What is let's?

Let's is a contraction of the words "let" and "us". It is primarily used as an imperative mood construction to make a suggestion or proposal involving the speaker and other people.

The grammatical function of "let's" is to initiate a collaborative action. It essentially means "allow us to do something" but functions as a polite way to suggest doing something together.

Examples:

• Let's go to the park.
• Let's eat pizza tonight.
• Let's work together on this project.

"Let's" is followed by the base form of a verb. Using "let's" implies an inclusion of the speaker in the activity being suggested.

Be careful not to confuse "let's" with "lets," which is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "let" (e.g., "He lets me use his car"). Also, avoid confusing it with "let us", which, while grammatically correct, has a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than "let's". Consider the difference: "Let us pray" vs "Let's pray". The first suggests something more formal.