Let's

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Let's" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a contraction of "let us," inviting others to participate in an action or suggestion. Example: "Let's go to the park this weekend and enjoy the nice weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's see, let's see.

Cornell University

Let's go; let's go.

The New York Times - Books

Let's talk.

Princeton University

Let's play!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's listen.

University of California, Berkeley

Let's sit.

Columbia University

Let's check.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's see..

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Let's discuss!

Columbia University

Let's count.

Yale University

Let's party!

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "Let's" is a contraction of "let us." Avoid using "Let's us" as it is redundant.

Common error

Be careful not to use "Let's" in conjunction with other words that imply suggestion or permission, such as "Why don't we let's go?" Stick to either "Why don't we go?" or "Let's go."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Let's" is to form a hortative, which is a grammatical mood used to express encouragement or exhortation. As Ludwig AI shows, this contraction of "let us" invites or proposes a joint action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

53%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Let's" functions as a hortative, encouraging collective action and participation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in academic and news contexts. While versatile, "Let's" is generally considered neutral to informal, making it suitable for a wide range of communications. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives such as "shall we" or "we should" may be more appropriate. As a general recommendation, be aware of redundancy; avoid structures like "Let's us" to maintain clarity and conciseness. The prevalence of "Let's" in authoritative sources like The New York Times and academic institutions underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Shall we

A more formal way to propose an action, often used in British English.

Why don't we

Suggests an action in a questioning manner, inviting consideration.

How about we

Similar to "why don't we", but slightly more informal.

We should

A less direct suggestion, implying a recommendation rather than an invitation.

Suppose we

Poses a hypothetical scenario as a suggestion.

What if we

Similar to "suppose we", but more exploratory.

Care to

A polite and somewhat formal invitation to do something.

We could

Indicates a possibility or option for action.

I suggest we

A more direct suggestion coming from the speaker.

Allow us to

A formal invitation for the speaker to perform an action with the listener.

FAQs

How can I use "Let's" in a sentence?

"Let's" is used to make a suggestion or proposal involving the speaker and others. For example, "Let's go to the movies" or "Let's discuss this further".

What phrases are similar to "Let's"?

Alternatives to "Let's" include "shall we", "why don't we", or "how about we", which offer similar suggestions or invitations to do something together.

Is it correct to say "Let us go" instead of "Let's go"?

Yes, "Let us go" is grammatically correct, but it's more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation than "Let's go". "Let's go" is a contraction of "let us go" and is generally preferred in informal contexts.

Can "Let's" be used in formal writing?

While "Let's" is generally considered informal, it can be used in some formal contexts to create a sense of collaboration. However, in highly formal writing, it may be better to use "Let us" or other more formal alternatives like "we should".