In the world of letter writing, both formal and informal, you may have come across the abbreviation P.S. at the end of a message. Though small in appearance, these two letters hold a special function that adds clarity, personality, or emphasis to a letter. Understanding the meaning of P.S. in a letter can enhance your writing skills and help you better interpret the messages of others. Whether you’re writing a personal letter, a business email, or a thank-you note, knowing how and when to use P.S. can make a difference in how your message is received.
What Does ‘P.S.’ Stand For?
P.S. stands for the Latin phrasepost scriptum, which translates to written after in English. It refers to an additional thought or comment added after the main body of a letter has been completed and signed. Traditionally, it is used when the writer remembers something they wanted to include only after finishing the letter. Rather than rewriting or editing the entire letter, they simply add the note after their signature with a P.S. prefix.
The Purpose of ‘P.S.’ in a Letter
The use of P.S. serves multiple purposes depending on the context and tone of the letter. Some of the common uses include:
- Adding forgotten information: A quick way to insert a missed detail without editing the original text.
- Emphasizing a point: A statement placed in a P.S. often stands out more due to its placement.
- Creating a personal touch: Especially in personal letters, a P.S. can feel more intimate and conversational.
- Marketing technique: In business or promotional emails, a P.S. is often used to reinforce a call-to-action or highlight an offer.
Examples of ‘P.S.’ in Different Types of Letters
1. Personal Letters
In friendly or romantic correspondence, the P.S. is often playful or affectionate. For example:
Love,
Alex
P.S. I can’t wait to see you this weekend!
2. Professional Letters
Even in formal communication, a P.S. can be used to restate an important message or offer a final reminder:
Sincerely,
Mr. David Tan
P.S. Please remember to submit the report by Friday noon.
3. Business Emails or Sales Letters
In marketing, a P.S. can be a strategic tool to capture attention one last time:
Best regards,
The XYZ Team
P.S. Don’t miss our 50% discount, valid only until midnight!
Is It Appropriate to Use ‘P.S.’ in Modern Communication?
While the tradition of handwritten letters has declined, the use of P.S. is still alive and relevant. People use it in emails, text messages, and even social media captions to highlight an afterthought or inject personality into their writing. However, its appropriateness depends on the platform and audience.
In Formal Emails
Using P.S. in professional communication is acceptable, but it should be done sparingly and with clear intent. Don’t use it to introduce critical information that belongs in the main body of the message.
In Informal or Friendly Messages
In casual messages, P.S. can bring warmth or humor, making the message feel more natural and conversational.
How to Properly Format a ‘P.S.’ in a Letter
When writing a letter, formatting a P.S. correctly ensures clarity and readability. Here are a few simple guidelines:
- Place the P.S. at the very end of the letter, after your signature or closing.
- Use capital letters and a period for P.S. to maintain standard writing conventions.
- Start the sentence right after P.S. without a line break unless multiple sentences follow.
- If you have more than one postscript, use P.P.S. for the second one and P.P.P.S. for the third, though this is rarely needed.
Example:
Best wishes,
Farah
P.S. I found the book you mentioned. I’ll bring it tomorrow.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to bring your charger.
Why Is ‘P.S.’ So Effective?
There’s something uniquely attention-grabbing about a P.S. line. Since it appears at the very end of a message, readers are naturally drawn to it. In fact, studies in advertising and marketing show that people often read the P.S. first, even before reading the rest of the message. This makes it an excellent place to reiterate an offer, request, or emotional sentiment.
The Psychological Impact
The reason P.S. works so well lies in its positioning and psychological effect. It feels spontaneous and genuine, and it often contains the most emotionally resonant part of the message. Whether you are persuading someone to take action or expressing heartfelt feelings, the P.S. delivers your final impression.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using ‘P.S.’
Although it’s easy to use, there are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overusing it: Don’t rely on a P.S. to fix a poorly written letter. Use it to enhance, not replace, your message.
- Adding new critical information: Important points should go in the body of the letter, not just as an afterthought.
- Being too casual in formal settings: Maintain professionalism if using P.S. in work-related communication.
The Evolution of ‘P.S.’ in Digital Communication
Though the origin of P.S. lies in traditional letter writing, the practice has evolved with the times. In emails, you’ll often find P.S. used for promotional purposes, storytelling, or to add a final tip or resource link. In social media captions or even blog posts, it’s used to share a personal note, bonus fact, or a cheeky remark at the end of the content. Its adaptability has helped it remain a valuable and stylish communication tool.
The Lasting Power of ‘P.S.’
Even in an era of instant messaging and digital platforms, P.S. has not lost its charm. It continues to serve as a meaningful way to communicate additional thoughts, reminders, or emotions in both personal and professional settings. Understanding the meaning of P.S. in a letter and using it effectively can elevate your writing, allowing you to make a memorable final impression. Whether you’re sending a heartfelt note or crafting a marketing campaign, the power of the postscript remains timeless and impactful.