Lets or Let's: Which One Is Correct? Meaning and Examples

“Let’s” is the correct form when you mean “let us,” while “lets” is used as a verb meaning “allows.” This single rule answers the main query right away. People search for

“lets or let’s” because the difference depends on an apostrophe, and that small mark often changes meaning in English. Writers, students, and professionals want to avoid mistakes in emails, exams, headlines, and social media.

This article clears the confusion completely. You will learn what lets and let’s mean, where they come from, how British and American English treat them, common mistakes, real-life examples, trends in usage, and expert advice on which one to use and when.

Lets or Let’s: Quick Answer

Let’s is a contraction of “let us.”

Lets is the third-person singular verb form of let, meaning allows or permits.

Examples:

Let’s go home now. ✅ (Let us go)
He lets his children stay up late. ✅ (Allows)

❌ Lets go home now. (Incorrect for “let us”)

The Origin of Lets or Let’s

Origin of “Let”

The verb let comes from Old English lǣtan, meaning to allow, permit, or leave. It has been used in English for over a thousand years.

Origin of “Let’s” (Contraction)

Let’s developed later as a contraction of “let us.” English often shortens common phrases to make speech and writing more natural, such as do not → don’t or we are → we’re. Over time, let us became let’s in informal and semi-formal usage.

Why the Apostrophe Matters

The apostrophe in let’s replaces the missing letter “u” in us. Without the apostrophe, the word becomes lets, which has a completely different meaning. This small punctuation mark is the main reason for confusion.

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no spelling difference between British and American English for lets and let’s. Both varieties follow the same grammar rules.

American English Examples

Let’s start the meeting. ✅
The policy lets employees work remotely. ✅

British English Examples

Let’s have a cup of tea. ✅
The school lets students use the library after hours. ✅

Comparison Table

Form	Meaning	British English	American English	Example
let’s	let us	Same	Same	Let’s begin
lets	allows	Same	Same	She lets me go

Both systems treat the apostrophe in exactly the same way.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

For US Audiences

Use let’s when inviting or suggesting an action. Use lets only when you mean allows.

For UK & Commonwealth Audiences

The rule is identical. Native speakers always distinguish meaning by the apostrophe.

For Global or ESL Writing

Always check your sentence meaning:

If it means let us → let’s
If it means allows → lets

Professional advice: When in doubt, expand the sentence. If let us fits, use let’s.

Common Mistakes with Lets or Let’s

Mistake 1: Dropping the Apostrophe

❌ Lets go to the office. ✅ Let’s go to the office.

Mistake 2: Using “Let’s” for Permission

❌ He let’s his son drive. ✅ He lets his son drive.

Mistake 3: Confusing Formality

Some writers avoid let’s in formal writing. While it is informal, it is still acceptable in professional emails and speeches when used carefully.

Lets or Let’s in Everyday Examples

Emails

Let’s schedule a call tomorrow.
The manager lets staff leave early on Fridays.

News Headlines

Let’s Act Now to Save Water
New Law Lets Small Businesses Grow

Social Media

Let’s do this! 🚀
My boss lets me work from home 😊

Formal Writing

Let us consider the results carefully. (Often preferred over let’s)
The policy lets researchers access data.

Lets or Let’s: Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows that “lets or let’s” is a highly searched grammar question.

Popular Search Regions

United States
United Kingdom
India
Pakistan
Canada
Australia

Why This Keyword Is Popular

Apostrophes cause frequent errors
High usage in daily conversation
Common in headlines, slogans, and emails

Usage Insight

Online writing shows frequent misuse of lets instead of let’s, especially in informal posts. Professional and edited content strongly prefers correct apostrophe usage.

Comparison Table: Lets vs Let’s

Feature	Lets	Let’s
Part of speech	Verb	Contraction
Meaning	Allows	Let us
Apostrophe	❌ No	✅ Yes
Example	She lets me speak	Let’s begin

FAQs About Lets or Let’s

What is the difference between lets and let’s?

Lets means allows. Let’s means let us.

Is “lets go” ever correct?

Only if lets means allows, which is rare. For invitations, let’s go is correct.

Is let’s informal?

Yes, slightly. In very formal writing, let us is preferred.

Can let’s be used in professional emails?

Yes. It is common and acceptable when making suggestions.

Does British English use let’s differently?

No. The rule is the same in all standard English varieties.

Is the apostrophe optional?

No. Without the apostrophe, the meaning changes completely.

How can I check which one to use?

Replace the word with let us. If it fits, use let’s.

Conclusion

The difference between lets or let’s is small in appearance but big in meaning. Let’s is a contraction of let us and is used when making suggestions, invitations, or encouraging action. Lets, without an apostrophe, is a verb that means allows or permits.

Confusion happens because apostrophes are often ignored in fast typing and informal writing, but doing so can change the meaning of a sentence completely.

The good news is that the rule is simple and universal. British English, American English, and global English all follow the same pattern.

If you can replace the word with let us, then let’s is the correct choice. If you are talking about permission or allowance, lets is the right form.

By using the explanations, examples, tables, and FAQs in this guide, you can confidently choose the correct spelling every time.

Mastering this small detail will instantly make your English clearer, more accurate, and more professional.