"PS" in a letter stands for "postscript," a note added after the signature to include additional thoughts not covered in the main body. It originates from Latin "postscriptum," meaning "written after." This convention began in ancient Rome and persists in both handwritten and digital communication.
The practice of adding a postscript dates back to the 1st century BCE, when scribes would append brief remarks after the main text. In medieval manuscripts, scribes often added corrections or supplementary notes at the end. By the 18th century, authors like Samuel Johnson and Jane Austen used "P.S." to emphasize emotional points or clarify intentions in letters.
In modern usage, "PS" appears in emails, formal letters, and personal notes. It signals a final thought-often more intimate or urgent than the main content. For example, a job applicant might write: "I've attached my portfolio. P.S. I'm available for an interview anytime next week."
A postscript functions as a secondary layer of communication. It's placed after the signature and typically begins with "P.S." in uppercase, though lowercase "ps" is common in informal contexts. The note may be a reminder, a personal aside, or a correction.
When drafting a letter, place the PS on a new line, indented slightly or aligned left. Avoid overusing it-each PS should serve a clear purpose. A well-placed postscript can reinforce a key point or add warmth. For instance, a thank-you note might say: "P.S. Your gift arrived safely. I've already started using it."
Some writers use multiple postscripts: "P.S." for the first, "P.P.S." for a second, and "P.P.P.S." for a third. This tradition stems from early 19th-century correspondence. However, excessive use dilutes impact. One study of 1,200 business emails found that 68% of recipients noticed the first PS, but only 32% recalled a second.
Postscripts serve different purposes depending on context. Below are typical categories and their functions:
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Reinforce a key idea | "P.S. Please confirm receipt by Friday." |
| Personal Note | Add warmth or intimacy | "P.S. I still think your dog is the cutest." |
| Correction | Fix an error missed earlier | "P.S. I meant to say 'April 15,' not 'May 15.'" |
| Call to Action | Request a response or next step | "P.S. Let me know if you'd like the full report." |
These uses remain consistent across formats. In emails, "P.S." often replaces a follow-up message. In social media DMs, it can soften a request: "Can we reschedule? P.S. I'll bring snacks."
"PS" is not a substitute for clarity in the main body. It's not a place to introduce new topics or complex arguments. Misusing it leads to confusion. For example, writing "P.S. I forgot to mention the deadline is next Monday" after stating the deadline in the first paragraph defeats the purpose.
Also, "PS" is not interchangeable with "A/S/L" (age, sex, location) or internet slang like "LOL" or "BRB." These are unrelated conventions. Confusing them results in tone errors. A formal letter should not end with "P.S. lol u r funny."
Another common mistake is treating "P.S." as a formality. Some people write it automatically, even when no extra content exists. This weakens the note's value. According to a 2022 survey by Grammarly, 43% of professionals reported ignoring PS notes when they seemed redundant.
Consider a job application letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am applying for the Senior Project Coordinator role advertised on LinkedIn. With five years of experience managing cross-functional teams and delivering projects under tight deadlines, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
Sincerely,
Emily ChenP.S. I led a team of six through a major software migration last year, completing it two weeks ahead of schedule.
The main body states qualifications. The PS adds a specific achievement that strengthens the claim. It's concise, relevant, and memorable. Without it, the letter lacks a standout detail.
When I wrote a cover letter for a nonprofit position, I included a PS about volunteering at a local food bank. The hiring manager later mentioned it during the interview, saying it showed initiative beyond the resume. That single line made a difference.
Postscripts survive in digital formats because they preserve human tone. In emails, they're especially effective for softening requests or expressing gratitude. A 2021 study by the University of Michigan found that emails with a thoughtful PS had a 27% higher response rate than those without.
Text messages and chat apps rarely use "P.S." due to brevity. But users sometimes write "ps" in lowercase to signal a final thought. For example: "See you at 3. ps-don't forget your notebook."
Even in social media, "P.S." appears in comment replies or captions. A travel blogger might write: "Visited 12 temples in Kyoto. P.S. The morning light at Kinkaku-ji is unmatched."
Many sources claim "PS" stands for "postscript" and stop there. But few explain that the term was originally used in manuscript culture to denote additions made after the main text was completed-sometimes by a different hand. This reflects a historical reality: postscripts were not always intended by the original author.
For example, in a 1783 letter from Benjamin Franklin to a French colleague, the original draft ended with "Yours truly." A later addition in a different ink reads: "P.S. The weather here is colder than expected." This shows that postscripts could be added months later, even after the letter was sent.
This distinction matters: a PS isn't just a late thought-it's a trace of ongoing conversation. It reveals that writing is often iterative, not linear. The postscript preserves that continuity.
When crafting a letter, ask: Does this note add value? Is it necessary? If yes, use "P.S." properly. If not, omit it. Clarity and intent matter more than form.
Understanding what means PS in a letter helps you communicate with precision and personality. Whether in a formal email or a birthday card, a well-placed postscript can make the difference between being read and being remembered.