Let's begin vs Let's do this

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Let's begin

Top 2,000 (common)

Let's do this

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Let's begin
 Let's beginLet's do this
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //lɛts bɪˈɡɪn//🇺🇸 //lɛts bɪˈɡɪn//🇬🇧 //lɛts duː ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lɛts du ðɪs//
MeaningStart somethingA way to say you want to start something.
ExampleLet's begin the meeting with a brief introduction.Alright, team, let's do this!
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CollocationsLet's begin the discussion, Let's begin the journey, Let's begin the projectlet's do this together, let's do this now, let's do this as a team
Antonyms-Let's not do this, Let's avoid this, Let's cancel this
Common mistakesUsing 'lets' instead of 'let's' for contraction, Overusing in casual settings where a simple 'let's go' may suffice, Not pairing with a specific activity, making it vagueUsing it in formal speeches or presentations., Saying it when not genuinely motivated., Confusing it with 'let's do that' when referring to a specific task.
Usage notesUsed to initiate an activity or meeting, appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.Used to express enthusiasm and readiness to begin a task. Typically informal; not suitable for formal situations.

See it in real clips

Let's begin
Let's do this

Frequently asked questions: Let's begin vs Let's do this

What's the difference between Let's begin and Let's do this?

Let's begin: Start something Let's do this: A way to say you want to start something.

Which is more formal: Let's begin and Let's do this?

Let's begin is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Let's begin: Let's begin the meeting with a brief introduction. Let's do this: Alright, team, let's do this!

Can I use Let's begin and Let's do this interchangeably?

Not always. Let's begin and Let's do this 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.