What does PS Mean? | How to Use & Examples

PS (or P.S.) is an abbreviation for postscript, which is text written after the main body of a piece of writing.

The term postscript comes from the Latin post scriptum, which directly translates to “written after.”

PS is used at the end of a letter or an email to add further information, comments, or thoughts. This text is usually just one or two sentences or a short paragraph. It often has a friendly or playful tone.

When to use PS with examples

A postscript, or PS, was originally used when physical letters were written by hand or with a typewriter. If someone forgot to include something in their letter or had an update, they would add this information using a postscript rather than rewrite or retype everything.

This practice is also used in informal emails to add additional comments or information. You don’t always need to include a PS in an email or letter; however, it might be useful in the following situations.

To emphasize something important

If there’s a key takeaway you want the reader to come away with, you might add it in a PS

To add one last reminder

A PS can be used to emphasize a call-to-action or create a sense of urgency. This can be especially helpful in marketing emails.

To add a friendly or personal touch

Especially in professional settings, a PS can be a nice way to keep your email warm and human.

To note something unrelated to the rest of the email

If there’s information you’d like to include that’s unrelated or tangential to the rest of your email, you can include it in a PS

To add something you forgot

If you realize you forgot to add something important but don’t feel it’s necessary to restructure your entire message, a PS is a great option.

To express appreciation

Including a thank you in a PS can make it seem more warm and genuine.

How to write PS

There are a few different ways to punctuate “PS” It can be written with two periods (“P.S.”) or no periods (“PS”), but writing it with one period is incorrect (“PS.”). One way isn’t necessarily better than another (especially because PS is generally used in less formal communications), but you should aim for consistency across your emails and letters.

Where does PS go?

A PS should be added at the end of your message, after your email sign-off and name. However, if you have a long email signature that’s automatically included, you might want to include the PS before so the reader doesn’t miss it.

PPS

If you want to include information after a PS, you can use a PPS, or post-postscriptum. This pattern can be continued (PPPS and so on), but if you find yourself with that much to say at the end of your message, that could be a sign to instead revise your original message.

Frequently asked questions about PS

Is it PS or P.S.?

A postscript is text that is added after the main body of an email or letter. Postscript is often abbreviated as “PS” or “P.S.”

Either of these abbreviations is acceptable, especially because PS is usually used in more casual communications. Just try to be consistent across your emails and letters.

Spotting issues with consistency and grammar can be tricky. You can use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to make sure your emails are polished and professional.

What does PPS mean?

PPS means “post-postscript.” A postscript, or PS, is text that is added to the end of a letter. A PPS is added after the first PS.

You can continue this pattern—a PPPS would follow a PPS. However, if you find yourself with lots of postscripts, you may want to consider just writing a second letter or email.

If you’re having a hard time being concise and organizing your thoughts, tools like QuillBot’s Paraphrasing Tool are a great option to help convey your ideas clearly.

Does PS go before or after my email signature?

A PS, or postscript, is usually added at the end of an email or letter, after your sign-off and name. However, if you have a long email signature, you may want to include the PS before.

The following example shows what this might look like:

Hi Sam,

Just a quick reminder that your slides for Monday’s meeting are due tomorrow. Let me know if you need any extra time or support pulling them together.

Cheers,
Taylor

PS: If it’s easier to drop them in the shared folder and shoot me a quick DM, that works too!

—
Taylor Nguyen
Research & Data Strategist | Company Name
(123) 456-7890 | www.companyname.com
taylor.nguyen@company.com 

If you want to double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes before you hit “send,” try QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker tool.