let's
- 1Used to propose that the speaker and the listener do something together, working as a first-person plural suggestion.
Let's split the bill evenly so nobody has to do the math.
The kids are asleep, so let's finally watch that documentary.
Note
English has no first-person plural imperative of its own, so it builds one from let us, worn down to let's. German, Dutch and Swedish do the same with lass uns, laat ons and låt oss. German even marks the size of the party: lass uns invites one companion, lasst uns several. The natural tag is shall we?, and let's can stand alone as an answer to a proposal.
Let's take the long way home, shall we?
Want to grab coffee before the meeting? Sure, let's.
- 2Used to tell a group of listeners, in a gentle way, to do something, much like a second-person plural imperative in some other languages; used chiefly in instruction.
Okay, people, let's get those quizzes on my desk before the bell rings.
Come on, team, let's see some hustle on these sprints. I'm timing every one of you.
Note
Here the us is a courtesy: the speaker gives an order and stays out of it. Someone who says "let's stop talking, please" and then complains that y'all are driving me up the wall has no plans to fall silent too. The shared form softens the command, which is why it suits teaching and instruction. To tell it from the joint suggestion, ask whether the speaker will actually take part.
Practice
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Origin
A contraction of "let us," similar to Dutch "laat ons," German "lass uns" or "lasst uns," and Swedish "låt oss."