Cool MateLease vs Let
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Lease
Top 2,000 (common)
Let
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most common: Let
| Lease | Let | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //liːs//🇺🇸 //liːs// | 🇬🇧 /["/let/","/lets/","/ˈletɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/let/","/lets/","/ˈletɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To rent something for a specific time. | to allow someone to do something |
| Example | They decided to lease a new apartment in the city. | Let me help you with that bag. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | lease agreement, renew a lease, commercial lease, residential lease, lease terms | let me know, let it go, let someone down, let the cat out of the bag, let off steam |
| Antonyms | own, purchase | forbid, prevent, stop |
| Common mistakes | Confusing lease with 'lise' or 'leasehold', which have distinct meanings., Omitting details about the duration or conditions of the lease when discussing., Incorrectly using 'lease' as a noun and verb interchangeably. | 'Let' vs 'let's': Confusing 'let' (permission) with 'let's' (suggestion)., Incorrect verb form: Forgetting to use the base form after 'let'., Using 'let' with a subject: Say 'let him go' instead of 'let him to go'. |
| Usage notes | Used in formal contexts, often in business or legal situations. Avoid in casual conversation unless referring to property or equipment. Be clear about the duration and terms when using. | Use 'let' when giving permission. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but more common in everyday speech than formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Lease vs Let
What's the difference between Lease and Let?
Lease: To rent something for a specific time. Let: to allow someone to do something
Which is more common: Lease and Let?
Let is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Lease: They decided to lease a new apartment in the city. Let: Let me help you with that bag.
Can I use Lease and Let interchangeably?
Not always. Lease and Let are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.