“Let’s do this!” is an example of the imperative mood in English grammar. However, it’s a special kind of imperative known as a “first person plural imperative,” which is used to suggest an action that the speaker and the listener should do together. The word “let’s” is a contraction of “let us,” so the sentence could also be written as “Let us do this!” This is different from a regular imperative sentence like “Do this!” which is a command given to another person.
The phrase “Let’s + verb” is often used in English to suggest an action that the speaker and the listener can do together. It’s a way of making a suggestion or proposal. Here are some common uses based on the iWeb corpus:
- Suggestion for action or activity: Phrases like “Let’s take a look”, “Let’s have a look”, “Let’s get started!”, and “Let’s do it.” are used to suggest an action or activity that the speaker and the listener can do together.
- Introducing a topic of discussion: Phrases like “Let’s talk about the …” and “Let’s focus on the …” are used to introduce a new topic of discussion.
- Hypothetical situations: Phrases like “Let’s say you have …”, “Let’s just say that …”, and “Let’s say you’re …” are used to introduce hypothetical situations for the purpose of argument or explanation.
- Acknowledging a fact or reality: Phrases like “Let’s face it,” and “Let’s be honest,” are used to acknowledge a fact or reality, often one that is difficult or unpleasant.
- Reminder or emphasis: Phrases like “Let’s not forget that …” and “Let ‘s not forget the …” are used to remind the listener of something important or to emphasize a point.
- Transition to a new point or topic: Phrases like “Let’s move on to …” and “Let’s get back to …” are used as transitions to a new point or topic in a conversation or presentation.
Although both examples are imperatives, notice the difference:
“Let’s do this!” is a phrase used when the speaker is suggesting that they and the listener should start an activity together. It’s often used to express enthusiasm and readiness to begin a task or challenge.
On the other hand, “Do this!” is a command or instruction given by the speaker to the listener. It’s more direct and doesn’t include the speaker in the action. It’s often used in situations where the speaker has authority over the listener.
The most common ‘let’s + verb phrases’ are mostly used to introduce a new topic or to focus attention on something. They are all informal and can be used in both spoken and written English.
- Let’s take a look is the most general of these phrases and can be used in a variety of contexts. It can be used to suggest that we should examine something more closely, to consider a new idea, or to start a conversation about something. For example:
Let’s take a look at the future before we destroy this thing.
- Let’s look at the … is used to introduce a specific topic or issue. It is a way of saying that we are going to focus our attention on something in particular.
- Let’s look at some … is used to introduce a few examples of something. It is a way of making our point more concrete.
- Let’s have a look is similar to “let’s take a look” but it is less formal. It can be used in a more casual setting.
- Let’s take a closer (look) is used to suggest that we should examine something more carefully. It is a way of saying that we need to pay attention to the details.
- Let’s face it is used to introduce a difficult or unpleasant topic. It is a way of saying that we need to acknowledge reality, even if it is not something we want to think about.
I mean, let’s face it, I‘m not a very good poet.
- Let’s start with the … is used to indicate that we are going to begin with a particular topic or issue. It is a way of organizing our thoughts and ideas.
- Let’s be honest is used to introduce a statement that we believe to be true, even if it is not something that people want to hear. It is a way of saying that we are willing to be open and truthful, even if it is not easy. For example:
Let’s be honest with each other.
- Let’s talk about the … is used to introduce a topic that we want to discuss. It is a way of saying that we are open to hearing different perspectives on the issue.
In the English Grammar Profile, A2 point 29, in the category of CLAUSES is defined:
‘let’s’ + base form of a main verb, for first person plural imperatives to make a suggestion
PELIC STUDENT EXAMPLE:
Let’s discuss each change and see some examples of them.
Arabic male level 5 writing class.
An iWeb search for:
Let_VM21 * * * *
1 LET’S TAKE A LOOK 31229
2 LET’S FACE IT, 17868
3 LET’S LOOK AT THE 10325
4 LET’S START WITH THE 7714
5 LET’S BE HONEST, 6761
6 LET’S TAKE A CLOSER 5301
7 LET’S HAVE A LOOK 4743
8 LET’S TALK ABOUT THE 4125
9 LET’S LOOK AT SOME 4005
10 LET’S SAY YOU HAVE 3685 (This is unlisted idiom)
(‘NOT’ IS B2) 11 LET’S NOT FORGET THAT 3653
12 LET’S LOOK AT A 3523
13 LET’S JUST SAY THAT 3503
14 LET’S FACE IT: 3359
15 LET’S GO BACK TO 3254
16 LET ‘S NOT FORGET THE 3013
17 LET’S SAY YOU’RE 2955 (The meaning here is let’s imagine a hypothetical situation)
Let’s say you‘re working on a team and you know there’s an individual who just isn’t pulling their weight.
18 LET’S GET STARTED! 2729
19 LET’S GET STARTED. 2585
20 LET’S SAY THAT YOU 2424
21 LET’S MOVE ON TO 2228
22 LET’S LOOK AT HOW 2145
23 LET’S GET BACK TO 2142
24 LET’S FACE IT. 2093
25 LET’S START WITH A 2085
26 LET’S SAY YOU WANT 2001
27 LET’S LOOK AT WHAT 1910
28 LET’S SEE IF WE 1899
29 LET’S GET TO THE 1895
30 LET’S GO AHEAD AND 1748
31 LET’S TAKE A QUICK 1732
32 LET’S JUST SAY I 1687
33 LET’S GO TO THE 1648
34 LET’S SEE WHAT HAPPENS 1633
35 LET’S LOOK AT AN 1562
36 LET’S SAY YOU ARE 1537
37 LET’S JUST SAY IT 1487
38 LET’S GET TO IT 1405
39 LET’S GET DOWN TO 1305
40 LET’S BE HONEST: 1277
41 LET’S BREAK IT DOWN 1198
42 LET’S BE HONEST. 1156
43 LET’S DO IT. 1156
44 LET’S TAKE A MOMENT 1155
45 LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW 1111
46 LET’S LOOK AT THIS 1090
47 LET’S SEE HOW IT 1090
48 LET ‘S NOT FORGET ABOUT 1082
49 LET’S PUT IT THIS 1055
50 LET’S FOCUS ON THE 1049
51 LET’S START AT THE 1046
52 LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT 1037
53 LET’S FIND OUT. 1012
54 LET’S JUST SAY, 1000
55 LET’S BE CLEAR: 982
56 LET’S SAY YOU’VE 963
57 LET’S SEE WHAT WE 948
58 LET’S SEE WHAT THE 947
59 LET’S FACE IT ” 932
60 LET’S SEE IF I 932
61 LET’S BE REAL, 926
62 LET’S FACE IT – 919
63 LET’S SAY THAT THE 910
64 LET’S GET ON WITH 894
65 LET’S SAY IT ‘S 879
66 LET’S BEGIN WITH THE 878
67 LET’S SAY WE HAVE 878
68 LET’S LOOK AT EACH 876
69 LET’S BE HONEST HERE 863
70 LET’S SAY I HAVE 853
71 LET’S NOT FORGET , 848
For results 72-100, we had AI complete the sentences:
- Let’s see how this new strategy works in the market.
- Let’s face it; we need to improve our communication skills.
- Let’s get out of this place and find somewhere quieter.
- Let’s assume that you have all the necessary resources.
- Let’s be clear, we need to meet the deadline.
- Let’s see how the new policy affects our sales.
- Let’s assume that the hypothesis is correct.
- Let’s move on. We have other important topics to discuss.
- Let’s give it a try, we have nothing to lose.
- Let’s get one thing straight, we are in this together.
- Let’s start off with some basic concepts.
- Let’s see how to solve this problem step by step.
- Let’s look at it from a different perspective.
- Let’s say, for example, you were given an opportunity to lead the project.
- Let’s do it! We can achieve our goals if we work together.
- Let’s get into the details of the project plan.
- Let’s do this. It’s now or never!
- Let’s see how we can improve our teamwork.
- Let’s take a step back and review our strategy.
- Let’s start with some brainstorming ideas.
- Let’s wait and see how things unfold.
- Let’s say we want to expand our business internationally.
- Let’s get started with today’s agenda.
- Let’s just say the results were not as expected.
- Let’s get rid of any unnecessary expenses.
- Let’s talk a little about your future plans.
- Let’s do this! We are ready for the challenge!
- Let’s see if you can complete the task on time.
- Let’s say I’m interested in learning more about your proposal.
These sentences could be used in a variety of contexts, but here are some possible scenarios:
- Business Meeting or Strategy Session: Sentences like “Let’s see how this new strategy works in the market”, “Let’s assume that you have all the necessary resources”, “Let’s see how the new policy affects our sales”, “Let’s give it a try, we have nothing to lose”, “Let’s start off with some basic concepts”, “Let’s see how to solve this problem step by step”, “Let’s say, for example, you were given an opportunity to lead the project”, “Let’s get into the details of the project plan”, “Let’s take a step back and review our strategy”, “Let’s start with some brainstorming ideas”, “Let’s say we want to expand our business internationally”, “Let’s get started with today’s agenda”, and “Let’s just say the results were not as expected” could be used in a business meeting or strategy session.
- Team Building or Group Project: Sentences like “Let’s do it! We can achieve our goals if we work together”, “Let’s get one thing straight, we are in this together”, “Let’s look at it from a different perspective”, “Let’s do this. It’s now or never!”, “Let’s see how we can improve our teamwork”, and “Let’s do this! We are ready for the challenge!” could be used in a team building exercise or group project.
- Personal Conversation or Self-Reflection: Sentences like “Let’s face it; we need to improve our communication skills”, “Let’s be clear, we need to meet the deadline”, “Let’s assume that the hypothesis is correct”, “Let’s move on. We have other important topics to discuss”, “Let’s wait and see how things unfold”, “Let’s talk a little about your future plans”, and “Let’s see if you can complete the task on time” could be used in a personal conversation or self-reflection.
- Problem-Solving or Decision-Making: Sentences like “Let’s get out of this place and find somewhere quieter”, “Let’s get rid of any unnecessary expenses”, and “Let’s say I’m interested in learning more about your proposal” could be used in problem-solving or decision-making situations.
A2 vocabulary:
break, clear, forget, happens, if, just, let, moment, move, off, out, real