Let vs. Let's

Attribute	Let	Let's
Meaning	Allow or permit	Contraction of "let us"
Usage	Used to give permission or make a suggestion	Used to suggest doing something together
Formality	Formal	Informal
Contraction	No	Yes

Definition

Let and Let's are two commonly used words in the English language, but they have different meanings and uses. Let is a verb that means to allow or permit someone to do something. It is often used in sentences like "Let me help you" or "Let them go." On the other hand, Let's is a contraction of "let us," which is used to suggest or propose an action that involves the speaker and one or more other people. It is often used in sentences like "Let's go to the movies" or "Let's have dinner together."

Usage

Let is used when giving permission or allowing someone to do something. For example, a teacher might say to a student, "Let me see your homework," or a parent might say to a child, "Let's go to the park." Let's, on the other hand, is used when making a suggestion or proposal that involves the speaker and others. For example, a group of friends might say, "Let's go on a road trip," or a couple might say, "Let's get married."

Formality

Let is a more formal word compared to Let's. It is often used in professional settings or when speaking to someone in a position of authority. For example, a boss might say to an employee, "Let me know when the report is ready." Let's, on the other hand, is more casual and is often used in everyday conversations with friends, family, or peers. For example, a group of friends might say, "Let's grab a bite to eat," when deciding on where to go for lunch.

Contraction

One key difference between Let and Let's is that Let's is a contraction of "let us." The apostrophe in Let's replaces the letter "u" in "us." This contraction is commonly used in spoken English and informal writing to suggest an action that involves the speaker and others. Let, on the other hand, is not a contraction and is used to give permission or allow someone to do something without suggesting the speaker's involvement.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between Let and Let's:

• Let me help you with your bags. (permission)
• Let's go to the beach this weekend. (suggestion)
• Let him know about the meeting tomorrow. (permission)
• Let's order pizza for dinner tonight. (suggestion)
• Let the children play outside for a while. (permission)
• Let's plan a trip to Europe next summer. (suggestion)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Let and Let's are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses. Let is used to give permission or allow someone to do something, while Let's is used to suggest or propose an action that involves the speaker and others. Let is more formal and is often used in professional settings, while Let's is more casual and is commonly used in everyday conversations. Understanding the differences between Let and Let's can help you use them correctly in various contexts and improve your communication skills.