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 begin | Let's do this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɛts bɪˈɡɪn//🇺🇸 //lɛts bɪˈɡɪn// | 🇬🇧 //lɛts duː ðɪs//🇺🇸 //lɛts du ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Start something | A way to say you want to start something. |
| Example | Let's begin the meeting with a brief introduction. | Alright, team, let's do this! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | Let's begin the discussion, Let's begin the journey, Let's begin the project | let'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 mistakes | Using '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 vague | Using 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 notes | Used 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. |
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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.