The abbreviation PS stands for postscript, derived from the Latin phrase post scriptum, which literally translates to "written after." When you see those two letters at the end of a note, email, or manuscript, you're looking at a structural device originally designed to handle late thoughts before the invention of the typewriter, when adding to a completed handwritten page was difficult.
Today, PS serves a far greater psychological purpose than a simple logistical fix. Readers naturally scan the final lines of any document first or remember them most vividly. Writers use this bias to underscore a main point, share a personal aside, or drive an action home. Understanding how postscripts function helps you use them with intention rather than treating them as an afterthought.
The Origin of the Postscript
Before word processors and backspace keys, writing a letter required careful preparation. Ink, parchment, and quills meant that once a letter was signed and sealed, editing the main body was impossible. If a writer remembered an important detail after signing off, rewriting the entire sheet wasn't practical.
Writers began appending stray thoughts at the bottom of the page beneath their signature, marking them with post scriptum. Over time, this abbreviation shortened to P.S. or PS. According to historical correspondence archives tracked by institutions like the Library of Congress, early statesmen and authors frequently used postscripts to convey sensitive updates that didn't fit the formal tone of the primary text.
As printing technology advanced and typewriters streamlined correspondence, the technical necessity vanished. Yet, the convention persisted because human attention patterns favor final impressions.
The Psychology Behind Why We Read the PS First
Eye-tracking studies on reading habits show that when people encounter a text, their eyes frequently jump to structural anomalies, headings, bullet points, and the very end of the document. A postscript acts as a visual hook at the bottom of a page.
When someone opens an email or reads a letter, they process the salutation, skim the body paragraphs, and land directly on the sign-off block. If a postscript sits right there, it catches the eye before the reader even finishes processing the middle paragraphs. Copywriters and marketers exploit this cognitive shortcut constantly, knowing that readers often look at the PS before reading the entire message.
In personal correspondence, this psychological quirk creates a sense of intimacy. A postscript feels like a whispered confidence shared just as someone turns to leave. It breaks the formal structure of the letter, signaling honesty and immediacy.
Strategic Uses in Modern Writing
While handwritten mail is less common, the digital postscript thrives in emails, newsletters, and professional proposals. Deploying a PS effectively depends on your specific goal.
- Highlighting the core offer: In business emails, place your primary call to action or deadline in the PS so skimmers don't miss it.
- Adding personal warmth: In professional updates or newsletters, drop a casual human detail—like what you're reading or weekend plans—to build rapport.
- Delivering a secondary message: If the main body covers complex logistics, use the postscript to state the single most critical takeaway simply.
- Injecting humor: A witty punchline or lighthearted observation lands best after the formal argument concludes.
Common Mistakes When Using a Postscript
Even though a postscript is flexible, misusing it diminishes its impact. Avoid these frequent pitfalls:
- Burying the lead: Don't put your primary thesis or most critical piece of news in a PS if it belongs in the opening paragraph.
- Writing an essay: A postscript should be short—typically one to three sentences max. If it's too long, it loses its punchy, aside-like quality.
- Overusing them: If every single email or letter you write features multiple postscripts, they lose their distinct psychological weight.
- Using PPS carelessly: If you add a second follow-up thought, the proper abbreviation is PPS (post post scriptum), meaning "written after what was written after." Don't stack multiple layers unless it's genuinely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use periods in the abbreviation (P.S. vs PS)?
Both variants are acceptable in modern English. Traditional American English leans toward periods (P.S.), while British English and many digital formats drop them for simplicity (PS). Consistency within a single document matters most.
Why do marketers use postscripts in emails?
Marketers place key offers or deadlines in a postscript because data shows it's one of the most-read sections of any promotional email. Readers who skim the body will frequently stop and read a short note at the very bottom.
Is it okay to use multiple postscripts?
Using more than one postscript (P.S. followed by P.P.S.) is acceptable in informal writing or humorous contexts, but in professional communication, multiple add-ons make the writing look disorganized. Condense your thoughts into a single, strong closing note.
Can a postscript change the tone of an entire letter?
Yes. A well-placed postscript can soften a stern message with a touch of warmth or add urgency to a friendly note. Because it's the last thing the reader sees, it often defines the emotional resonance of the entire interaction.
