What Does PS Mean in a Letter? Meaning, Uses, and Examples Explained

If you’ve ever read a letter or email and noticed “P.S.” at the end, you may have wondered: what does PS mean in a letter? Despite being a short abbreviation, PS has a long history and continues to be widely used in personal letters, business correspondence, and even marketing messages.

In this article, we’ll explain what PS means in a letter, where it comes from, when to use it, when to avoid it, and how it differs in formal and informal writing.

What Does PS Mean in a Letter?

PS stands for postscript, which comes from the Latin phrase post scriptum, meaning “written after.”

In a letter, PS is used to add an extra message after the main body and signature, usually something important, personal, or easy to miss.

Simple Definition:

PS in a letter means an additional thought added after the letter is finished.

Why Is PS Used in Letters?

Originally, PS was used when letters were handwritten. If the writer forgot to include something important after signing the letter, they would add a postscript instead of rewriting the entire letter.

Today, even though editing is easy, PS is still used because it:

• Draws attention
• Adds emphasis
• Feels personal
• Highlights key information

Where Does PS Appear in a Letter?

PS is always placed after the signature.

Example:

Sincerely,
John

P.S. Don’t forget our meeting on Monday.

It is never placed in the middle or at the beginning of a letter.

What Is the Purpose of PS in a Letter?

The PS section often contains:

• A reminder
• A personal note
• An important detail
• A call to action
• A friendly afterthought

Because many readers scan letters, the PS often gets noticed first.

Is PS Formal or Informal?

Informal Use

PS is very common in:

• Personal letters
• Friendly emails
• Notes to friends or family

Example:

P.S. I loved the photos you sent!

Formal Use

In formal or business letters, PS should be used sparingly. However, it is still acceptable when used professionally.

Example:

P.S. Please submit the signed documents by Friday.

In highly formal documents (legal letters, official notices), PS is usually avoided.

What Does PS Mean in a Business Letter?

In a business letter, PS is used to emphasize important information that the writer wants the reader to remember.

Common business uses include:

• Deadlines
• Payment reminders
• Meeting confirmations
• Special instructions

Because the PS stands out visually, it’s often read even if the rest of the letter is skimmed.

What Does PS Mean in an Email?

The meaning is the same as in a letter: postscript.

In emails, PS is commonly used to:

• Add a final thought
• Highlight a key point
• Add a friendly tone

Example:

P.S. Let me know if you need any changes.

Emails can even include multiple postscripts, though this should be avoided in professional communication.

Can You Use More Than One PS?

Yes, but it’s not recommended.

You may sometimes see:

• P.S.
• P.P.S. (post-postscript)
• P.P.P.S.

While this is acceptable in casual writing, it looks unprofessional in formal letters.

Common PS Letter Examples

Personal Letter Example

Love,
Sarah

P.S. I can’t wait to see you next weekend!

Business Letter Example

Best regards,
Mr. Lee

P.S. Kindly confirm your attendance by 10 August.

Friendly Email Example

Thanks,
Alex

P.S. Congrats on your promotion!

Should PS Be Capitalized?

Yes. The correct format is:

• P.S. (with periods)
• Sometimes written as PS (without periods)

Both are acceptable, but P.S. is more traditional and widely used.

When Should You Avoid Using PS?

Avoid PS when:

• Writing legal documents
• Preparing academic papers
• Creating official reports
• Writing very formal correspondence

In such cases, all information should be included in the main body.

PS vs PPS: What’s the Difference?

• PS (Postscript): First extra message
• PPS (Post-postscript): Second extra message

Example:

P.S. Please review the attached file.
P.P.S. The deadline has been extended.

Again, multiple postscripts should be avoided in professional writing.

Why Do Marketers Use PS So Often?

In marketing letters and emails, PS is extremely powerful.

Reasons include:

• High visibility
• Increased reader engagement
• Strong call-to-action placement

Many readers jump straight to the PS, making it ideal for promotions or reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does PS mean in a letter?

PS means postscript, which is an additional note written after the main letter and signature.

2. Is it okay to use PS in formal letters?

Yes, but it should be used sparingly and only for important information.

3. Does PS go before or after the signature?

PS always goes after the signature.

4. Can PS be used in emails?

Yes, PS is commonly used in emails with the same meaning.

5. What does PPS mean?

PPS means post-postscript, an additional note after the PS.

6. Is PS still relevant today?

Yes, PS is still widely used in letters, emails, and marketing messages.

Conclusion

So, what does PS mean in a letter?
It means postscript, a short addition written after the main message. Whether used to add a reminder, a personal note, or an important detail, PS remains a powerful and widely accepted part of written communication.