The postscript (PS) is the final element in a letter, appearing beneath the signature and preceding any handwritten initials or notes. It serves as a supplementary remark not included in the main body.
Postscripts are typically used to add a late thought, a personal note, or a reminder that was overlooked during drafting. They appear in lowercase letters, preceded by "P.S." or "PS," and are often written in a different handwriting or font style to distinguish them from the rest of the letter.
There is no standard element that follows the PS in a formal letter. Once the PS is written, the letter ends. Any additional content beyond the PS is considered a separate addition, such as a note in the margin or a follow-up message attached later.
A standard business or personal letter follows a clear sequence: salutation, body, closing, signature, and then the PS. The PS is not part of the formal structure but functions as an informal afterthought.
For example, in a thank-you letter, the main body may cover gratitude for a gift. The PS might add: "P.S. I loved the book-it's already on my nightstand." This note enhances warmth without disrupting the original tone.
Formal letters rarely include a PS. When they do, it's usually to emphasize a deadline or clarify a detail. The American Psychological Association (APA) Style Guide notes that postscripts are acceptable in personal correspondence but discouraged in academic or professional documents due to their informal nature.
Postscripts come in several forms based on purpose and tone:
| Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder | Include a missing detail | P.S. Please bring your ID to the meeting. |
| Personal Touch | Add warmth or humor | P.S. Your dog still thinks you're the best. |
| Emphasis | Reinforce a key point | P.S. I'll call you tomorrow-don't forget! |
Some writers use multiple PS lines, especially in casual letters. For instance, a friend might write: "P.S. Let's meet Friday. P.P.S. Bring snacks." The double PS is informal and not recommended in professional settings.
When using a PS, avoid repeating information already stated in the body. The New York Times Writing Manual advises against redundancy, stating that a PS should "add value, not repeat."
Postscripts are most common in personal letters, emails, and informal notes. They allow the writer to maintain formality while adding a human touch.
In business communication, PS is rare. A 2022 survey by the Harvard Business Review found that only 12% of professionals used a PS in client-facing emails. Those who did reported higher perceived warmth but slightly lower credibility in formal contexts.
Historically, PS was used in handwritten letters when space was limited. The term itself comes from the Latin *postscriptum*, meaning "written after." Early manuscripts often had notes added after the main text, sometimes by a different scribe.
Many people assume that "P.S." stands for "Please Send" or "Private Statement." Neither is correct. "P.S." is short for *postscriptum*, and it is always capitalized and followed by a period.
Another mistake is placing the PS above the signature. This violates standard letter formatting. The PS must come after the signature and before any handwritten initials or notes.
Some writers confuse the PS with the "CC" (carbon copy) line or "RSVP." These are distinct elements. CC indicates recipients who received a copy, while RSVP requests a response. The PS is neither.
Consider this letter:
Dear Sarah,
I'm writing to confirm our meeting scheduled for Thursday at 3 PM. I've prepared the presentation slides and will send them by noon.
Best regards,
Alex Morgan
Project ManagerP.S. I'll be wearing my blue jacket-easy to spot in the lobby.
The PS adds a visual cue not mentioned in the body. It's relevant, concise, and maintains the letter's professional tone. No further content follows the PS.
When writing a letter, always place the PS after the signature. There is no standard element that comes after it. Adding anything else-like a second note or a date-breaks convention and confuses the reader.