Lets vs. Let’s: Let’s Get it Straight

Sharing is caring!

Are you confused about when to use “lets” and “let’s” in your writing? These two words are commonly confused, but they have different meanings and uses. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “lets” and “let’s” and provide examples to help you understand how to use them correctly.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to use “lets” and “let’s” correctly in your writing.

Lets vs. Let’s: The Battle of the Contractions

Lets vs. Let’s

Definition of Lets

The word “lets” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let.” It means to allow or give permission. For example, “She lets her children play outside.”

It is important to note that “lets” is not a contraction. It does not have an apostrophe. Many people mistakenly use “let’s” instead of “lets.”

Definition of Let’s

“Let’s” is a contraction of “let us.” It is used to make suggestions or give commands. For example, “Let’s go to the park” or “Let’s not be late for the meeting.”

It is important to remember that “let’s” always includes an apostrophe. Many people mistakenly use “lets” instead of “let’s.”

It is important to use the correct form in writing and speaking to avoid confusion and potential misunderstandings. So, whether you’re writing an email to your boss or having a conversation with a friend, make sure to use the correct form to convey your message clearly.

Grammar Rules and Usage

When to Use Lets

Lets is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let.” It is used when referring to someone or something else allowing or permitting something to happen. Here are some examples:

• She lets her dog sleep on the bed.
• The teacher lets the students use their phones during class.
• He lets his roommate borrow his car on weekends.

Note that when using “lets,” the subject is always someone or something other than the speaker.

When to Use Let’s

Let’s is a contraction of the words “let” and “us.” It is used when suggesting an action that the speaker and the listener can do together. Here are some examples:

• Let’s go to the movies tonight.
• Let’s have lunch together tomorrow.
• Let’s start our own business.

Note that when using “let’s,” the subject is always the speaker and the listener together.

Here’s a comparison table to help illustrate the differences:

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Misuse of Lets

One common mistake people make is using “lets” instead of “let’s” when they mean “let us.” “Lets” is actually the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let.” For example, “She usually lets me go to parties on my own.” On the other hand, “let’s” is a contraction of “let us” and is used to make suggestions or give commands. For example, “Let’s go to the party.”

To avoid this mistake, it is important to remember that “let’s” always requires an apostrophe, while “lets” never does. Here are some examples to help illustrate the difference:

• Incorrect: “Lets go to the party!”
• Correct: “Let’s go to the party!”
• Incorrect: “She lets eat pizza for dinner.”
• Correct: “She suggests that we let’s eat pizza for dinner.”

Misuse of Let’s

Another common mistake is using “let’s” when it is not appropriate. In some cases, people use “let’s” as a way to soften a command or suggestion, but this can be confusing for the listener or reader.

For example, consider the following sentence: “Let’s clean up the kitchen.” This is a clear command or suggestion, and using “let’s” makes it sound more friendly and collaborative. However, if you were to say, “Let’s not forget to clean up the kitchen,” it can be confusing because it sounds like you are suggesting that you should not clean up the kitchen.

To avoid this mistake, it is important to use “let’s” only when you are making a suggestion or giving a command that involves yourself and at least one other person. Here are some examples to help illustrate the difference:

• Correct: “Let’s work together to finish this project.”
• Incorrect: “Let’s not forget to finish this project.”
• Correct: “Let’s go to the beach this weekend.”
• Incorrect: “Let’s not go to the beach this weekend.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differences between “lets” and “let’s” can be confusing, but with a little practice, you can easily master them. Remember, “lets” is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let,” while “let’s” is a contraction of “let” and “us.”

When deciding which one to use, keep in mind that “lets” is used when referring to someone or something else doing the letting, while “let’s” is used when suggesting that we do something together.

To help you remember, here are some example sentences:

• “He lets his dog run free in the park.”
• “She lets her kids stay up late on weekends.”
• “Let’s go to the movies tonight.”
• “Let’s grab lunch together.”

It’s also important to note that “let’s” is always followed by a verb in its base form, while “lets” is followed by the base form of the verb with an “s” added.

Here’s a comparison table to help you understand the differences:

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ‘let’s’ mean?

‘Let’s’ is a contraction of ‘let us.’ It is commonly used to suggest doing something together with someone else.

How is ‘let’s’ used in grammar?

‘Let’s’ is used to make suggestions or invitations in English. It is followed by the base form of the verb, which is the verb without the ‘to’ particle. For example, ‘Let’s go to the beach’ or ‘Let’s eat pizza tonight.’

Is it ‘let do it’ or ‘let’s do it’?

The correct phrase is ‘let’s do it.’ ‘Let do it’ is grammatically incorrect and does not make sense.

When should you use ‘lets’ instead of ‘let’s’?

‘Lets’ is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb ‘let.’ It is used to indicate permission or allowance. For example, ‘He lets his children play video games after they finish their homework.’

What is the meaning of ‘let us’?

‘Let us’ is a phrase that means ‘allow us to.’ It is often used to make polite requests or suggestions. For example, ‘Let us help you with your bags.’

Can ‘lets’ be used without an apostrophe?

Yes, ‘lets’ can be used without an apostrophe when it is used as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. However, ‘let’s’ is a contraction of ‘let us’ and always requires an apostrophe.

In summary, ‘let’s’ is a contraction of ‘let us’ and is used to make suggestions or invitations. ‘Lets’ is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb ‘let’ and is used to indicate permission or allowance. Remember to always use an apostrophe in ‘let’s’ and to use the base form of the verb after it.