A0 Sentence Structure 10 min read Easy

Making Suggestions with 'Let's'

Let's is your simple, friendly way to propose doing things together in English!
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Let's' plus a base verb to suggest an activity for you and someone else to do together.

  • Use 'Let's' + base verb for affirmative suggestions: 'Let's dance!'
  • Use 'Let's not' + base verb for negative suggestions: 'Let's not go.'
  • Never use 'to' after 'Let's': say 'Let's eat', not 'Let's to eat'.
Let's + 🏃‍♂️ (Base Verb) = 🤝 (Shared Action)

Overview

Use 'Let's' to do things together. It is for you and friends.

This short phrase empowers you to go beyond simply stating needs (I want) to actively suggesting shared actions (Let's do).

You do the action too. It is very friendly. Use it for plans.

How This Grammar Works

'Let's' is short for 'Let us'. It is for a group idea.
Always use 'Let's'. 'Let us' sounds very old. Do not use it.
The words work together as one idea.
It is direct. You are in the group too.
For instance, Let's eat dinner clearly states a proposal for us (you and I, or you, me, and them) to eat dinner together.

Word Order Rules

Put 'Let's' first. Then add the action word. Keep the word simple.
Do not use 'to' with the action word.
Do not add -s or -ing. Say 'Let's go'. Not 'Let's goes'.
This is very easy. It helps you talk to friends.
Consider these examples demonstrating the fixed word order:
  • Let's study for the exam. (Here, study is the base form.)
  • Let's meet at the cafe. (The verb meet is in its base form.)
  • Let's watch a movie tonight. (The verb watch is unconjugated.)
Follow this rule. People will understand you clearly.

Formation Pattern

1
The rule is simple. It helps you make plans fast.
2
Let's + action word + more words.
3
Look at these examples.
4
| Rule | Action Word | More Words | Sentence |
5
|:----------------|:----------|:---------------------|:--------------------------------|
6
| Let's + | eat | pizza. | Let's eat pizza. |
7
| Let's + | read | that book. | Let's read that book. |
8
| Let's + | start | the meeting. | Let's start the meeting. |
9
To say no, add 'not'. Put 'not' after 'Let's'.
10
Let's + not + action word + more words.
11
Here are some 'no' sentences.
12
| Rule | No | Action | More | Sentence |
13
|:----------------|:---------|:----------|:---------------------|:--------------------------------|
14
| Let's + not+| go | there. | Let's not go there. |
15
| Let's + not+| worry | about it. | Let's not worry about it. |
16
| Let's + not+| forget | our tickets. | Let's not forget our tickets. |
17
Adding 'not' is simple. It helps you say no.

When To Use It

Use 'Let's' for a group plan. You are in the plan.
Key Situations for Using Let's:
  • Social Planning: When making plans with friends, family, or colleagues for leisure activities. It's the go-to phrase for suggesting outings or shared experiences. For example, Let's grab coffee after class. or Let's see that new movie.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: In academic or professional settings, Let's fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility. It's effective for organizing tasks or initiating joint efforts. Consider, Let's divide the work for the project. or Let's review the report together.
  • Initiating Simple Actions: For immediate, shared actions or decisions within a group. It can be used for very brief and direct suggestions. Examples include Let's start. when beginning a task, or Let's wait here. if a group needs to pause.
  • Casual Invitations: In informal communication, such as texting or instant messaging, Let's is a common way to invite someone to an activity. For instance, a text might read, Hey, let's hang out this weekend!
Use 'Let's' with friends. It is normal and friendly.

Common Mistakes

New learners make mistakes. Watch for these problems.
  1. 1Incorrect Verb Form After Let's: This is the most common mistake. Learners might erroneously apply conjugation rules that don't apply to the base form of the verb after Let's.
  • Adding -s: Since Let's refers to us, which is a plural subject, it does not trigger the third-person singular -s ending for verbs. Incorrect: Let's goes. Correct: Let's go. The error occurs when Let's is mistakenly associated with he/she/it forms.
  • Using -ing form: The present participle (-ing) is used for continuous tenses or as a gerund, not after Let's. Incorrect: Let's eating. Correct: Let's eat. This mistake often arises from confusion with How about eating? where -ing is correct.
  • Using to-infinitive: While many verbs are followed by a to-infinitive (e.g., I want to eat), Let's specifically requires the bare infinitive (base form without to). Incorrect: Let's to study. Correct: Let's study.
  1. 1Omitting the Verb Entirely: Let's must be followed by an action verb. Simply stating the object of an implied action is incorrect.
  • Incorrect: Let's pizza. (Pizza is a noun, not an action.) Correct: Let's order pizza. or Let's make pizza. You must explicitly state the action being suggested.
  1. 1Confusing Let's with Let us in Formal Contexts: While Let's is a contraction of Let us, using the full Let us for a suggestion in modern casual English sounds overly formal or even theatrical. Stick to Let's for almost all contemporary usage.
  • Rarely appropriate: Let us commence the feast! (Sounds archaic.) Usually appropriate: Let's start eating.
  1. 1Confusing Let's (suggestion) with Let him/her/them (permission): These structures look similar but have entirely different meanings. Let him go means allow him to go. It is not a suggestion that you will participate in. Let's is always a suggestion involving the speaker.
  • Let's leave. (Suggestion for us to leave.)
  • Let him leave. (Permission for him to leave.)
Follow the rules. You will not make mistakes.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Other words are similar. They are a bit different.
  1. 1How about...? / What about...?
  • Structure: These phrases are typically followed by a noun or an -ing form of a verb (gerund). For example, How about pizza? or What about going to the park?
  • Nuance: They are generally more open-ended and less direct than Let's. They introduce an idea for consideration, often inviting a broader discussion. Crucially, the speaker is not necessarily included in the proposed action, though they can be. You could say How about he goes? which does not include you.
  • Example: Let's watch a movie. (Direct suggestion for us to watch.) vs. How about watching a movie? (More gentle, less committing, opens the floor for other ideas).
  1. 1Shall we...?
  • Structure: Shall we + Base Form of Verb? This is a question format.
  • Nuance: Shall we...? is generally more formal or polite than Let's. It's less common in very casual modern American English, though it's still used and understood. It often appears in British English or in situations where one wishes to be particularly courteous or traditional. It's a direct question seeking agreement.
  • Example: Let's begin. (Direct suggestion.) vs. Shall we begin? (Polite inquiry, seeking permission/agreement.)
  1. 1Why don't we...?
  • Structure: Why don't we + Base Form of Verb? This is also a question.
  • Nuance: This phrase is very similar to Let's in its function and inclusivity; it proposes an action for us. However, by framing it as a question, Why don't we...? often sounds slightly softer and more collaborative, inviting agreement rather than simply stating a suggestion. It can imply a problem-solving approach or a gentle nudge.
  • Example: Let's get some coffee. (Direct suggestion.) vs. Why don't we get some coffee? (More consultative, gently proposing a solution or activity.)
| Feature | Let's... | How about...? / What about...? | Shall we...? | Why don't we...? |
|:------------------|:-------------------------------|:-----------------------------------|:-------------------------------|:---------------------------------|
Say 'Let's' and an action. Say 'How about' and a thing. Ask 'Shall we' and an action. Ask 'Why don't we' and an action.
| Speaker Incl. | Always | Optional | Always | Always |
| Tone | Direct, informal to semi-formal| Open-ended, informal | Polite, formal/traditional | Collaborative, friendly |
| Implies | Shared action | Idea for consideration | Seeking agreement/permission | Gentle suggestion/problem-solving|

Real Conversations

Let's is pervasive in modern English communication across various platforms and social contexts. Its conciseness and directness make it ideal for efficient exchanges, reflecting a cultural preference for straightforward interaction in many English-speaking environments.

- Texting and Instant Messaging: In digital communication, brevity is valued. Let's fits perfectly for quick planning.

-

Forming Suggestions with Let's

Type Marker Verb Form Example
Affirmative
Let's
Base (Go)
Let's go.
Negative
Let's not
Base (Wait)
Let's not wait.
Formal Affirmative
Let us
Base (Pray)
Let us pray.
Formal Negative
Let us not
Base (Forget)
Let us not forget.
With Tag
Let's... shall we?
Base (Start)
Let's start, shall we?

Contractions

Full Form Contraction Usage
Let us
Let's
99% of all situations
Let us not
Let's not
Standard negative

Meanings

A contraction of 'let us' used to make a suggestion or proposal that includes the speaker and the listener.

1

Direct Suggestion

Proposing an immediate action for the group.

“Let's go to the park.”

“Let's watch a movie.”

2

Polite Command

A way for a person in authority to give a soft instruction to a group.

“Let's all be quiet now.”

“Let's open our books to page ten.”

3

Rhetorical/Formal Invitation

Using the full 'Let us' for dramatic or formal emphasis in speeches.

“Let us pray.”

“Let us never forget this day.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Making Suggestions with 'Let's'
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Let's + Verb
Let's dance.
Negative
Let's not + Verb
Let's not stay.
Polite Question
Let's + Verb + , shall we?
Let's go, shall we?
Formal
Let us + Verb
Let us begin.
Emphasis
Do let's + Verb
Do let's have some tea.
Casual/Slang
Let's + Verb + !
Let's roll!

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Let us depart.

Let us depart. (Leaving a party)

Neutral
Let's go.

Let's go. (Leaving a party)

Informal
Let's head out.

Let's head out. (Leaving a party)

Slang
Let's bounce.

Let's bounce. (Leaving a party)

The 'Let's' Connection

Let's

Social

  • Let's hang out Let's spend time together

Action

  • Let's run Let's move fast

Directness Levels

Command
Go! Direct order
Suggestion
Let's go. Inclusive suggestion

Is it 'Let's' or 'Let's not'?

1

Do you want to do the action?

YES
Use 'Let's'
NO
Use 'Let's not'

Common 'Let's' Verbs

🚶

Movement

  • • Go
  • • Leave
  • • Walk
🍕

Food

  • • Eat
  • • Cook
  • • Order
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Examples by Level

1

Let's go!

2

Let's eat.

3

Let's play.

4

Let's dance.

1

Let's not wait for him.

2

Let's meet at 6:00 PM.

3

Let's buy some water.

4

Let's not watch this movie.

1

Let's take a break, shall we?

2

Let's not make a big deal out of it.

3

Let's see what happens next.

4

Let's try a different approach.

1

Let's assume for a moment that he's right.

2

Let's not jump to conclusions just yet.

3

Let's circle back to this topic later.

4

Let's be clear about our goals.

1

Let's not mince words; the situation is dire.

2

Let's delve deeper into the historical context.

3

Let's not lose sight of the primary objective.

4

Let's put our heads together and find a solution.

1

Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness.

2

Let's not pretend that this was an unforeseen consequence.

3

Let's, for the sake of argument, posit a different reality.

4

Let us proceed with the utmost caution.

Easily Confused

Making Suggestions with 'Let's' vs Let's vs. Let

Learners confuse 'Let's' (suggestion) with 'Let' (allow).

Making Suggestions with 'Let's' vs Let's vs. Why don't we

Both make suggestions, but one is a statement and one is a question.

Making Suggestions with 'Let's' vs Let's vs. We should

One is an invitation, the other is a recommendation.

Common Mistakes

✗

Let's to go.

✓

Let's go.

Do not use 'to' after 'Let's'.
✗

Let's we eat.

✓

Let's eat.

The 's' already means 'us' (we).
✗

Let's going.

✓

Let's go.

Use the base verb, not the -ing form.
✗

Let's no eat.

✓

Let's not eat.

Use 'not' for negatives, not 'no'.
✗

Let's don't go.

✓

Let's not go.

We don't use 'don't' with 'Let's'.
✗

Let's shall we go.

✓

Let's go, shall we?

The question tag must come at the end.
✗

Let us not to forget.

✓

Let us not forget.

Even in formal 'Let us', the 'to' is omitted.

Sentence Patterns

Let's ___.

Let's not ___.

Let's ___ at ___.

Let's ___, shall we?

Real World Usage

Texting a friend constant

Let's meet at the mall!

Business Meeting very common

Let's look at the next slide.

Ordering Food common

Let's get the large pizza.

Travel/Navigation very common

Let's turn left here.

Social Media common

Let's hit 500 likes!

Classroom constant

Let's open our books.

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💡

The Naked Verb

Always keep the verb 'naked'. No 'to', no '-ing', no '-s'. Just the base word.
⚠️

Don't say 'Let's we'

The 's' already means 'us'. Saying 'Let's we' is like saying 'Let us we'.
🎯

Enthusiasm Matters

In English, 'Let's' is usually said with a slightly higher pitch to show you are excited about the idea.
💬

Softening Suggestions

If you want to be extra polite, add 'maybe' or 'shall we'. 'Maybe let's go?'

Smart Tips

Add 'maybe' before 'Let's' to make it a softer suggestion.

Let's change the plan. → Maybe let's change the plan.

Use the full 'Let us' to create a sense of importance and unity.

Let's work for a better future. → Let us work for a better future.

Add ', shall we?' to the end of your suggestion.

Let's start. → Let's start, shall we?

Use 'Let's go!' as an exclamation, even if you aren't literally going anywhere.

I am happy we won. → We won! Let's go!

Pronunciation

/lɛts/

The 's' Sound

The 's' in 'Let's' is a sharp /s/ sound, not a /z/.

Let's_eat (sounds like Let-seat)

Linking

When the next word starts with a vowel, link the 's'.

Rising Enthusiasm

Let's GO! ↗

Conveys excitement and energy.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Let's = 'Let us'. If you can't say 'Let us', don't use 'Let's'!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant magnet labeled 'Let's' pulling a group of people toward a pizza. The magnet only works if the people are together.

Rhyme

To make a plan for me and you, 'Let's' plus the verb is what we do!

Story

A group of friends is standing in the rain. One says 'Go home!' and everyone is sad. Another says 'Let's go home!' and everyone smiles and runs together.

Word Web

Let'sSuggestionTogetherActionInvitationInclusiveBase Verb

Challenge

Look at the person next to you (or imagine a friend) and make 3 suggestions using 'Let's' for things to do this weekend.

Cultural Notes

Very direct and common. Used frequently in sports and business to build team spirit.

Often softened with 'shall we?' to sound less bossy and more polite.

Often used with 'reckon' to check agreement.

From Old English 'lætan' (to allow/leave) and 'us' (we).

Conversation Starters

“

I'm hungry. What should we do?

“

The weather is beautiful today!

“

I'm so tired of studying.

“

Our project is due tomorrow and we aren't finished.

Journal Prompts

Write 5 things you want to do with your best friend this weekend.
Imagine you are a tour guide. Suggest a schedule for a day in your city.
Write a dialogue between two people trying to decide which movie to watch. Use negatives.
Write a short motivational speech for a team that just lost a game.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'go'.

It is late. Let's ___ home.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: go
After 'Let's', we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct negative suggestion.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not wait.
The negative form is 'Let's not' + base verb.
Fix the error in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Let's to eat pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's eat pizza.
Remove the 'to' after 'Let's'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not forget the keys.
The order is Let's + not + verb + object.
Translate 'Vamos a bailar' into English. Translation

Translate to English:

Answer starts with: Let...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's dance.
'Let's' is the standard way to translate 'Vamos a' for suggestions.
Match the suggestion to the context. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's rest.
Resting is the logical suggestion for being tired.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm bored. B: ___ watch a movie.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's
'Let's' is used to suggest an activity to a friend.
Which of these is a correct 'Let's' sentence? Grammar Sorting

Identify the correct structure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's be quiet.
'Be' is the base form of the verb 'to be'.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'go'.

It is late. Let's ___ home.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: go
After 'Let's', we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct negative suggestion.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not wait.
The negative form is 'Let's not' + base verb.
Fix the error in this sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Let's to eat pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's eat pizza.
Remove the 'to' after 'Let's'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

not / let's / forget / keys / the

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not forget the keys.
The order is Let's + not + verb + object.
Translate 'Vamos a bailar' into English. Translation

Translate to English:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's dance.
'Let's' is the standard way to translate 'Vamos a' for suggestions.
Match the suggestion to the context. Match Pairs

Context: You are tired.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's rest.
Resting is the logical suggestion for being tired.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I'm bored. B: ___ watch a movie.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's
'Let's' is used to suggest an activity to a friend.
Which of these is a correct 'Let's' sentence? Grammar Sorting

Identify the correct structure.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's be quiet.
'Be' is the base form of the verb 'to be'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form. Fill in the Blank

It's getting late. Let's ___ home now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: go
Choose the correct verb to complete the suggestion. Fill in the Blank

The meeting starts soon. Let's ___ the agenda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: review
Identify and correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Let's not talking so loudly in the library.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not talk so loudly in the library.
Correct the verb form in this suggestion. Error Correction

Let's buys some fresh fruit at the market.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's buy some fresh fruit at the market.
Select the sentence that uses 'Let's' correctly. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's play video games.
Translate the Spanish suggestion into natural English. Translation

Translate into English: 'Vamos a reunirnos pronto.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Let's meet soon."]
Translate the sentence into English, ensuring correct 'Let's' usage. Translation

Translate into English: 'No discutamos por cosas pequeñas.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Let's not argue about small things.","Let's not argue over small things."]
Put the words in the correct order to form a suggestion. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a logical sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's go for a walk
Reorder the words to form a correct negative suggestion. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Let's not argue about this
Match each positive suggestion with its negative counterpart. Match Pairs

Match the suggestions:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Match the situations with the most appropriate 'Let's' suggestion. Match Pairs

Match the scenarios:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

No, 'Let's' always includes 'us'. If you are talking about yourself, use 'I will' or 'I'm going to'.

Neither is more 'correct', but 'Let's' is much more natural. 'Let us' sounds like a king or a priest speaking.

In English, 'Let' is a causative verb that takes a bare infinitive (no 'to'). It's just a rule of the language!

You can say 'Yes, let's!' or 'Okay!' or 'I'd rather not.'

In very old or British English, you might hear 'Don't let's', but 'Let's not' is the standard everywhere today.

Yes, it's great for suggesting a meeting time. 'Let's meet on Tuesday at 10 AM.'

'Let's go' is a suggestion. 'Shall we go?' is a question asking for permission or agreement.

It is common in some American dialects, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Stick to 'Let's not'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Vamos a + infinitive / Subjunctive

English doesn't change the verb ending.

French high

1st person plural imperative

English uses the marker 'Let's' instead of a verb conjugation.

German high

Lass uns + infinitive

German changes 'Lass' to 'Lassen Sie' in formal situations.

Japanese moderate

-mashou

Japanese '-mashou' can sometimes mean 'I will', whereas 'Let's' always includes 'us'.

Arabic partial

Hayya bina / Yalla

'Yalla' is more versatile and can mean 'hurry up' or 'okay'. 'Let's' is strictly for suggestions.

Chinese low

...ba

The suggestion marker is at the end in Chinese, but at the start in English.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
I Am Eating — The -ing Form for Right Now

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