A postscript began as a practical solution: writers could add a forgotten thought after signing a handwritten letter instead of rewriting the entire page. Digital editing removed that necessity, but PS remains useful because readers naturally notice an extra line after the formal ending.
That attention makes a postscript powerful and easy to misuse. It works best for a warm aside, reminder, or secondary call to action—not for a deadline, correction, or fact the reader needs to understand the main message.
Editorial note: Every message and example in this guide is original and designed as a starting point. Personalize names, memories, outcomes, and tone before sending.
THE SHORT ANSWER
How to get the wording right
PS stands for postscript, from the Latin post scriptum, meaning “written after.” It appears after the signature in a letter or at the end of an email. Write PS, P.S., or P.S.: according to your style, then add one short, relevant thought.
A SIMPLE METHOD
How to write a message that sounds sincere
Place it after the sign-off
In a traditional letter, PS comes after your signature. In email, place it after your name or signature block.
Keep it secondary
The main request and essential context belong in the body. A postscript should add emphasis or personality, not change the assignment.
Use one clear style
PS and P.S. are both common. Choose one convention and apply it consistently within the document or brand.
Make it brief
One or two sentences are usually enough. A long postscript signals that the email needed another paragraph before the closing.
NEED A FRESH DIRECTION?
Turn your idea into original wording
Use the AIQuotes Pro quote generator to explore different tones and lengths. Treat the result as a first draft, then add a detail only you know.
Create a quote freePersonal letter examples
A postscript can add a small detail that feels conversational and affectionate.
PS: I found the photograph from our rainy weekend and will bring it next time.
P.S. The rosemary you planted is finally blooming.
PS: Save me a place beside you at the table.
P.S. I still laugh whenever I remember the train-station mix-up.
PS: Call when you arrive so I know you made it home safely.
Professional email examples
In work email, keep a postscript relevant and restrained.
PS: The revised timeline is also available in the shared project folder.
P.S. I will be offline Friday but will respond first thing Monday.
PS: No preparation is needed for the introductory call.
P.S. Feel free to forward the invitation to another member of your team.
PS: The recording will be sent to everyone who registers.
Marketing postscript examples
A secondary benefit or reminder can work well after the main call to action.
PS: Registration includes the checklist and replay.
P.S. Early access closes at midnight on Thursday.
PS: Not ready today? Save this guide for your next campaign planning session.
P.S. Reply with your biggest question and we may cover it in the workshop.
PS: Current members do not need to register again.
When not to use a postscript
Move essential information into the main message instead.
Do not put a changed meeting time only in the PS.
Do not hide a price, condition, or legal disclosure after the signature.
Do not use a postscript to introduce an unrelated request.
Do not correct a serious error casually; send a clear correction.
Do not add several numbered postscripts when the body can be revised.
WHAT TO AVOID
Common mistakes that weaken the message
Burying critical information
Readers may skim or skip the postscript. Put deadlines, risks, and required actions in the body.
Using PS as a second email
If the extra text needs multiple paragraphs, move it above the sign-off and revise the message structure.
Forcing a sales tactic
A postscript earns attention, but manufactured scarcity or a repeated call to action can feel manipulative.
FINAL CHECK
Make the final version yours
Use a postscript when the extra line genuinely benefits from feeling like an aside. If removing it would make the main message incomplete, it belongs before the closing instead.
The best PS feels small but intentional: one useful reminder, one human detail, or one secondary invitation that gives the reader a final reason to remember the message.
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Frequently asked questions
What does PS stand for?+
PS stands for postscript, derived from the Latin post scriptum, meaning “written after.” It introduces an additional thought after a letter or message has ended.
Is it PS or P.S.?+
Both PS and P.S. are accepted. Many modern style conventions omit periods, while traditional styles retain them. Consistency matters more than the choice.
Where does PS go in an email?+
Place it after the sign-off and your name or signature block. Keep essential instructions in the email body rather than relying on the postscript.
Can you use PPS after PS?+
PPS means post-postscript and can introduce a second added note, but it usually looks cluttered in modern email. Revising the main message is often clearer.