The postscript, commonly abbreviated as PS, is a versatile literary and epistolary tool used to add extra information, afterthoughts, or emphasis to a completed piece of writing. In modern communication, we see this abbreviation frequently in various contexts, such as P.S. I love you, PS: Don’t forget the milk, PPS: The meeting is at five, and P.S. See attached files. Understanding how to use this notation effectively allows writers to manage the flow of their messages while ensuring that critical “oh, by the way” moments are captured without necessitating a full rewrite of the original text. Whether you are drafting a formal business letter or a casual email to a friend, mastering the nuances of the postscript can significantly enhance your written clarity and impact.
This comprehensive guide is designed for students, professionals, and language enthusiasts who wish to refine their correspondence skills. By the end of this article, you will understand the historical origins, grammatical rules, and strategic applications of the postscript in the 21st century. We will explore the differences between various formatting styles, the hierarchy of multiple postscripts, and the psychological effect of adding a PS to marketing materials. Because the postscript acts as a final “hook” for the reader, knowing the right way to deploy it is an essential skill for anyone looking to communicate with precision and flair in the English language.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Etymology of PS
- Structural Breakdown and Formatting
- Types and Categories of Postscripts
- Extensive Examples of PS Usage
- Comprehensive Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Practice Exercises for Mastery
- Advanced Topics: PS in Marketing and Digital Media
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition and Etymology of PS
The term PS stands for the Latin phrase postscriptum. When we break this down linguistically, post means “after” and scriptum means “written.” Therefore, it literally translates to “written after.” Historically, this was a vital tool during the era of handwritten letters and manual typewriters. In those times, if a writer finished a long letter and suddenly remembered an important detail, they could not simply “copy and paste” or “insert” a line into a previous paragraph. The postscript allowed them to append the new information at the very end, after the signature, without ruining the aesthetic or legibility of the document.
In contemporary linguistics, the PS functions as a metadiscursive signal. It tells the reader that the following information is an addendum—something that sits outside the main narrative or logical flow of the body text. While we now have the digital luxury of editing emails indefinitely before hitting “send,” the PS has survived and even thrived. It has evolved from a tool of necessity into a tool of emphasis. Research into eye-tracking and reading patterns shows that the PS is often the most-read part of a letter, second only to the salutation. This makes it a powerful rhetorical device for highlighting calls to action or personal sentiments.
Functionally, the postscript serves three primary purposes: correction (adding missed info), emphasis (making a point stand out), and personalization (adding a human touch to a formal message). It acts as a bridge between the formal structure of a letter and the informal reality of human thought processes. By classifying it as an “afterthought marker,” grammarians recognize its unique position in the hierarchy of punctuation and syntax. It is not part of the sentence structure of the preceding paragraph; rather, it is a separate entity that concludes the entire communicative act.
Structural Breakdown and Formatting
The structure of a postscript is relatively simple, but there are specific rules regarding its placement and punctuation. A postscript must always follow the signature line. If you place it before the signature, it is technically just another paragraph of the body text. The standard sequence is: Body Text → Complimentary Close → Signature → Postscript. This placement reinforces the idea that the thought occurred after the formal conclusion of the message.
Regarding punctuation, there are several acceptable styles. The most common in American English is P.S. (with periods), while British English often prefers PS (without periods). Both are widely understood, but consistency is key. Following the abbreviation, it is customary to use either a colon or a period before starting the text. For example, P.S. Don’t forget… and P.S.: Don’t forget… are both grammatically acceptable. The text following the PS should start with a capital letter, as it is treated as the beginning of a new sentence or thought block.
When one postscript isn’t enough, we move into the realm of the PPS. This stands for post-postscriptum, meaning “after the thing written after.” If you have yet another thought, you would use PPPS (post-post-postscriptum). It is a common mistake to write “PSS,” which would literally mean “post-script-script,” which is logically incorrect. The “P” is the element that should be repeated to indicate layers of addition. Structurally, each subsequent addition should be placed on a new line directly below the previous postscript.
Types and Categories of Postscripts
1. The Informational Postscript
This is the most traditional use of the PS. It is used to provide factual data that was omitted from the main body. For instance, in a business email discussing a project, an informational PS might include the date of the next meeting or the location of a shared file. It is practical, concise, and serves as a memory aid for the reader.
2. The Emphatic Postscript
This category focuses on highlighting a specific point that the writer wants the reader to remember above all else. In marketing, this is the “Call to Action.” For example, “P.S. This offer expires at midnight!” By placing this at the very end, the writer ensures it is the last thing the reader sees, creating a sense of urgency or importance that might have been lost in a dense paragraph.
3. The Personal Touch Postscript
Common in professional but friendly correspondence, this type of PS is used to add a warm, personal note that doesn’t fit the professional tone of the body. If you are writing a formal business proposal, you might add, “P.S. I hope your daughter had a great birthday!” This maintains the professional integrity of the proposal while still nurturing the personal relationship with the client.
4. The Humorous or Sarcastic Postscript
In casual writing, the PS is often used for comedic timing. It functions like a “stage whisper” or an aside in a play. A friend might write a long email about their vacation and add, “P.S. I definitely did not cry when I saw the bill for the hotel.” This use of the postscript adds personality and voice to the writing, making it feel more like a conversation.
Extensive Examples of PS Usage
To truly master the use of the postscript, it is helpful to see it applied across various scenarios. The following tables provide a wide range of examples categorized by their intent and tone. Pay close attention to the punctuation and the relationship between the PS and the hypothetical main content of the message.
The first table focuses on Professional and Business contexts. In these examples, the PS is used to drive action, provide necessary logistics, or maintain professional relationships without cluttering the primary objective of the email.
| Context | Postscript Example | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Follow-up | P.S. I have attached the minutes from today’s session for your review. | Resource Sharing |
| Sales Inquiry | P.S. We are offering a 20% discount for all orders placed before Friday. | Incentive/Urgency |
| Job Application | P.S. I will be in your city next Tuesday if you’d prefer an in-person interview. | Logistics/Availability |
| Project Update | P.S. Please note that the deadline has been moved to October 15th. | Critical Update |
| Networking | P.S. It was a pleasure meeting you at the conference last month! | Relationship Building |
| Invoicing | P.S. You can now pay your invoice via our new online portal. | New Information |
| Event Invitation | P.S. Parking is validated for all attendees at the garage next door. | Practical Detail |
| Technical Support | P.S. Don’t forget to restart your computer after installing the patch. | Instructional |
| Contract Negotiation | P.S. I’ve highlighted the changes in the latest draft in red. | Clarity |
| Internal Memo | P.S. There will be cake in the breakroom at 3:00 PM to celebrate Sarah’s birthday. | Social/Office Culture |
| Collaboration Request | P.S. Feel free to share this proposal with your department head. | Permission/Next Steps |
| Customer Service | P.S. Please take a moment to rate our service in the link below. | Call to Action |
| Reminder Email | P.S. This is the final notice before the early-bird pricing ends. | Urgency |
| Formal Inquiry | P.S. My apologies if this reached the wrong department. | Politeness |
| Thank You Note | P.S. Your advice on the marketing strategy was incredibly helpful. | Specific Gratitude |
| Out of Office | P.S. For urgent matters, please contact my colleague, John Doe. | Alternative Contact |
| Webinar Invite | P.S. A recording will be sent to all registrants after the event. | Reassurance |
| Policy Change | P.S. These changes will go into effect starting next Monday. | Timeline |
| Feedback Request | P.S. Your honest feedback helps us improve our products. | Motivation |
| Introduction | P.S. I’ve copied Mark on this email as he will be leading the project. | Coordination |
The second table explores Casual and Personal contexts. Here, the tone is more relaxed, and the postscript often serves as an affectionate afterthought or a humorous addition to a message between friends or family members.
| Context | Postscript Example | Primary Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly Catch-up | P.S. Give the dog a treat from me! | Affectionate |
| Birthday Wish | P.S. I can’t believe you’re finally thirty! | Playful |
| Dinner Invite | P.S. Let me know if you have any new allergies I should know about. | Considerate |
| Travel Update | P.S. I totally forgot to pack my swimsuit, so I’ll be buying a new one! | Anecdotal |
| Shared Interest | P.S. Did you see the latest episode of that show we like? | Conversational |
| Apology | P.S. I promise to make it up to you with coffee next week. | Reassuring |
| Quick Note | P.S. Your keys are on the kitchen counter. | Practical |
| Holiday Greeting | P.S. We’ll be sending out the family photos soon! | Informational |
| Encouragement | P.S. You’re going to do great on your exam tomorrow! | Supportive |
| Inside Joke | P.S. Remember what happened last time we tried to bake a cake? | Humorous |
| Gift Thank You | P.S. It matches my living room decor perfectly! | Appreciative |
| Checking In | P.S. I’m always here if you need to talk. | Emotional Support |
| Recommendation | P.S. You have to try that new Italian place on 5th Street. | Enthusiastic |
| Moving Announcement | P.S. Our new house has a guest room, so come visit anytime! | Welcoming |
| Photo Sharing | P.S. Look how much the kids have grown since last summer! | Sentimental |
| Concert Invite | P.S. I already bought the tickets, so you have to say yes! | Persuasive |
| Book Loan | P.S. Take your time with the book; I’ve already read it twice. | Low-pressure |
| Recipe Sharing | P.S. Add a little extra garlic; it makes all the difference. | Helpful Hint |
| Secret Sharing | P.S. Don’t tell Mom about the surprise party yet! | Confidential |
| Simple Goodbye | P.S. Miss you already! | Loving |
The third table demonstrates the use of Multiple Postscripts (PPS and PPPS). This is less common but necessary when thoughts continue to occur after the initial postscript has been written. It shows the hierarchical progression of afterthoughts.
| Primary PS | Secondary PS (PPS) | Tertiary PS (PPPS) |
|---|---|---|
| P.S. Don’t forget the meeting. | P.P.S. It’s in Room 302. | P.P.P.S. Bring the blue folder. |
| P.S. Happy Birthday! | P.P.S. Your gift is in the mail. | P.P.P.S. Hope it fits! |
| P.S. The car is ready. | P.P.S. I filled the tank. | P.P.P.S. The keys are in the bowl. |
| P.S. I’ll be late. | P.P.S. Around 15 minutes. | P.P.P.S. Traffic is terrible. |
| P.S. Check the attachment. | P.P.S. Use the password ‘123’. | P.P.P.S. Delete it after reading. |
| P.S. Wear a coat. | P.P.S. It’s snowing. | P.P.P.S. And wear boots too! |
| P.S. I love the gift. | P.P.S. Where did you find it? | P.P.P.S. I want another one! |
| P.S. Call me later. | P.P.S. After 8:00 PM. | P.P.P.S. My battery is dying. |
| P.S. Buy some milk. | P.P.S. The low-fat kind. | P.P.P.S. Get two cartons. |
| P.S. Great job today. | P.P.S. The boss was impressed. | P.P.P.S. Expect a bonus! |
| P.S. See you soon. | P.P.S. I’m wearing a red hat. | P.P.P.S. So you can find me. |
| P.S. Thanks for the help. | P.P.S. I owe you one. | P.P.P.S. Seriously, thank you. |
| P.S. It’s a surprise. | P.P.S. Don’t tell anyone. | P.P.P.S. Especially not Sarah. |
| P.S. The dog is out. | P.P.S. He’s in the garden. | P.P.P.S. Don’t let him in. |
| P.S. Bring some wine. | P.P.S. Red or white is fine. | P.P.P.S. Actually, bring both. |
| P.S. I’m moving. | P.P.S. To New York. | P.P.P.S. Next month! |
| P.S. Happy Holidays. | P.P.S. To the whole family. | P.P.P.S. See you at Christmas. |
| P.S. The oven is on. | P.P.S. At 350 degrees. | P.P.P.S. Check it in 20 mins. |
| P.S. I’m so tired. | P.P.S. Long day at work. | P.P.P.S. Going to bed now. |
| P.S. You were right. | P.P.S. I should have listened. | P.P.P.S. I won’t doubt you again. |
Comprehensive Usage Rules
Using a postscript correctly involves more than just slapping two letters at the end of a page. There are nuances regarding style guides, capitalization, and logical flow that every proficient writer should know. Firstly, let’s address the punctuation debate. In the United States, the Chicago Manual of Style and the APA generally suggest using periods (P.S.). However, in the United Kingdom, the trend is toward minimalism, often omitting the periods (PS). If you are writing for a specific audience, it is best to stick to the regional norm to ensure your writing feels natural to the reader.
Another important rule is capitalization. The abbreviation itself should always be capitalized. Writing “p.s.” is generally considered too informal for anything other than a quick text message. Furthermore, the first word of the sentence following the PS must be capitalized. Treat the PS as a label for a new sentence. For example: “P.S. We should talk soon.” Notice the capital ‘W’. This maintains the grammatical integrity of the addendum and makes it easier to read.
The placement rule is absolute: the postscript must come after the signature. In digital communication, this means it sits below your email signature block. If you have an automated signature that includes your contact details and a disclaimer, the PS should ideally go above the automated block but below your typed name. This ensures that the recipient sees the personal addendum as part of your message rather than part of the “fine print” at the bottom of the email.
Finally, consider the rule of relevance. While a postscript is technically an “afterthought,” it should still be relevant to the recipient. Using a PS to introduce a completely unrelated and complex topic can be jarring. If the new information is substantial enough to require several paragraphs, it is often better to write a new email or revise the existing one. The PS is best reserved for short, punchy statements or reminders that didn’t quite fit into the narrative flow of the main body.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced writers can stumble when it comes to the postscript. One of the most frequent errors is the misuse of the PPS abbreviation. Many people write “PSS” when they want to add a second afterthought. As discussed earlier, “PSS” would stand for “Post-Script-Script,” which doesn’t make logical sense in Latin. The correct form is “PPS” (Post-Post-Scriptum). If you find yourself needing more than two or three postscripts, it is a strong signal that your original message was disorganized and might need a rewrite.
Another common mistake is overusing the PS in every single piece of correspondence. While it is a great tool for emphasis, its power diminishes if used constantly. Think of it like a “highlighting” tool; if you highlight every sentence in a book, nothing stands out. Use the postscript sparingly—only when you truly have an important afterthought or a specific point you want to emphasize. This keeps the technique fresh and effective for your readers.
We also see issues with tone inconsistency. A postscript should generally match the tone of the letter that precedes it. Adding a very casual, slang-heavy PS to a formal legal letter can come across as unprofessional or confusing. Conversely, adding an overly stiff, formal PS to a friendly note can feel cold. Always ensure that the “voice” of your postscript aligns with the overall persona you’ve established in the body of your writing.
| Incorrect Usage | Correct Usage | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| PSS: See you then. | PPS: See you then. | Latin abbreviation logic (Post-Post-Scriptum). |
| p.s. don’t forget. | P.S. Don’t forget. | Proper capitalization for abbreviations and sentences. |
| (Inside body text) P.S. I forgot to mention… | (After signature) P.S. I forgot to mention… | PS belongs after the formal conclusion. |
| P.S.:, please call me. | P.S. Please call me. | Avoid redundant punctuation (colon + comma). |
| PS I Love You. (in formal report) | (Omit or rephrase) | Tone mismatch between professional and personal. |
Practice Exercises for Mastery
To solidify your understanding of how to use “PS” effectively, complete the following exercises. These are designed to test your knowledge of formatting, hierarchy, and situational appropriateness. Answers are provided in the following section to help you check your progress.
Exercise 1: Punctuation and Capitalization
Rewrite the following postscripts using correct capitalization and punctuation (using the American P.S. style).
- p.s. the cat is in the garden
- ps: let’s meet at 5
- P.s. don’t forget your umbrella.
- Ps: the password is “blue”
- p.s: I’ll be there soon.
Exercise 2: The Hierarchy Challenge
You have three additional thoughts to add to a letter. Place them in the correct order using the proper abbreviations (PS, PPS, PPPS).
- Thought A: I also need you to bring the projector.
- Thought B: By the way, the meeting is moved to Room 4.
- Thought C: Oh, and make sure the projector has an HDMI cable.
Exercise 3: Identifying Errors
Look at the following email snippets and identify what is wrong with the use of the postscript.
- “Dear John, [Body of email] P.S. See you tomorrow! Best, Mary.”
- “Sincerely, Sarah. PSS: I forgot the attachment.”
- “P.S. The deadline is tomorrow. [Signature]”
Answer Key for Exercises
| Exercise | Answer/Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | P.S. The cat is in the garden. |
| 1.2 | P.S. Let’s meet at 5. |
| 1.3 | P.S. Don’t forget your umbrella. |
| 1.4 | P.S. The password is “blue”. |
| 1.5 | P.S. I’ll be there soon. |
| 2 | P.S. The meeting is moved to Room 4. PPS: I also need you to bring the projector. PPPS: Oh, and make sure the projector has an HDMI cable. |
| 3.1 | The PS is placed before the signature (Best, Mary). It should be after. |
| 3.2 | “PSS” should be “PPS”. |
| 3.3 | The PS is placed before the signature. It must follow it. |
Advanced Topics: PS in Marketing and Digital Media
In the world of Direct Response Marketing, the postscript is not an afterthought; it is a strategic weapon. Copywriters have long known that readers tend to scan the beginning and the end of a letter before committing to reading the middle. This is known as the Serial Position Effect. Consequently, the PS is often used to restate the most compelling benefit of a product or to reinforce a deadline. In a sales email, the body might explain the features of a software, but the PS will say, “P.S. Try it risk-free for 30 days—click here!” This captures the “scanners” who might have missed the main call to action.
The psychology behind the PS in digital media also involves the Zeigarnik Effect, which suggests that people remember uncompleted or interrupted tasks better than completed ones. A postscript acts as a “loop” that stays open in the reader’s mind. For example, a newsletter might end with, “P.S. Next week, I’ll share the secret to doubling your productivity.” This creates anticipation and increases the open rate for the next email. It transforms a static piece of information into a narrative bridge.
In social media and modern messaging apps, the PS has taken on a more stylistic role. On platforms like LinkedIn or in long-form blog posts, writers use “PS” to add a disclaimer or a personal note that keeps the main content “clean.” It allows the author to maintain a professional authority in the main text while showing vulnerability or humor at the end. This “end-loading” of personal content helps in building a brand voice that feels both authoritative and relatable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it “PS” or “P.S.”? Which one is more correct?
Neither is “more” correct; it depends on the style guide you are following. In American English, P.S. with periods is the standard. In British English, PS without periods is more common. The most important thing is to be consistent throughout your document.
2. Can I use a postscript in a formal business letter?
Yes, you can, but use it strategically. It is often used in business to add a personal touch (e.g., “P.S. It was great seeing you at the gala”) or to emphasize a deadline. However, avoid using it to add critical business data that should have been in the main body, as it might look like you were disorganized.
3. What does PPS stand for?
PPS stands for Post-Postscriptum. It is used when you have a second afterthought to add after your first postscript. Each additional “P” represents another layer of “post” (after).
4. Why do people say “PSS” then?
“PSS” is a common mistake. People mistakenly think the “S” should be doubled because they are adding a second “script.” However, the rule is to double the “P” to indicate it is “after the after-script.”
5. Is it okay to use a PS in an email?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s very effective in emails because people often skim digital content. A PS stands out visually and is likely to be read even if the recipient skips the middle paragraphs.
6. Should there be a space after the PS?
Yes, you should either use a colon and a space (P.S.: Text) or just a space (P.S. Text). This makes it clear where the label ends and the message begins.
7. Can a postscript be more than one sentence?
Yes, a postscript can be a full paragraph if necessary. However, if it gets too long, it loses its “afterthought” feel and might be better integrated into the main body of the letter.
8. Where exactly does the PS go in an email with a signature block?
It should go after your name but before the formal company disclaimer or social media links. This keeps it associated with your personal message rather than the automated footer.
Conclusion
The postscript is a small but mighty tool in the writer’s arsenal. From its humble origins as a necessity for quill-and-ink writers to its modern status as a psychological “hook” in digital marketing, the PS remains a relevant and powerful way to communicate. By understanding the correct formatting—using P.S. or PS consistently—and the proper hierarchy of PPS and PPPS, you can ensure your writing remains professional and clear. Remember that the best postscripts are those that add value, whether through a personal touch, a sense of urgency, or a bit of humor. Use them wisely to emphasize your most important points and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Happy writing, and don’t forget to practice these rules in your next email!
