by the name.

Example:

Question: What is this animal called?

Answer: It’s called a dolphin.

9. Can I use “what is it called” in formal writing?

Yes. It is grammatically correct in formal writing, although a more detailed question may sometimes be appropriate depending on the context.

10. What is the easiest way to remember this expression?

Remember this simple rule: use “what is it called?” when asking for a name and “it’s called” when providing the name.