Gimme means give me, as it sounds in fast speech: Gimme a sec (wait a second), Gimme a hand (help me). Let me blends the same way into lemme: Lemme check (I'll check). Both forms are used in fast speech among friends and in texts. In writing, essays and IELTS Speaking, say give me and let me, and make requests to strangers with Can I have…? or Could you…?
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gimme + noun (gimme a sec, gimme a hand); lemme + verb = let me (lemme check)
- Gimme a sec, I'm just finding the address.
- Can you gimme a hand with these boxes? They're really heavy.
- Lemme check my calendar and I'll text you back.
What changed
First versionHi, gimme a large latte, please.
RevisionHi, can I have a large latte, please?
Give me a latte can look like an ordinary request, but in English the imperative give me, let alone gimme, sounds abrupt in a café, like an order. The natural way to ask in a café or shop is Can I have…? or Could I get…?
Gimme and lemme are easy to mix up: gimme means give me something (gimme the keys), and lemme means let me do something (lemme drive). Gimme is followed by a noun, lemme by a verb.
Your turn
___ a sec, I'm just finishing this message.
Show the answer
Gimme — The gap is followed by a sec, a noun meaning a second. You're asking for a moment, so it's gimme. Lemme is let me and needs a verb after it: lemme finish; nobody says lemme a sec.
A friend asks you to help them move. Reply with a message using gimme and say what time you can come.
Gimme an hour to finish work, I'll be at yours by seven.
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