P.S. In Email: Meaning And Usage Explained

Nick Leason

-Oct 25, 2025

P.S. In Email: Meaning And Usage Explained

P.S. in email stands for postscript, an afterthought or additional information added after the main body of a letter or email. It's used to include something the writer forgot to mention earlier or to emphasize a point. This article will explain the meaning, history, and proper use of P.S.

Key Takeaways

P.S. stands for postscript and is used to add information after the main body of an email or letter.
It's useful for including forgotten information, emphasizing points, or adding a personal touch.
While still used, modern email practices suggest using it sparingly; integrate information into the body when possible.
Alternatives to P.S. include directly editing the email body or using a call to action at the end.
Overusing P.S. can make your writing seem disorganized; use it judiciously for maximum impact.

Introduction

In the digital age of emails and instant messaging, certain traditional writing conventions still hold value. One such convention is the use of "P.S.," an abbreviation that stands for postscript. This short addition at the end of an email can serve several purposes, from adding a personal touch to emphasizing a crucial point. But what exactly does P.S. mean, and how should it be used effectively in modern communication?

What & Why (Context, Benefits, Risks)

What is P.S.?

The abbreviation "P.S." comes from the Latin term "postscriptum," which literally translates to "written after." It is a note or message added after the main body of a letter or email. Traditionally, P.S. was used because it was difficult to edit a handwritten letter once it was completed. If a writer forgot to include something or had a last-minute thought, they would add it as a P.S. at the end.

Why Use P.S. in Emails?

There are several reasons why someone might use a P.S. in an email:

To Include Forgotten Information: The most common use is to add something that was forgotten in the main body of the email.
To Emphasize a Point: A P.S. can be used to reiterate a key message, making it stand out to the reader.
To Add a Personal Touch: It can also be used to include a friendly or personal note that doesn't quite fit within the formal context of the email.
To Create Intrigue: In marketing emails, a P.S. can be used to add a compelling reason for the recipient to take action, such as a special offer or deadline reminder.

Benefits of Using P.S.

Attention-Grabbing: A P.S. often stands out because it's separate from the main text, drawing the reader's eye.
Memory Jogging: It can effectively highlight essential information, making it more memorable.
Flexibility: It allows for the inclusion of extra details without disrupting the flow of the main message.

Risks of Overusing P.S.

Appearing Disorganized: Overusing P.S. can make your writing seem scattered and poorly planned.
Diluting the Message: If every email has a P.S., it loses its impact and can be seen as a mere formality.
Lack of Professionalism: In some formal contexts, frequent use of P.S. might be viewed as unprofessional.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Using P.S. effectively involves understanding its purpose and applying it judiciously. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Write the Main Body: Compose your email as you normally would, addressing all primary points and information.
Review for Completeness: Before adding a P.S., review your email to ensure you haven't missed anything crucial that should be in the main text.
Identify the Need: Determine if there is truly a need for a P.S. Is there something you forgot, a point to emphasize, or a personal note to add?
Craft a Concise P.S.: Keep your postscript brief and to the point. It should be a short, impactful statement.
Use Sparingly: Don't add a P.S. to every email. Reserve it for situations where it genuinely adds value.
Consider Alternatives: Think about whether the information in your P.S. could be better integrated into the body of the email. Editing the email directly might be a better solution.

Framework for Using P.S.

The Forgotten Point: Use P.S. when you realize you've omitted a critical piece of information.
The Emphasis Point: Use P.S. to reiterate a key message, especially in marketing or persuasive emails.
The Personal Touch: Use P.S. to add a friendly or personal note to build rapport.

Examples & Use Cases

Here are some examples of how P.S. can be used effectively in different contexts:

Example 1: Business Email

Subject: Following Up on Our Meeting

Dear [Name],

It was a pleasure meeting with you yesterday to discuss the project proposal. I'm excited about the potential for collaboration and believe our services can greatly benefit your company.

I've attached the detailed proposal for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to schedule a follow-up call.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

P.S. I forgot to mention that we offer a 10% discount for new clients who sign up within the next two weeks. Don't miss out!

Example 2: Personal Email

Subject: Catching Up

Hi [Name],

It was great talking to you on the phone last week! I've been thinking about our conversation and wanted to share a few more details about the upcoming event.

The event will be held at the Grand Ballroom on Saturday, July 20th, starting at 7 PM. There will be live music, a gourmet dinner, and a silent auction. I think you'll really enjoy it.

Let me know if you're planning to attend!

Best, [Your Name]

P.S. I also wanted to recommend that new restaurant we talked about - "The Italian Place". I went there last night, and it was fantastic! — Decoding The Fate Of Ophelia: Lyrics And Meaning

Example 3: Marketing Email

Subject: Exclusive Offer for Our Valued Customers

Dear [Name],

We're excited to announce a special promotion exclusively for our valued customers! For a limited time, enjoy 20% off all items in our store. — Gen Z Years: Defining The Generation

This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite products or try something new. Don't wait – this offer ends soon!

Click here to start shopping!

Best Regards, The [Your Company] Team

P.S. As a special bonus, the first 50 customers to make a purchase will receive a free gift with their order. Hurry, while supplies last!

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Use Sparingly: Only use P.S. when necessary to avoid diluting its impact.
Keep it Concise: A P.S. should be brief and to the point.
Make it Impactful: Use it to add a personal touch or emphasize a key message.
Ensure Relevance: The content of the P.S. should be relevant to the email's main topic.
Proofread Carefully: Like the rest of your email, ensure your P.S. is free of errors.

Common Mistakes

Overusing P.S.: Adding a P.S. to every email can make your writing seem disorganized.
Repeating Information: Avoid using the P.S. to repeat information already in the email body.
Adding Irrelevant Information: The P.S. should always be relevant to the email's main topic.
Writing Lengthy P.S.s: Long postscripts defeat the purpose of brevity and can be overwhelming.
Forgetting to Proofread: Errors in a P.S. can make your entire email seem less professional.

FAQs

1. What does P.S. stand for in an email?

P.S. stands for postscript, which means "written after" in Latin. It is used to add information after the main body of an email or letter.

2. When should I use P.S. in an email?

You should use P.S. when you want to include something you forgot to mention in the main body, emphasize a key point, or add a personal touch.

3. Is it unprofessional to use P.S. in a business email?

It depends on the context. Using P.S. sparingly in a business email can be effective, but overusing it might be seen as unprofessional. Ensure the P.S. adds value and isn't just filler.

4. Can I use more than one P.S. in an email?

While you technically can, it's best to avoid using multiple P.S.s. It can make your email seem disorganized. If you have multiple points to add, consider integrating them into the body of the email or choosing the most important one for the P.S.

5. What are some alternatives to using P.S.?

Alternatives include editing the email body to include the information, using a call to action at the end, or sending a follow-up email with the additional information. — US Phone Number Guide: Formats, Codes, And Lookup

Conclusion with CTA

Using "P.S." in emails can be a valuable tool when used correctly. It allows you to add that extra touch, emphasize a key point, or include forgotten information effectively. However, remember to use it sparingly and ensure it adds value to your message. Next time you're about to hit send, consider if a P.S. can enhance your email. If so, use it wisely to make a lasting impression.

Have you found P.S. to be a useful tool in your email communications? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Last updated: June 19, 2024, 16:30 UTC