Let Vs Let’s

Let Vs Let’s

LET and LETS

We use let to talk about permission. Let is followed by an object and the base form of a verb (the infinitive without "to"), as shown in these examples: 

(The words in italics are direct objects, and the underlined words are verbs in the base form.)

• They let me look at the photos.
• Let them go.
• I'll be happy to help you if you'll let me (help you).
• Don't let this opportunity slip away!
• His mother lets him watch TV till midnight. 
• I don't believe in letting children do whatever they want to do.

Uses of Let/lets

Let meaning ‘permission’

We use let to talk about permission. Let is followed by an object and an infinitive without to:

She let me use her crayons.

Not: She let me to use …

Let meaning ‘rent’ (as a verb)

We use let with a direct object meaning ‘rent something to someone’:

       ·        We’ve let our house for the whole summer.

       ·        This building is to let.

       ·        He lets several houses in the area.

Let meaning ‘rent’ (as a noun)

      ·        This is a holiday let.

      ·        There are few lets on this estate.

‘Let me’ meaning ‘suggestions’ or ‘offers’

We also use let me (the first person singular imperative) to give a direct, more formal suggestion or offer:

     ·        Let me move these things out of your way.

A play usually in racket/racquet sports) which is nullified and has to be played again.

     ·        The ball touched the top of the net causing a let.

     ·        There have been three lets on this serve so far.

👉 We don’t use let in passive with this meaning.

They didn’t let us play inside the hall. (We were not allowed to play inside the hall)

Not: We weren’t let (to) play inside the hall.

(Lets is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “let.”)

• She lets me sleep in her room.
• He lets me read from his book 

LET'S

Let's is a contraction of let us.  (Us is the direct object.) Let's means we should (do something). 

• Let's hope for the best.
• Let's get out of here!
• Let's all remember how much we have to be thankful for.
• Let's see what's on the menu.

  👉 There are two negative forms of let’s: let’s not and don’t let’s. Let’s not is more common:

Let’s not argue about money. We can share the costs.

Don’t let’s throw away the good books with the damaged ones. We can sell them.

👉 If you want to sound more formal, you can avoid the contraction and use the whole phrase:

Let us turn to page seven of the report.

Exercises

Select the correct version.

1.   Let’s/Lets eat, grandma.

    Let’s eat, grandma.

2.    Let’s/Lets go home.

    Let’s go home.

3.    There is always one who loves and one who Let’s/Lets himself be loved.

     There is always one who loves and one who Lets himself be loved.

4.    Let’s/Lets go fishing.

     Let’s/Lets go fishing.

5.    Let’s/Lets have a party. Oh yes, Let’s/Lets.

     Let’s have a party. Oh yes, Let’s.

6.    Let/lets me drive a car.

     Let me drive a car.

7.    Let/let’s me sing a song.

     Let me sing a song.

8.    Lets/ Let me teach children.

     Let me teach children.

9.    Let me open the door.

     Let me open the door

10.    She lets/let’s us feed her pony.

         She lets us feed her pony.

11.    The holiday lets/ let’s are infested with mice.

         The holiday lets are infested with mice.

Fill in the blanks with let/lets/let’s

1.        Don’t let him drive a car.

2.        Let’s play cricket.

3.        Let’s start the work.

4.      Let him come.

5.        Anita will let her cook food.

6.        Let her drive car.

7.        Let’s teach.

8.        Let’s talk to children.

9.        Do not let him go.

10.    Don’t let children run.

11.    Let’s go movie.

12.    Let’s sing a song.

13.    Let’s cut the cake.

14.    Let’s start the party.

15.    Mohan lets him drive the car.

16.    I let him use my crayons.

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