Introduction
Have you ever typed lets go and then hesitated should it be lets or let’s? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common punctuation mistakes in English, especially in texting, social media, and casual writing. The confusion happens because the two forms look almost identical, sound exactly the same, and are often used in similar situations.
But here’s the truth: lets and let’s have very different grammatical roles.
Although they sound similar, they serve completely different purposes. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down lets vs let’s, explain how each one works, show real-life conversation examples, and give you easy rules so you never mix them up again.
What Is Let’s?
Let’s start with the version most people mean to use.
Meaning of let’s
Let’s is a contraction of:
- Let us
It’s used when you’re:
- Making a suggestion
- Proposing an idea
- Inviting someone to do something together
How let’s works in sentences
Examples:
- Let’s go to the movies.
- Let’s start the meeting.
- Let’s see what happens next.
You’ll often see let’s used in:
- Casual conversation
- Motivational statements
- Instructions or encouragement
- Friendly or collaborative tones
✅ Key rule:
If you can replace the word with “let us”, then let’s (with an apostrophe) is correct.
What Is Lets?
Now let’s look at the form without the apostrophe.
Meaning of lets
Lets is the third-person singular form of the verb “let.”
It means:
- Allows
- Permits
Unlike let’s, this word is not a contraction.
How lets works in sentences
Examples:
- She lets her kids stay up late.
- The policy lets employees work remotely.
- He lets others speak first.
You’ll usually see lets used when:
- Talking about permission
- Describing rules or behavior
- Referring to what someone allows
✅ Key rule:
If the sentence means allows or permits, use lets (no apostrophe).
Key Differences Between Lets and Let’s
Here’s a clear comparison to make the difference instantly obvious:
| Feature | Let’s | Lets |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Contraction | Verb |
| Stands for | Let us | Allows / permits |
| Apostrophe | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common use | Suggestions, invitations | Permission, allowance |
| Example | Let’s eat | She lets us eat |
🎯 Quick takeaway:
- Let’s = Let us
- Lets = Allows
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Let’s see how lets vs let’s appears in everyday conversations.
🗣️ Dialogue 1: Text Message
Friend: lets go out tonight
You: Small fix—it should be let’s with an apostrophe.
Friend: Oops! Thanks 😄
🎯 Lesson: Suggestions need let’s.
🗣️ Dialogue 2: Parenting Scenario
Parent: He lets his kids watch TV after dinner.
Friend: That’s generous!
Parent: Sometimes too generous.
🎯 Lesson: Permission uses lets.
🗣️ Dialogue 3: Workplace Chat
Manager: Let’s focus on the main goal.
Employee: Sounds good—let’s do it.
🎯 Lesson: Group action = let’s.
🗣️ Dialogue 4: School Example
Student: My teacher lets us submit homework late.
Classmate: Lucky!
🎯 Lesson: Allowing something = lets.
When to Use Let’s vs Lets
Here’s a simple decision guide.
✅ Use let’s when:
- Making a suggestion
- Inviting others to act together
- You can replace it with “let us”
Examples:
- Let’s begin.
- Let’s take a break.
✅ Use lets when:
- Talking about permission
- Describing what someone allows
- Referring to rules or behavior
Examples:
- She lets me borrow her car.
- The app lets users customize settings.
💡 Pro tip:
If you remove the apostrophe and the sentence breaks, you probably need let’s.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Lets go home
✔️ Let’s go home
❌ My boss let’s me work remotely
✔️ My boss lets me work remotely
❌ Lets see what happens
✔️ Let’s see what happens
These errors are extremely common—but easy to fix.
Fun Fact & History
Here’s a quick language insight:
- Apostrophes in English often show missing letters
- Let’s drops the “u” in let us
- Lets never had missing letters—so it doesn’t need an apostrophe
📚 Fun note:
This confusion is so common that “lets go” is one of the most frequent grammar mistakes on social media.
Conclusion
The difference between lets or let’s is all about meaning and punctuation. Let’s (with an apostrophe) means let us and is used for suggestions or group actions. Lets (without an apostrophe) means allows and describes permission.
Once you remember this simple rule, you’ll never mix them up again.
Next time someone types lets or let’s, you’ll know exactly which one is right and why! ✅
