P.S.: The Tiny Addition That Says A Lot
In the age of fast emails and instant messages, letter writing may feel old-fashioned — but some things never lose their charm. One such classic is the humble “P.S.” You’ve probably seen it at the end of letters, emails, or even love notes. But what does it really mean, and how should you use it?
Let’s break it down.
What Does “P.S.” Mean?
“P.S.” stands for the Latin phrase post scriptum, which translates to “written after.”
It’s used to add an afterthought — a piece of information or a message that comes after the main body of a letter or note, often after the signature. It’s that little extra line you add when you remember something just after finishing your letter.
How to Use “P.S.” in a Letter
Using “P.S.” is simple and effective. It goes at the very end of your message — after your signature or name. Think of it like a post-it note stuck to the bottom of your message.
Structure:
[Main body of the letter]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
P.S.: [Your additional message]
Example:
Warm regards,
Anjali
P.S.: Don’t forget our team call at 4 PM tomorrow!
Can You Use “P.S.” in Formal Letters?
Yes, but use it sparingly.
In formal letters, “P.S.” should only be used for:
- A reminder
- An important addition not included in the main body
- A quick clarification or follow-up
Formal Example:
Yours sincerely,
Rohit Verma
P.S.: Please let me know if any documents are needed for processing my request.
Avoid overusing “P.S.” in official communication. If something is important, it’s better to include it in the main body instead.
Can You Use “P.S.” in Informal Letters?
Absolutely! In fact, P.S. shines in informal writing.
It adds:
- A friendly touch
- A funny comment
- A personal memory
- A casual reminder
It feels like whispering a final thought after saying goodbye.
Informal Example:
Love,
Aditi
P.S.: I found that old photo of us from college — sending it your way!
In such letters, “P.S.” is like a smile at the end of a story.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Writing “meating” instead of “meeting” (yes, we’ve seen this!)
- ❌ Using “P.S.” multiple times in a formal letter
- ❌ Placing “P.S.” before your name or signature
- ✅ Always spell it correctly: P.S. (with capital letters and periods)
Can I Use More Than One P.S.?
Yes! Especially in informal writing.
You can even get creative and use:
- P.P.S. (post-post scriptum) — a second afterthought
- P.P.P.S. — a third one!
Just don’t do it in legal notices or job applications! 😄
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drafting a business letter, writing to a friend, or penning a thank-you note, “P.S.” is a timeless, flexible tool.
In formal writing, use it strategically.
In informal writing, use it freely and playfully.
Sometimes, the most memorable part of a message is hidden in the postscript.
P.S.: Thanks for reading till the end! 😊
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