Understanding PS in Written Communication
The abbreviation PS stands for postscript, which originates from the Latin phrase post scriptum, meaning "written after." It is a brief addition appended to a letter, email, or message after the author has finished writing and signed their name. People use this convention to include a final thought, an afterthought, or a secondary message that didn't fit into the main flow of the text.
While modern word processors and email platforms make it easy to edit text before sending, the postscript remains a popular stylistic choice. Writers often use it deliberately to draw attention to a specific point, add a casual personal touch, or create a memorable closing impression. Understanding how and when to use this abbreviation properly helps maintain clarity and effectiveness in your daily correspondence.
The Origins and Evolution of the Postscript
The practice of adding thoughts after a signature dates back to handwritten correspondence. Before the invention of modern printing and digital typing, writing a letter required careful preparation of ink and paper. If a writer forgot a detail or remembered something important right after signing off, rewriting the entire page was inefficient and wasteful. Instead, they added a postscript at the bottom or along the margin.
Over time, this functional workaround evolved into a deliberate rhetorical device. Authors realized that readers often pay special attention to the very beginning and the very end of a text. Placing a striking note, a warm question, or a secondary call to action at the bottom of a message often makes that specific point stand out more effectively than if it were buried in the middle of a paragraph.
Proper Punctuation and Formatting
Formatting a postscript correctly is straightforward, but minor variations exist depending on regional style guides. Here is how to handle the punctuation:
- Periods: In American English, periods are typically included after each letter, resulting in P.S. In British English, periods are frequently omitted, written simply as PS. Both forms are acceptable as long as you remain consistent throughout a single document.
- Spacing: Leave a blank line between your signature block and the postscript to ensure it remains distinct.
- Capitalization: Always capitalize the letters, regardless of whether you include periods.
For multiple additional thoughts, writers traditionally use PPS, which stands for post postscriptum (after the after-thought), or even PPPS for subsequent additions. However, stacking more than two postscripts usually looks disorganized and suggests that the main body of the text needs better editing.
Strategic Uses in Modern Writing
While personal letters and handwritten notes still utilize this convention, the digital age has transformed how people apply it. Knowing when to use a postscript effectively can improve your emails, marketing copy, and professional messages.
Highlighting a Casual Reminder
In professional emails, the main body often contains dense information, action items, or project updates. Adding a brief, friendly note at the bottom can soften a formal tone. For example, asking about a colleague's weekend or mentioning an upcoming holiday in a postscript humanizes the interaction.
Directing Reader Attention
Direct marketing experts and newsletter authors frequently use the final lines of an email for conversion purposes. Readers often skim long messages, and eyes naturally drift toward the very bottom. Placing a primary link, a discount code, or a final call to action in a postscript consistently yields high engagement rates. Research from marketing platforms like Mailchimp often highlights how readers frequently check the bottom of a message before reading the full body text.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misusing this writing convention can clutter your message or undermine your professionalism. Keep these pitfalls in mind:
- hiding essential information: Never place critical instructions, deadlines, or core project requirements in a postscript. If a reader skips to the end and misses it, confusion will follow. Put vital details in the main paragraphs where they belong.
- Writing excessively long additions: A postscript should be concise—usually one or two short sentences. If your addition spans multiple paragraphs, integrate it back into the main text instead.
- Overusing the device: Adding multiple extra notes to every single message reduces their impact. Save this tool for genuine afterthoughts or deliberate emphasis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact plural form of PS?
When adding multiple thoughts, the correct convention is to use PPS for a second addition. For older Latin-based pluralization, some style guides reference post scripta, but standard modern usage relies on PPS and PPPS.
Should I use periods in PS?
Both P.S. and PS are grammatically acceptable. P.S. is more common in American English, while PS is widely preferred in British English and modern digital communication.
Is it acceptable to use postscripts in formal business letters?
Traditional formal correspondence discourages them because they imply poor planning or disorganization. However, modern business emails and digital newsletters use them frequently for friendly rapport or secondary reminders.
Can I include links in a postscript?
Yes. Because readers frequently scan the bottom of an email or article, placing a hyperlink in your final lines is an effective way to drive traffic or highlight a specific resource.
