When you see PS at the bottom of a letter, email, or memo, it stands for postscript. Coming from the Latin term postscriptum, which translates simply to "written after," it marks a thought added to a message after the author has already finished writing the main body and signed their name.
While people once used postscripts out of pure necessity before the invention of word processors, today they serve a powerful psychological purpose. Readers look at postscripts almost immediately after scanning a message. Smart writers use this quirk of human attention to reinforce key points, highlight special offers, or inject a touch of warmth into formal correspondence.
The Origin Story of the Postscript
Centuries ago, letter writing wasn't as simple as opening a laptop or grabbing a ballpoint pen. During the era of quills, parchment, and professional scribes, composing a letter was a formal event.
Scribes wrote letters from dictation. If a sender finished dictating a message, watched the scribe sign off, and then suddenly remembered a crucial piece of news, starting the entire document over wasn't an option. Parchment was expensive, and rewriting took hours. Instead, the scribe appended the forgotten detail at the very bottom, marked with PS.
Beyond mere mistakes, writers also used postscripts strategically. In Victorian times, etiquette manuals offered strict rules about what belonged in the main body versus the postscript. Over time, as typed letters and digital emails replaced handwritten parchment, the practical need vanished. Yet, the habit stuck around because writers quickly realized that postscripts hold unique psychological sway over readers.
Why Postscripts Still Work So Well
Human reading habits make the postscript one of the most effective tools in written communication. When someone opens a letter or email, they rarely read every single word from start to finish. Instead, their eyes scan the text, hit the signature block, and frequently jump down to check the bottom of the page.
Several cognitive factors explain why a postscript grabs our attention:
- The Serial Position Effect: Psychologists note that people remember the first and last pieces of information in a sequence far better than the middle. Since the postscript is literally the final text block on the page, it sticks in the reader's mind long after they close the message.
- The Illusion of Intimacy: A postscript feels conversational and unfiltered. Even in a mass email sent to thousands of subscribers, a well-crafted postscript makes the reader feel like the sender paused for a private, direct word.
- Low Resistance Scanning: Readers approach the main body of an email or letter with mental filters up, especially if it's professional or promotional. A postscript catches them with their guard down because it reads like a casual afterthought.
How to Use PS and PPS Correctly
Using postscripts correctly requires understanding their hierarchy and punctuation. While grammar rules have relaxed in modern informal writing, proper formatting keeps your communication polished.
The standard abbreviation is PS or P.S., with or without periods. Pick one style and stick with it throughout your document.
When you need to add more than one afterthought, the terminology shifts:
- PS (Postscript): The first additional thought after your signature.
- PPS (Post-postscript): A second additional thought added below the first postscript.
- PPPS (Post-post-postscript): A third addition, though using more than two postscripts usually signals disorganized writing.
Place your postscripts directly below your signature block or sign-off, skipping a single line for readability. For more on structuring professional correspondence, check out the Grammarly Blog for style guides.
Examples in Personal and Professional Writing
Postscripts show up everywhere, from casual notes between friends to high-converting marketing copy. Seeing them in action helps clarify when to use one.
In personal notes, a postscript adds warmth or shares a quick update that didn't fit the main narrative. For example, a note to a family member might end with: "PS - Let me know if you found that recipe I emailed you last week!"
In professional emails or sales copy, marketers use postscripts to highlight a deadline or a guarantee. For example: "PS - Registration for the workshop closes this Friday at midnight." This ensures readers who only skimmed the main paragraphs still catch the urgent deadline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though postscripts are informal, misusing them can confuse your reader or weaken your message.
- Hiding the main point: Never put your primary call to action or the most important news of your letter in a postscript. If the reader misses it, your message fails. The postscript should support the main point, not replace it.
- Overusing them: Stacking three or four postscripts looks messy and chaotic. If you have multiple points to add, edit them back into the main body of your text.
- Repeating yourself: Don't use a postscript to restate word-for-word what you just wrote in your closing paragraph. It should offer a fresh angle, a new reminder, or a personal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put a postscript before or after my signature?
Always place your postscript after your signature and sign-off. Putting it before the signature defeats its historical and psychological purpose as an afterthought tacked on at the end.
Is it acceptable to use a postscript in formal business emails?
Yes, provided the tone fits. In professional contexts, a postscript works well for highlighting a single link, reminding the recipient of an upcoming meeting time, or sharing a polite, human closing thought.
Can an email have more than one postscript?
You can use a PPS for a second thought, but limit yourself to two at most. Going beyond a second postscript looks cluttered and suggests you didn't plan your message clearly.
Do postscripts still matter in modern messaging apps?
In fast-paced chat apps like Slack or WhatsApp, postscripts are rarely used because you can easily edit messages or send a quick follow-up text. They remain most relevant in emails, formal letters, newsletters, and direct mail.
