“Let’s” or “Lets”

Looking at this title, I was pretty sure that there is no such word as “lets” but I was wrong. A quick search from Grammarly blog cleared all my doubts and queries about these two words. They both originate from the same verb “let” but their usage differs.

“Let’s” is the contraction of “let us” which is something like how “I’m” is the short form of “I am”. It is used when the speaker wants to suggest him/her and at least another person to do something together. Some examples:

• Great weather! Let’s go for a jog.
• Let’s visit Larry tonight.
• I doubt he’s telling us everything. Let’s shadow him to find out the truth.

Now that we’re clear about the usage of “let’s”, we shall take a look at “lets”. It is the third-person present tense of the verb “let”. It is used as a singular verb “to allow” or “to grant”. For example:

• If Jonathan lets her go, he will lose her forever.
• Besides being a place to read, the library lets others do their work without being disturbed.
• Having produced the complete documentation, the customs officer lets the immigrant through the gate.

Hope the above clarifies the usage of both homophones. Let’s not forget how to apply them correctly, all right?

-----

Grammarly is both a website and a keyboard app that helps verify and correct English usage. The basic functions are free while there are more comprehensive features that require monthly/annual subscriptions. It’s easy to use. Try the free features by clicking on the banner below.