Let’s vs. Lets: What's the Difference?
Learn when let’s means let us and when lets is the present-tense verb meaning allows, with a replacement test, examples, a quiz, and FAQs.
Let’s is the contraction of let us and is used to make a suggestion or proposal. Lets is the third-person singular form of let and means allows, permits, or enables. If let us fits, use the apostrophe.
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A button says “Lets get started.” Because the message means “Let us get started,” the missing apostrophe changes the grammar. The corrected label is “Let’s get started.”
Let’s vs. Lets at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| let’s | Contraction | let us | Let’s review the final draft together. |
| lets | Present-tense verb | allows, permits, or enables | The dashboard lets users export a report. |
How to use let’s
Let’s combines let and us. It commonly introduces suggestions, invitations, and shared actions, and the apostrophe marks the omitted u.
Let’s review the final draft together.
How to use lets
Lets agrees with a third-person singular subject such as it, she, he, the app, or the policy. It never means let us.
The dashboard lets users export a report.
Rules that make the choice easier
Expand let’s to let us
If the expanded phrase sounds correct, use the apostrophe: Let’s leave now becomes Let us leave now.
Use lets after a singular subject
When a person or thing allows an action, use lets: The pass lets one guest enter.
Do not use let’s for possession
The apostrophe signals a contraction, not ownership. Neither form is a possessive noun.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Do not omit the apostrophe in calls to action such as Let’s begin.
- Do not write the app let’s users save files.
- Avoid treating every apostrophe as a sign of possession.
Quick practice
1. ___ meet at nine tomorrow.
Answer: Let’s
2. The key ___ you open the cabinet.
Answer: lets
3. Which form can be expanded to let us?
Answer: let’s
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between let’s and lets?
Let’s means let us; lets is a verb meaning allows.
Is it lets go or let’s go?
Use let’s go because the phrase means let us go.
Why does let’s have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe replaces the omitted letter u in let us.
Can lets be correct without an apostrophe?
Yes: “The software lets you edit the file” uses the verb meaning allows.