Let's + base verbUse this for a suggestion that includes both people. The verb after let's is bare.
Let's and Imperative Suggestions
A2Use let's + base verb for suggestions that include both people. Use don't let's for negative suggestions and Shall we ... ? to ask for agreement.
What you'll learn
- Make shared suggestions with let's + base verb.
- Make negative shared suggestions with don't let's + base verb.
- Ask for agreement with Shall we ... ?
- Choose the imperative when only the listener should act.
- Recognize cues for suggestions and invitations.
Structure
Don't let's + base verbUse this to suggest not doing something together. Keep the main verb in the base form.
Shall we + base verb + ?Use this question to check agreement before doing something together.
Build a sentence
Action
Place/extra
Let'sgooutside
Let's go outside.
Use let's + base verb for a shared suggestion.
When to use
Shared invitation
Invite someone to do something together: Let's get coffee. The speaker joins the action.
Next step
Suggest the next action in a conversation or task: Let's start. Shall we begin?
Avoid something
Suggest not doing something together: Don't let's argue. Don't let's be late.
Markers
let'sdon't let'sshall wetogethercome onwhy don't we
In contrast
vs shall
Let's makes the suggestion directly. Shall we ... ? asks for agreement more politely before the shared action.
vs imperatives
Use the imperative for the listener only: Open the door. Use let's when the speaker joins: Let's open the door.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Let's to take a taxi.
Correct
Let's take a taxi.
After let's, use the base verb without to.
Wrong
Let's goes now.
Correct
Let's go now.
The verb after let's stays in the base form.
Wrong
Don't let's not wait for Tom.
Correct
Don't let's wait for Tom.
Don't already makes the suggestion negative, so do not add another not.
Wrong
Shall we to sit inside?
Correct
Shall we sit inside?
After shall we, use the base verb without to.
Wrong
Let's open your books, everyone.
Correct
Open your books, everyone.
Let's includes the speaker. For an instruction to the listeners only, use the imperative.
Common misconceptions
❝ Let's and the imperative mean the same thing. ❞
Not the same. Let's includes the speaker and listener together. The imperative tells the listener to act.
❝ A verb after let's or shall we needs to. ❞
After let's and shall we, use the base verb with no to: Let's leave. Shall we leave?
Skills in this rule (5)
LETS_PLUS_BASE_VERBw5Use let's + base verb to make a suggestion for us
Use let's when you suggest an action that includes the speaker and the listener. The verb after let's stays in the base form.
NEGATIVE_LETSw4Make negative suggestions with don't let's + base verb
Use don't let's to suggest not doing something together. The main verb stays in the base form after let's.
SHALL_WE_FOR_SUGGESTIONSw4Use Shall we ... ? to ask for agreement on a suggestion
Use Shall we + base verb to ask if both people should do something. It is a question form for shared plans and suggestions.
IMPERATIVE_FOR_YOUw5Use the imperative when the action is for the listener, not for us
Use the base verb alone for instructions or invitations aimed at the listener. Choose let's only when the speaker joins the action.
PICK_SUGGESTION_CONTEXTw3Recognize contexts for suggestions and invitations
Choose let's or shall we in contexts like starting, going, sitting, or taking a break together. Look for cues that the speaker includes themself.