Lets vs Let’s: What’s the Difference?

If you get hung up on the difference between lets vs let’s, this guide will help you keep these two commonly confused and misused words straight. 

Because they are homophones, lets vs let’s can be confusing parts of the English language. Yet strong writers must know how to use the right word in the right situation. These commonly confused words have a pretty clear distinction that tells when you need to use that apostrophe, and when you can leave it off.

Lets” is the third person singular form of the verb “let,” meaning to allow or permit. “Let’s” is a contraction of “let us,” used to make a suggestion or proposal.

Lets vs. Let’s – Different Forms for Different Uses

Lets (no apostrophe) is the third-person singular present tense of the verb ‘to let,’ meaning to allow or permit, used with subjects like she, he, or it. Let’s (with apostrophe) is a contraction of ‘let us,’ used to make suggestions or proposals. Both are homophones, making them among the most commonly confused word pairs in English grammar.

One of the reasons lets vs let’s is so confusing is the fact that both are forms of the verb “to let,” which means to allow something to occur. Knowing when to use the apostrophe is critical to writing with proper grammar.

What Does Lets Mean?

Lets without the apostrophe is the third-person singular form of the verb let. It is the present tense form of the word as well. When used this way, lets means “to allow” in the present tense.

Here is an example:

• My teacher lets us have extra recess if we all get an A on our spelling test.
• The judge lets the family embrace after finalizing the adoption.
• She lets her bills pile up without paying them and ends up in legal trouble.

Let can also mean “to rent.” In these examples, the word lets refers to rented property:

• The landlord lets the apartment only to qualified buyers.
• She lets a flat in New York City for more than my mortgage payment.

This is a less commonly used form of the word, but it is still the present tense form of the verb “to let.” This simple present conjugation always goes with a third-person subject.

Synonyms for Lets

Understanding when to use lets may be easier if you consider some synonyms for this verb. Some words that mean the same thing as “to let” include:

• To allow
• To give permission

What Does Let’s Mean?

Let’s with the apostrophe is a contraction of the words “let us.” This is a shortened one-word version of a two-word phrase. 

Here are some examples:

• Let’s go to New York after graduation.
• “Let’s go!” yelled the mom when she was tired of waiting on her kids at the park.
• Since we are snowed in, let’s enjoy a family game night.

Let’s is the word to use when talking in first person plural. It’s often used in spoken English because it is faster to say the contraction than to say the two-word phrase.

A Simple Substitution to Tell the Difference

Because the two words have similar meanings and sound the same, many writers are tripped up by that tricky apostrophe. A quick way to decide if you need it or not is to substitute the phrase “let us.” If it makes sense, then you’re using the contraction and need the apostrophe.

Here’s an example:

• Let’s start at the beginning of the book.

This sentence would mean the same thing if you wrote:

• Let us start at the beginning of the book.

However, consider this sentence: 

• He lets his cat sleep in the bed with him.

This would not make sense if you substituted “let us,” as in:

• He let us his cat sleep in the bed with him.

Thus, you don’t need the apostrophe.

A Final Word on Lets vs Let’s

Lets and let’s are similar because they are both forms of the verb “to let.” Let’s is a contraction and requires an apostrophe. It is short for “let us.” Lets is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb “to let.” It does not require an apostrophe and is used with subjects like he or she. If you liked this post, you might be interested in our palate vs. pallette guide.

FAQs About Lets vs Let’s

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between lets and let’s?

‘Lets’ (no apostrophe) is the third-person singular form of the verb ‘to let,’ meaning to allow, as in ‘She lets her dog run freely.’ ‘Let’s’ (with apostrophe) is a contraction of ‘let us,’ used to suggest a shared action, as in ‘Let’s go to the park.’ The apostrophe signals a contraction, not possession.

How do you know when to use an apostrophe in let’s?

Use the apostrophe in ‘let’s’ whenever you can substitute the two words ‘let us’ without changing the meaning of the sentence. For example, ‘Let’s eat dinner’ becomes ‘Let us eat dinner,’ which still makes sense. If the substitution sounds awkward or incorrect, use ‘lets’ without an apostrophe.

What does lets mean without an apostrophe?

‘Lets’ without an apostrophe is the simple present tense, third-person singular conjugation of the verb ‘to let,’ meaning to allow or permit. It is used with subjects such as he, she, or it — for example, ‘He lets his children stay up late on weekends.’ It can also mean to rent property, as in ‘She lets a flat in London.’

Are lets and let’s pronounced the same way?

Yes, ‘lets’ and ‘let’s’ are homophones, meaning they share identical pronunciation despite having different spellings and meanings. This is precisely why they are so frequently confused in writing. The only way to distinguish between them is through written context, specifically whether an apostrophe is present.

What are some correct examples of lets and let’s used in sentences?

‘Lets’ in correct use: ‘The coach lets the players choose their own warm-up routine.’ ‘Let’s’ in correct use: ‘Let’s meet at the coffee shop before the conference.’ In the first example, ‘lets’ describes what a third-person subject permits. In the second, ‘let’s’ proposes a shared action using the contracted form of ‘let us.’