While reading a letter, a handwritten note, or an email, you may have come across a “P.S.: statement, followed by a statement. It is one of the most familiar abbreviations in written communication.
Its use originated when people exchanged handwritten letters, but P.S. has found its special place in present messages and emails as well. This blog explains how the abbreviation originated and how its meaning has found new interpretations with time in modern communication, both in American and British English.
What Does P.S. Mean?
Let’s say you are writing a letter by hand, and at the end of it, you suddenly remember something of great importance that you forgot to write. That is where P.S. comes into the picture. The abbreviation stands for Post Scriptum, a Latin phrase that means “written after.” This is where you add what you’ve missed to mention in the main body.
Before computers with endless editing capabilities, rewriting finished handwritten documents was a hassle of rewriting several paragraphs or even pages. So, as an alternative, writers simply appended a brief note at the end, marked with P.S.
Over time, the abbreviation evolved from a practical necessity into a stylistic device. It continues to thrive naturally and is now used when the writer wants to command the reader’s attention separately after concluding the main body.
How P.S. Evolved from Letters to Digital Communication?
With the evolution of communication technologies, the use of P.S. has also evolved. It serves a variety of functions depending on the context. You may find it in a formal letter, a note, or even in a text message from a friend with a poetic interest.
For example, they are quite commonly used in social media messages or sales campaigns as a strategic and quick communication tool, where readers tend to skim the key highlights or short statements instead of reading the ad in detail.
Further, it is also used to capture an afterthought, such as in a personal note, usually to make the reader emphasize a key takeaway or to create a sense of warmth and authenticity. The enduring value of P.S. lies in its paradoxical appeal, as it appears secondary but ends up being the most noticed part of the message.
When Should You Use P.S.?
Some statements in a message deserve special attention, and the postscript does it without competing with the main message. Below are some of the most common instances where you can use P.S.:
1. To give a Reminder
When reading a message, remembering numbers like the date or the time can easily slip through the memory. But when added as a separate reminder at the end, the chances that the reader will remember them increase significantly. For example:
“P.S. Registrations will close on Friday at 4 p.m.”
2. To Clarify a Confusion or Give Additional Details
Some messages may feel missing key details or difficult to understand. A postscript can provide that additional clarification that some readers may seek. For example:
“Hall B is reserved for finance-related conferences this month”
3. To Reinforce a Point
A message can have a variety of instructions or pieces of information. But when there is one key takeaway that must be emphasized by the reader, it can be added as a postscript. For example:
“P.S. A gentle reminder to submit your approval before Wednesday to avoid project delays.”
4. To Add a Personal Touch
Postscripts are also added in informal notes to make the message feel warmer and more personal. For example:
“P.S. Congratulations again on your promotion; you definitely deserved it!”
5. To give Important Instructions
When adding a call-to-action in a message, it can be added as a postscript in clear language so that the reader can understand and remember it without fail. For example:
“P.S. Don’t forget to turn off the lights on your way out”
How to Write P.S. Correctly?
There are a few simple rules for using P.S. that you need to remember for correct usage. P.S. should be kept brief so that it feels like a concise addition instead of another message. And while it is a suitable place for any additional information, avoid placing the core and essential information there, as it should ideally come in the main body.
When writing traditional letters, P.S. appears at the end after the signature. For example:
“Best Regards,
John Mills
P.S. The event is going to be long, so don’t forget to bring your lunch along.”
In emails, P.S. comes after the message is concluded and before the signature. However, some may also prefer to write it after the signature, and it is completely fine because there is no universally enforced rule for it. Also, the abbreviation can be written in different forms, such as:
- P.S.
- PS
- PS:
Another important distinction to remember is that American English prefers the version with periods (P.S.), while the British version is without the periods (PS). You may also see “P.P.S.” occasionally in informal conversation, which stands for Post-Postscript and comes after the first P.S. as an additional note.
Common Examples of P.S. in Real-Life Communication
Here are some of the most popular ways and places where P.S. is used:
1. Professional Email
“I have submitted the final draft to the team. Please review and forward it to the client.
P.S. Let me know if you need any changes before tomorrow afternoon.
2. Business Communication
“We have quoted the best price for your requirements. Your purchase order is awaited.
P.S. The price offer stands for 30 days, after which it will be revised”
3. Marketing Email
“Get to your nearest store to get your new comics during our promotional season!
P.S. The offer ends in 72 hours. Hurry!”
4. Personal Note
“I’ll be back by evening. There is food in the fridge for you.
P.S. Don’t forget to feed the cats!”
5. Text Message
“We will start our hike at 9 am and will come back at 6 pm
P.S. Bring a raincoat or an umbrella; the weather forecast just changed”
Conclusion
Despite having originated from handwritten letters, P.S. has found its well-deserved place beyond its historical roots. Due to its flexibility and paradoxical appeal, it offers a dedicated space for any important message that readers won’t miss. Just keep it brief, informative, and relevant.
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FAQs
What does P.S. mean in a letter?
P.S. stands for Post Scriptum in Latin, which means “written after.” It is used to add important information separately after the main message has been completed.
Is it correct to write PS without periods?
Usually, this version without periods is used in British English. While in American English, it comes with periods (P.S.). This distinction is primarily a matter of style, but make sure you stay consistent with whichever version you choose to use.
Where should P.S. be placed in an email?
You can add P.S. between the message and signature, or even after the signature.
What is the difference between P.S. and P.P.S.?
P.S. introduces the first additional note, while P.P.S. stands for Post-Postscript and introduces a second note after the first postscript.
Is using P.S. in emails still professional?
Absolutely. When used sparingly and appropriately, a postscript can emphasize important information and make communication more engaging.
