An apostrophe alone can change the ideal meaning of a word to another meaning, just like in the context of “let’s vs lets”. Words like these can cause a misunderstanding in a sentence if not spelt correctly.
NB:
One thing I want you to understand in the English language is that no one is a master of all, especially when it comes to contractions that can easily confuse a sentence, so feel free always to look up words in the dictionary if any of them seem confusing.
But in this article, I will explain these two words “let’s vs lets” and help you understand how to use them with respect to the right context.
Let’s vs Lets
Let’s meaning:
A contraction that comes from the phrase “Let Us”. It is used to state that you and someone else should do something together.
Example:
- Let’s check out the new studio outside the Café.
- Let’s Invite our next speaker to give us a summary of the topic.
- The man said, “Let’s collect the bag and send it abroad to the owner.”
- It seems like it will rain today, let’s not forget to come with an umbrella.
Let’s vs Lets
Lets meaning:
The third-person singular present tense of the word “let”. It means to allow or give permission to someone.
Example:
- Whenever I ask him for a favour, he lets me get whatever I want.
- Mummy lets me know every day that the PS5 belongs to Jonny.
- If Miss Clara lets us out of the class, I will not return.
Let’s vs Lets – How to remember:
These two words are homophones (words that sound alike) and can easily confuse both a writer and a reader. So one of the best ways to remember the difference between the two words is to know that:
Let’s – A contraction of the phrase “Let Us.” Understanding that the apostrophe represents the “U” in “us” and knowing that it’s a contraction. On the other hand, “Let’s” is used when it involves more than one person doing a particular thing.
Lets – The third-person singular present tense of the word “let”.
Another way to learn the difference is to practice using these words while writing and speaking to get used to them.
Read this: Email or E-mail: Which is Correct?
Quiz:
- ________ go the library after classes today (Let’s/Lets)
- __________ tell her the truth (Let’s/Lets)
- Whenever I go the library, he ______ me use the wifi. (Let’s/Let)
Answers:
- Let’s
- Let’s
- Lets
Awesome one, I hope this article on “Let’s vs Lets” answered your question.