Use of Let Edit

Discover the correct use of let in English grammar, including rules for suggestions, negatives, emphasis, and special sentence patterns with examples.

What is the Use of Let in English Grammar?

Let's (= let us) + base form of the verb expresses a suggestion. It's a lovely day. Let's sit outside.

Let's have some coffee (,shall we?).

Let's suggests an action by the speaker and the hearer.

Let's sit outside means that we should sit outside.

The negative is let's not or don't let's, and for emphasis we use do let's.

Negative: Let's not waste any time./Don't let's waste any time.

Emphatic: Do let's get started. We've wasted enough time already.

NOTE: The long form is formal and old-fashioned. Let us give thanks to God.

How to Use Let Me in Sentences

Let me means that the speaker is telling him/herself what to do.

Let me think. Where did I put the letter?

Let me see what's in my diary.

Let me explain.

Let me think means 'I'm going to think./Give me time to think.'

Pro Tip: Let can also have the meaning 'allow'.
Oh, you've got some photos.
Let me see./May I see?

How to Use Let with Nouns and Pronouns

After let we can put a phrase with a noun.

Let the person who made this mess clean it up.

Let the voters choose the government they want.

Let them decide.

Let them decide means 'they should decide'.

NOTE: There are two special sentence patterns with a similar meaning to the imperative. Both the subjunctive and may can express a wish.

God save the Queen.

May your dreams come true.

These patterns are rather formal and used only in limited contexts.

Key Takeaways

  • Let's is used to make a suggestion for the speaker and hearer combined.
  • The negative forms are let's not or don't let's, while the emphatic form is do let's.
  • Let me indicates the speaker telling themselves what to do or asking for time to think.
  • Let can also mean 'allow' or be followed by a noun phrase to express that someone should do something.

Quick Practice

Test your understanding of the use of let by writing your answers in the comments section below:

  1. Rewrite the sentence "Let us not waste any time" using the contraction form: _____________________
  2. What does the phrase "Let me see" mean in everyday conversation? Write a short sentence explaining it.

FAQ

What does Let's mean in grammar?

Let's is a contraction of "let us" followed by the base form of a verb, which is used to express a suggestion for both the speaker and the hearer.

What is the negative form of Let's?

The negative form is either "let's not" or "don't let's" (e.g., Let's not waste any time / Don't let's waste any time).

Can Let mean something other than a suggestion?

Yes, "let" can mean "allow" (e.g., Let me see / May I see) or it can be used with a noun phrase to indicate that someone should perform an action.

More Lessons to Try

Continue improving your English grammar and writing skills with these related lessons: