Cecil Galler's Blog: Let’s vs. Lets

Let’s is a contraction of let us.
Lets is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let.”

Homophones are a common cause of grammar mistakes. Let’s and lets are a pair of commonly confused homophones, and they share the same root word.

Let’s vs. Lets image

The Difference Between Let’s and Lets

Let’s and lets are based on the same verb, let, which means to allow or give permission.

Let’s is a contraction of “let us.” You use it to make suggestions about what you and someone else should do. Let’s go to the movies. Let’s invite Mom.

Lets is the third-person singular present tense form of verb let, which means to allow or give permission. If Mom lets us go to the movies without her, I’ll be surprised.

Let’s vs. Lets: Which Is Correct?

If you have friends over for dinner and it’s time to sit at the table, you can say:

The food is ready. Let’s eat!

You can also use let’s as an indirect or polite way of telling other people what to do:

It’s cold outside! Let’s all remember to bring our jackets.

If you want to sound more formal, you can avoid the contraction and use the whole phrase:

Let us turn to page four of the report.

Now, if you want to use lets correctly, save it for when you want to talk about something that happens because someone or something allows it to happen:

Old McDonald lets the animals on his farm move freely.

The arrangement of tables in the restaurant lets you have very little privacy.