Grammar Tip – Let’s Versus Lets

Contractions can cause problems for some writers. Here’s a common error: let’s versus lets. Let’s is the contraction for “let us.” Lets is a form of the verb to let, meaning “to allow to.”

Example (Incorrect)

The new software program let’s us collect more data on our customers. (This sentence would, therefore, mean “The new software program let us us to collect more data on our customers.” It makes no sense.)

Lets win the tournament. (Who should win?)

Example (correct)

The new software program lets us collect more data on our customers. (The new software program allows us to collect more data on our customers.)

Let’s win the tournament. (Us guys want to win — only kidding! We want to win!)

Try this exercise.

1. This procedure lets/let’s me work more efficiently.

2. Lets/let’s leave early for the meeting.

3. She lets/let’s us borrow her dictionary frequently.

4. Lets/let’s organize an event for Earth Day.

5. Lets/let’s make sure the manager lets/let’s us attend.

Answers

1) lets, 2) Let’s, 3) lets, 4) Let’s, 5) Let’s and lets