Lets or Let’s: Does Let Need an Apostrophe?
The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation
Lets or Let’s: Does Let Need an Apostrophe?
Editors and style guides alike may differ concerning the usage of lets and let’s. Do we need to include an apostrophe or not?
In today’s discussion, we will answer that question. We’ll also give you an explanation you can remember at the same time you enhance your grammar.
So let’s jump in…
Why You See Both Lets and Let’s
The reason you may see two forms of this word is that either can be correct depending on the context.
Both lets and let’s—the version without the apostrophe and the one with it—are variations of let, which is a verb (action word) meaning “to allow something or give permission.”
Lets (no apostrophe) is the third-person singular form of that verb. It’s used when someone else allows something.
Examples
I’ll take the long weekend if my boss lets me.
Sally’s cat is putting on extra weight because she lets him eat whatever he wants.
When you add an apostrophe to let, you get the word let’s, which is a contraction meaning “let us.” This is usually expressed as a command or suggestion to another person.
Examples
Let’s discuss that after the rehearsal.
Before we go to class, let’s grab a cappuccino.
As you can see, lets and let’s are slightly different words even though they look similar and have the same pronunciation.
Pop Quiz
Now that you know the difference between lets and let’s, test your skills by filling in the blanks with the appropriate usage for each sentence.
1. [Lets / Let’s] grab dinner at that new taco stand this weekend.
2. [Lets / Let’s] see if we can get tickets to the concert once they go on sale.
3. We won’t have time unless the professor [lets / let’s] us leave class early.
4. I don’t know why Terry [lets / let’s] his brother get away with so much teasing.
5. After the show [lets / let’s] see if we can meet the performers.
Pop Quiz Answers
1. Let’s grab dinner at that new taco stand this weekend.
2. Let’s see if we can get tickets to the concert once they go on sale.
3. We won’t have time unless the professor lets us leave class early.
4. I don’t know why Terry lets his brother get away with so much teasing.
5. After the show let’s see if we can meet the performers.
We’re Here to Help with Your Grammar and Writing
We hope you learned something useful from this post. If you’d like more grammar tips, simply browse our wide range of topics. We also update our website with new articles each week, so be sure to check back again soon for new content on grammar in American English. Also remember that you can ask a question or suggest a future topic by leaving us a comment below!
If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page.
Some colleagues argue that a missing apostrophe in “Let’s discuss” is a grammar mistake; as for me, I´m inclined to say that this is just a punctuation mistake.
What do you think about this? Many thanks in advance.
Since “Let’s” and “Lets” are different variations of “let” with two distinct meanings, it is a grammar error. If “Let’s” in “Let’s discuss” is missing an apostophe, it is a punctuation error.
Therefore, both “grammar error” and “punctuation error” apply.