“Let’s” vs “Lets” – What’s the Difference?

English loves to play tricks with small details, and the apostrophe is often the biggest troublemaker. One of the most common confusions is between “let’s” (with an apostrophe) and “lets” (without an apostrophe). They look almost the same, but they don’t mean the same thing.

Today, Midoo AI will explain the difference in simple terms, give you plenty of examples, and show you how to use each correctly in your writing and conversations.

What Does “Let’s” Mean?

Let’s is a contraction of “let us.” You use it when you want to make a suggestion or invitation that includes yourself and others.

Think of it as a friendly way to propose doing something together.

Examples of “Let’s”:

• Let’s go for a walk after dinner. (Let us go)
• Let’s watch a movie tonight. (Let us watch)
• Let’s try this new restaurant.
• Let’s not be late for class.
• Let’s focus on the positive side.

👉 If you can replace it with “let us” and the sentence still works, then you need let’s.

What Does “Lets” Mean?

Lets (no apostrophe) is the third-person singular form of the verb “let.” It means allows or permits.

So when you say “he lets” or “she lets,” you’re talking about someone giving permission.

Examples of “Lets”:

• She lets her kids play outside after school. (allows)
• My teacher lets us use notes during the test.
• He lets his dog sleep on the couch.
• This app lets you practice English every day.
• The boss lets employees leave early on Fridays.

👉 If you mean “allows” or “permits,” then you need lets.

Quick Comparison

• Let’s = contraction of “let us” (suggestion or invitation).
• Lets = verb (allows, permits).

Comparison Table

Memory Trick

Here’s an easy way to remember:

• If you’re making a suggestion → use let’s.
• If you’re talking about permission → use lets.

Or think of it this way: The apostrophe in “let’s” is like your friend—it invites you to join in!

Common Mistakes

❌ Lets go shopping after school. ✔️ Let’s go shopping after school.

❌ My mom let’s me play video games. ✔️ My mom lets me play video games.

❌ He let’s the dog run around. ✔️ He lets the dog run around.

FAQs

Is “let’s” short for “let us”?

Yes, “let’s” is always a contraction of “let us.”

Can I use “let’s” in formal writing?

Yes, but in very formal writing, people often avoid contractions and write “let us” instead.

Is “lets” ever plural?

No. “Lets” is just the third-person singular form of the verb “let.”

What’s the most common mistake with these two?

Using “lets” instead of “let’s” when making suggestions, like writing “Lets eat” instead of “Let’s eat.”

Can “lets” mean “rents out” too?

Yes! In British English, “lets” can also mean “rents,” as in “She lets her flat to students.”

Final Thoughts

The difference between “let’s” and “lets” is all about that little apostrophe:

• Let’s = “let us” (a suggestion or invitation).
• Lets = “allows” or “permits.”

So, the next time you write, pause for a second and check—are you suggesting something, or talking about permission? That tiny check will save you from a common grammar slip.