Lets vs. Let’s: When to Use Lets or Let’s (with Examples)

Last updated on September 19, 2024 by Liam Daniel

An apostrophe can make a huge difference and change the meaning of the word completely. This is why, when you see two words that only differ by an apostrophe, you need to be extra careful. Of course, nobody will notice anything wrong if you speak but in writing, the risks of using the wrong word are very high. An example of such words is lets and let’s. In order to never get these words confused again, read on.

Lets vs. Let’s: Understanding the Differences

Quick Tips:

  • Use “lets” when talking about allowing or permitting.
  • Use “let’s” when suggesting or proposing something (short for “let us”).
Lets vs. Let's
Lets vs. Let’s – Created by 7ESL

“Lets” and “let’s” are often confused due to their similar appearance, but they have different meanings and uses. Here’s how to distinguish between them:

Let vs. Let’s: Key Takeaways

LETS is the third person singular form of the verb “let” in the present tense, while LET’S is a contraction of “let us”. Even though both these words come from the same verb that means to “to allow”, their meanings and uses in a sentence are very different.

Examples:

  • She lets her son select his own Christmas present.
  • Let’s go out for a drink.

Lets vs. Let’s: Meaning, Usage

Lets:

  • Meaning: The third-person singular form of the verb “let,” meaning to allow or permit.
  • Use: Used without an apostrophe in statements about someone or something allowing something else.
  • Examples:
    • “She lets her children play outside.”
    • “The program lets you edit the file.”
  • Explanation: “Lets” means “allows” and is used as a verb with no contraction.

Let’s:

  • Meaning: A contraction of “let us,” used to suggest or propose something.
  • Use: Used with an apostrophe when suggesting that you and others do something together.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s go to the park.”
    • “Let’s try a different approach.”
  • Explanation: “Let’s” is short for “let us,” making it a suggestion or invitation.

When Do You Use Lets or Let’s?

When you’re speaking about someone giving someone else permission to do something, you need the version without an apostrophe. For instance, you can say, “Kevin’s mother lets him go out if he finishes all of his homework by the time she gets home”.

On the other hand, when you’re making a suggestion, you need the version with an apostrophe. For example, if you want to go to watch a new movie with your friends, you can tell them, “Let’s go to the cinema”.

How do you know that you’re using the right word? If you can use the full version of the contraction, i.e. let us, then you need to use let’s. This will also make your writing look more formal. If you’ve made dinner for your whole family, you can invite them to the table by saying, “Let’s eat” or “Let us eat”. Because both of these phrases make perfect sense, you need an apostrophe.

If you can replace the word in question with a synonym, such as allows or gives permission, you need lets without an apostrophe. For example, instead of saying, “This ticket lets you visit all the city’s museums”, you can say, “This ticket allows you to visit all the city’s museums”. This is why an apostrophe isn’t needed: lets is correct.

Tricks to Understanding Usage

To remember the difference, here’s a quick trick:

  • If you can replace the word with “let us” and it still makes sense, you should use let’s with an apostrophe.
  • If you can’t, then it’s likely that lets without an apostrophe is the correct choice.

Common Mistakes with Lets and Let’s

Using “lets” instead of “let’s” when making suggestions:

  • Incorrect: “Lets go out for dinner.”
  • Correct: “Let’s go out for dinner.”
  • Explanation: Use “let’s” (contraction of “let us”) when making a suggestion.

Using “let’s” instead of “lets” for allowing something:

  • Incorrect: “He let’s his dog run in the yard.”
  • Correct: “He lets his dog run in the yard.”
  • Explanation: “Lets” is the correct form when talking about allowing something.

Lets vs. Let’s Examples in Sentences

Examples of “Let’s” in Sentences

  • Let’s go out for dinner tonight.
  • Let’s make sure we finish the project by the deadline.
  • Let’s take a break and get some fresh air.
  • Let’s try to solve this puzzle together.
  • Let’s not jump to conclusions before we have all the facts.

Examples of “Lets” in Sentences

  • He lets his kids play in the park every evening.
  • The new policy lets employees work from home twice a week.
  • She lets the dough rise for an hour before baking.
  • The landlord lets out the apartment to tourists during the summer.
  • The software lets you edit photos with ease.

Examples of Sentences that Use Both “Lets” and “Let’s”

  • He lets his children decide what games to play, saying, “Let’s make it a fun day for everyone.”
  • The new system lets us track our expenses more efficiently, so let’s start using it right away.
  • She lets the cat out in the morning and then says, “Let’s hope he comes back by dinner time.”
  • The teacher lets students choose their project topics, often suggesting, “Let’s explore your interests.”
  • The coach lets the team vote on their next activity, usually encouraging them with, “Let’s pick something we’ll all enjoy.”

Interactive Activities

Determine the correct usage of “lets” and “let’s” with this short quiz.

  1. Which of the following is correct?
    • Lets go to the park and play.
    • Let’s go to the park and play.
  2. Which of the following is correct?
    • The new policy lets them work from home.
    • The new policy let’s them work from home.
  3. Which of the following is correct?
    • She lets her cat outside every morning.
    • She let’s her cat outside every morning.
  4. Which of the following is correct?
    • Let’s see if we can solve this puzzle.
    • Lets see if we can solve this puzzle.
  5. Which of the following is correct?
    • He lets the dog sleep on the bed at night.
    • He let’s the dog sleep on the bed at night.

Answers:

  1. Let’s go to the park and play. (“Let’s” is a contraction of “let us,” used to make a suggestion.)
  2. The new policy lets them work from home. (“Lets” is the third-person singular present tense form of “let,” meaning it allows.)
  3. She lets her cat outside every morning. (“Lets” is the third-person singular present tense form of “let,” meaning she allows.)
  4. Let’s see if we can solve this puzzle. (“Let’s” is a contraction of “let us,” used to make a suggestion.)
  5. He lets the dog sleep on the bed at night. (“Lets” is the third-person singular present tense form of “let,” meaning he allows.)
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