The abbreviation PS stands for postscript, originating from the Latin phrase post scriptum, which translates directly to "written after". It marks a short note added to a document after the main body and the author's signature are already complete.
Historically, before word processors or typewriters allowed for easy text insertion, handwriting a letter meant that forgetting a detail required starting over entirely. Adding a postscript at the bottom solved that problem. Today, it serves a psychological purpose rather than a mechanical one, drawing the reader's eye and emphasizing a final point.
The History and Evolution of the Postscript
In the era of handwritten correspondence, ink took time to dry, and paper was a precious commodity. If someone folded a completed letter, sealed it with wax, and then realized they left out a vital piece of news, breaking the seal was messy. Writing a quick note across the margin or at the very foot of the page became standard practice.
Over time, this functional necessity turned into a stylistic device. Writers realized that the human eye behaves predictably when scanning text. Readers scan the greeting, glance at the middle paragraphs, and naturally skip straight to the signature and the bottom of the page. Marketers, novelists, and letter-writers began using postscripts intentionally to highlight high-value information, knowing it would catch attention faster than a buried paragraph.
Where and How to Place a PS Correctly
Structure matters when you're adding a postscript. If you place your extra note above your sign-off or right before your name, it's just another paragraph. A true postscript always sits at the absolute bottom of the communication.
Here is the proper layout order for a traditional letter or professional email:
- The main body of the message.
- The formal sign-off (such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards").
- Your handwritten or typed name.
- The PS line, placed a double space below your name.
You can format the abbreviation as PS, P.S., or ps, though traditional English styling prefers periods between the letters. Consistency matters most within a single document. If you use periods in your abbreviations, keep them uniform throughout.
Modern Uses in Emails and Marketing
While letters have largely shifted to digital formats, the postscript remains remarkably resilient. It appears frequently in casual emails, formal correspondence, and digital marketing campaigns.
In a professional email, a postscript works best for gentle reminders or low-stakes updates that don't warrant rewriting the entire body. For example, if you're confirming a meeting time, you might add a quick note about building access at the very end.
In digital marketing and newsletters, copywriters treat the postscript as prime real estate. Studies on reader behavior consistently show that subscribers often skim long emails and jump straight to the bottom. Placing a core call-to-action, a discount code, or an expiring deadline in a postscript often yields higher engagement rates than leaving it hidden in the middle paragraphs.
You can read more about digital communication standards through the Associated Press Stylebook guidelines on punctuation and formatting.
Extending the Concept: PPS and Beyond
Sometimes a single extra thought isn't enough, which leads to secondary abbreviations.
- PPS stands for post-postscript, meaning "after the after-thought." It indicates a second added note, placed directly beneath the first.
- PPPS represents a third postscript, though stacking them this high usually signals disorganized writing.
If you find yourself adding more than two postscripts, take it as a sign to move that information back up into the main body of your text.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a postscript effectively requires restraint. Writers frequently make a few predictable missteps when adding them to correspondence:
- Hiding essential information: If a detail is critical to understanding the main message—such as the time, date, or location of an event—it belongs in the core text, not a postscript.
- Writing overly long notes: A postscript loses its visual impact when it spans multiple dense paragraphs. Keep it to one or two punchy sentences.
- Redundancy: Don't repeat your main point word for word. Use the space to add a fresh angle, a personal touch, or a distinct call to action.
For further reading on clear, effective writing habits, consult resources like The Chicago Manual of Style for authoritative guidance on punctuation conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use periods in P.S.?
You don't strictly have to, but consistency is key. Writing P.S. with periods is traditional in American English, while PS without periods is common in British English. Pick one style and stick with it throughout your document.
Can I use a postscript in a formal business letter?
Yes, but use it sparingly. In formal contexts, a postscript should highlight a specific action item or a courteous closing remark, rather than casual banter.
What is the Spanish equivalent of PS?
In Spanish, writers use P.D., which stands for posdata (derived from post data). It functions identically to the English postscript, appearing at the very end of a letter or message.
Is it acceptable to use multiple postscripts?
You can use a PPS for a second note, but adding a third or fourth looks messy. If you have that much more to say, edit your main text to include it properly.
