Let’s vs. Lets: What’s the Difference?

The difference between let’s and lets is all about grammar and meaning.

• Let’s = let us (a suggestion or request)
• Lets = allows or permits (used with he, she, it)

Let’s look closer at how they work in sentences.

Let’s: A Contraction of “Let Us”

Meaning

“Let’s” is short for “let us.” It’s used when making suggestions, invitations, or giving friendly instructions.
It’s common in everyday speech and casual writing.

Examples (10 total)

1. Let’s go to the park.
2. Let’s take a break.
3. Let’s try this again tomorrow.
4. Let’s eat out tonight.
5. Let’s not forget to call her.
6. Let’s be honest, that was funny.
7. Let’s see what happens next.
8. Let’s watch a movie.
9. Let’s meet at 6 p.m.
10. Let’s celebrate your success!

🧠 Tip:
If you can replace it with “let us,” use let’s with an apostrophe.

Lets: The Present-Tense Verb

Meaning

“Lets” is the third-person singular form of the verb let, meaning to allow or permit.
It’s used with he, she, it, or a name.

Examples (10 total)

1. He lets his kids stay up late on weekends.
2. She lets her dog sleep on the bed.
3. My boss lets me work from home.
4. This app lets users edit videos easily.
5. The teacher lets students pick their own topics.
6. Mom lets us play games after homework.
7. The manager lets them take long breaks.
8. The door lets in cold air.
9. The system lets you log in with one click.
10. Dad lets me borrow his car sometimes.

🧠 Tip:
If someone allows something to happen, use lets (no apostrophe).

Quick Comparison Table

How to Remember the Difference

👉 Let’s = Suggestion (we’re doing it together)
👉 Lets = Permission (someone allows it)

💡 Memory Trick:

If there’s an apostrophe, it’s a team action — “Let’s (let us) do this.”
No apostrophe? It’s someone allowing something.

Common Mistakes

❌ Lets go for lunch.
✅ Let’s go for lunch.

❌ He let’s his dog outside every morning.
✅ He lets his dog outside every morning.

Why It’s Easy to Confuse Them

Both come from the same root word let and sound identical when spoken.
The apostrophe in let’s changes it from a verb to a contraction, but many learners skip it when typing.
Even AI writing tools can miss this, which is why Humanizey ensures punctuation and tone are corrected for natural-sounding English.

FAQs

1. Is “let’s” formal or informal?

It’s informal but widely acceptable — even in emails or instructions when used politely.

2. Can I use “let’s not”?

Yes, it means let us not — for example, Let’s not argue today.

3. Is “lets” ever plural?

No. Lets is always singular, used with he, she, or it.

4. How do I pronounce them differently?

They’re pronounced exactly the same — /lets/. Only context shows the difference.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Let’s” or “Lets”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. ___ go out for dinner tonight.
2. He never ___ his dog off the leash.
3. ___ not worry about it too much.
4. She ___ her kids play outside.
5. ___ check our answers together.
6. The app ___ you share files easily.
7. ___ take a moment to relax.
8. My boss ___ me leave early today.
9. ___ hope for the best.
10. The system ___ users reset passwords.

Answers

1. Let’s
2. lets
3. Let’s
4. lets
5. Let’s
6. lets
7. Let’s
8. lets
9. Let’s
10. lets