What Does PS Mean in Letters? A Complete Guide to Postscripts in Writing

Why People Still Ask: What Does PS Mean in Letters?

Even in today’s world of email marketing, text messages, and instant electronic communication, the little two-letter sign-off — PS — continues to hold power. You’ve probably seen it at the end of a letter, email, or even in a printed postcard: a short add-on that somehow feels more personal, almost like a whispered aside after the main body of the message.

So, what does PS mean in letters exactly? The abbreviation stands for the Latin word postscriptum, which literally translates to “written after.” In practical terms, it’s the last thing added after finishing the main letter — a space for a quick correction, an unrelated note, or sometimes a clever hook designed to capture the reader’s attention.

Marketers, writers, and even friends sending handwritten letters still use PS because it draws the eye. The tone and language of a PS can differ depending on whether you're writing to a friend or a business contact—a PS to a friend is often more casual and personal, while a business PS may be more formal or promotional. Whether it’s to highlight important information, slip in a personal note, or offer a special bonus (“PS: Don’t forget, you can still enjoy free shipping today!”), this tiny abbreviation continues to play a big role in correspondence.

💡 If you’re curious how this timeless tool translates into modern campaigns, check out our guide on direct mail marketing — where “old school” formats like handwritten notes meet cutting-edge automation.

What Does PS Mean in Letters?

At its core, PS is an abbreviation that comes from the Latin word postscriptum, meaning “written after.” The word means an additional note written after the main message. In other words, when you add a PS to a letter, you’re literally saying, “here’s something that comes after the main body of my message.”

So, when people ask: “What does PS mean in letters?” the short answer is simple — it’s a way to include an additional thought, extra information, or a personal note after the original message has already been signed.

In everyday letter writing, this might look like:

Example:Thank you for visiting us last week. I hope you enjoyed your time at the office.**PS:**Don’t forget to check out the new designs I mentioned — they’ll be helpful for your project.

Even though digital tools allow us to edit and reorganize before sending, the postscript has survived centuries because it works. A PS creates curiosity, draws the eye, and often feels more authentic than the carefully polished main letter.

💡 Want to see how handwritten details like PS lines can transform modern outreach? Explore our handwritten mailers — designed to stand out in ways digital can’t.

The Origins of PS

The little abbreviation PS has a surprisingly deep history. It comes from the Latin word postscriptum, which translates to “written after.” Back in the days of quills and ink, editing a letter wasn’t easy — once you had finished the main body, the only way to include something you had forgetten was to tack it on at the end. That final addition became the postscript.

As correspondence grew more sophisticated, writers sometimes added more than one. That’s where you’ll see terms like post postscript (PPS) or even *post post post scriptum (PPPS). Each was used when the writer kept thinking of new ideas or details they wanted to include after the original message. While it might seem excessive, it was simply the natural result of not wanting to rewrite an entire document.

Over time, the PS stand became more than just a practical add-on. It evolved into a stylistic device in both personal and business letter writing, allowing senders to highlight a specific point, share a personal note, or leave the recipient with a memorable final thought.

Even though today we can edit freely on screen, the tradition of the postscript endures because it adds authenticity and feels conversational — almost like leaning in and saying, “oh, and one more thing.”

💡 Curious about how traditional elements like PS are being reimagined for modern outreach? Read our piece on direct mail advertising to see why print is still thriving in a digital-first world.

The Role of the PS in Letter Writing

In traditional letter writing, the PS was a practical necessity. Once the main body of a letter was complete, rewriting an entire page to add a missing detail simply wasn’t realistic. Instead, writers would add a postscript at the very end — often just one or two sentences — to include additional information that was too important to leave out.

A PS stands apart from the main letter. It comes after the signature, making it visually distinct and hard for the recipient to miss. This placement gives it power: the eye naturally gravitates toward the bottom of the page, so a PS can serve as a natural highlight for a main point, correction, or personal note. Tailoring the PS to the specific recipients can further increase its impact and ensure the message resonates with the intended audience.

For example, a business owner might close a letter with gratitude, then add: **PS:**Don’t forget our store hours have changed this season — we’ll now be open Sundays for your convenience.

Over time, the postscript became more than just a place for corrections. It turned into a stylistic tool — a way to add personality, include an unrelated note, or leave the recipient’s attention focused on one last impactful message.

💡 If you’re thinking about how traditional structures like PS lines can add authenticity to customer outreach, our guide on mailer formats explores the many ways businesses can design and structure their direct mail for maximum impact.

Is a PS Considered Grammatically Incorrect?

Some writers wonder whether adding a PS is old-fashioned or even considered grammatically incorrect. After all, in the age of digital editing, why not just revise the main body of the message instead of tacking on a last-minute thought?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word “postscript” is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal correspondence. However, many modern style guides note that overusing PS can feel unnecessary in digital writing, where edits are simple.

There’s also a cultural difference:

• In British English, the PS often feels more personal, used to add a warm sign-off, an unrelated note, or a casual aside.
• In American English, it’s frequently used as a tool to draw attention to a main point, highlight important information, or create urgency.

When writing PS, proper punctuation is important for clarity and professionalism. Some style guides recommend using two periods—P.S.—to ensure consistency and correct formatting.

The truth is, while the postscript may not be strictly necessary anymore, it remains a stylistic flourish that marketers, writers, and business professionals continue to find helpful. It offers a way to add extra information without cluttering the main letter, and it often keeps the recipient’s attention longer than the body text itself.

💡 For businesses that want to combine traditional authenticity with modern clarity, LettrLabs’ direct mail design guide shows how structure and style — including details like PS lines — can make your mail stand out.

Structure: How a PS Stands in a Letter

A PS isn’t just tossed anywhere into a letter. It has a defined placement and purpose that makes it stand out. Traditionally, it comes after the closing and signature of the main letter, giving it a clear separation from the main body of the message.

The content of a PS is often related to the main subject of the letter, providing additional emphasis or clarification on key points connected to the subject.

Because it sits on its own, the PS stands out visually. The recipient’s attention naturally flows to the bottom of the page, making it one of the most-read parts of any correspondence. This is why even though it’s often just one or two sentences, a postscript can carry disproportionate weight.

In many cases, the PS creates a sense of immediacy. It acts as a quick final thought, a subtle reminder, or an opportunity to provide additional information without changing the structure of the original message.

Example:Best regards,Sarah**PS:**This week only, you’ll enjoy free shipping on all online orders — don’t forget to take advantage.

Whether used for a quick correction, a specific point, or a promotional special bonus, the structural role of PS remains the same: it’s the last thing the recipient sees, and therefore one of the most powerful.

💡 Curious about how structure and format affect campaign results? Explore our trifold brochure guide to see how design choices influence readability and response rates.

Why People Still Use PS in Writing

Even in an age where editing is effortless, people continue to use PS because it works. A postscript adds something that feels natural and authentic — almost like leaning closer to share a personal note after the main body of the letter is finished.

One reason is psychological. A PS creates focus by standing outside the main letter. Readers are trained to skim, but their eyes nearly always land at the end. That’s why a PS is often one of the first places to grab the recipient’s attention.

Another reason is emotional. A PS can add warmth, humor, or sincerity — it’s where writers often slip in the final thought they most want the recipient to remember. This could be a reminder, an unrelated note, or a friendly “don’t forget.” A PS is also a great place to share a supplementary idea that enhances or emphasizes the main message. In this way, the PS helps draw attention while also making the message feel more human.

For businesses, this translates into opportunity. A PS can be used as an effective tool to highlight important information, add personality, or create urgency. It’s no surprise marketers in both print and email marketing lean heavily on it as part of their marketing strategy.

💡 If you’d like to see how businesses use subtle touches like PS lines to boost impact, check out our examples of direct mail campaigns that show how the smallest details can make the biggest difference.

Common Uses of PS in Personal Letters

When it comes to personal correspondence, the PS often feels less like a technical device and more like a warm flourish. People use PS in everyday letter writing for reasons that go beyond structure — it’s about adding humanity and spontaneity. When you write a PS in a personal letter, keep it relevant and heartfelt to make your message more meaningful.

Here are some of the most common uses:

A Personal Note

Many writers add a personal note at the end to make their message feel more intimate.
Example: PS: I loved seeing you last week — let’s not wait so long next time.

An Unrelated Note

Sometimes a PS carries an unrelated note — something not directly tied to the main body of the letter, but still important to share.
Example: PS: I just remembered — happy birthday to your sister!

A Friendly Reminder

A PS is the perfect place to mention something you forget in the original message.
Example: PS: Don’t forget to bring the travel adapter — you’ll need it in London.

Adding Emotion

A PS can carry well-wishes, hope, or even congratulations, reinforcing the warmth of the message.
Example: PS: Congratulations again on your promotion — I’m so proud of you.

An Additional Thought

Finally, a PS works beautifully for an additional thought — that “last thing” you couldn’t leave unsaid.
Example: PS: Tell your mom I said hi — I really enjoyed chatting with her.

This flexibility is why the postscript has endured for centuries. It’s not just functional — it’s a stylistic touch that keeps the recipient engaged and leaves them smiling at the final thought.

💡 For inspiration on how to translate personal touches like PS into business communication, explore our post on handwritten cards — a format that thrives on sincerity and personal detail.

Examples of PS in Handwritten Letters

The beauty of handwritten letters is in the small details that make them personal. Traditionally, a PS (postscript) is added at the end of a handwritten letter to include additional information or a final thought that was left out of the main message. A PS is one of those details — it feels like a quick whisper written after the fact, often carrying more emotional weight than the main body of the letter.

Here are a few classic examples:

Example 1: Family Letter

Dear Grandma,
Thank you for the cookies you sent — they were delicious and didn’t last long in the house!
PS: We all miss you dearly and can’t wait for your visit in December.

👉 Here, the PS creates warmth and acts as a personal note that leaves the recipient smiling long after they’ve read the rest of the message.

Example 2: Romantic Correspondence

My love,
Every day I think of you and count the moments until we meet again.
PS: Don’t forget to wear that scarf I gave you — it keeps you close to me.

👉 The PS works as an additional thought that deepens the intimacy of the letter writing.

Example 3: Thank-You Letter

Dear Professor,
I greatly appreciated your recommendation for my graduate school application.
PS: I’ll be sure to update you on the results — your support means so much.

👉 This PS functions as a final thought, reinforcing gratitude and keeping the recipient’s attention on the appreciation expressed.

These small touches are why a postscript continues to appear in personal and professional correspondence. It humanizes the message, adding sincerity and leaving a lasting impression.

💡 Want to see how adding personal elements like a PS can elevate professional outreach? Explore our handwritten mailers, which bring the authenticity of personal notes into modern direct mail campaigns.

How PS Appears in Electronic Communication

Even though the PS began in handwritten correspondence, it has made a smooth transition into modern electronic communication. You’ll see it not just in formal letter writing, but also in casual text messages, business emails, and even social media captions.

PS in Text Messages

In quick chats, a PS often works like a playful afterthought.
Example: Had a great time at dinner tonight! PS: Don’t forget your umbrella tomorrow, it’s going to rain.
👉 Here, the postscript functions as both a personal note and a reminder, keeping the message light and conversational.

PS in Emails

Unlike the main body of a letter, emails often benefit from scannability. A PS creates an easy-to-spot section at the bottom that immediately grabs the recipient’s attention. That’s why it’s commonly used to highlight important information like deadlines, discounts, or links.

Why It Still Works

Whether in print or digital, the postscript draws the eye because it feels like a final thought — one last additional thought that feels authentic. In many ways, its function hasn’t changed since the days of handwritten letters: it’s still a way to add clarity, warmth, or urgency after the original message.

💡 Looking for ways to merge old-school authenticity with modern tech? Our guide on direct mail automation shows how physical and digital communication can work hand in hand.

PS in Email Marketing: A Proven Strategy

Marketers quickly realized that the PS wasn’t just a relic of letter writing — it’s an incredibly effective tool in digital outreach. In fact, many top-performing campaigns in email marketing make deliberate use of the postscript because of how it captures the reader’s attention.

When used strategically, the PS creates a space for emphasis. It’s where businesses can:

• Reinforce the main point of the message
• Add urgency (“PS: Don’t forget, the sale ends at midnight”)
• Highlight a special bonus or important information
• Slip in an extra incentive like “PS: Order today to enjoy free shipping”

What makes this so powerful is psychology: people naturally skim, but their eyes stop at the bottom. By placing key content in the PS, marketers ensure their message lands, even if the recipient scrolls past the main body.

It’s also a chance to add personality. A friendly personal note in a PS can make a brand feel approachable, creating trust and connection. That’s why smart businesses continue to use PS as part of their core marketing strategy.

💡 Want to see how businesses blend classic tactics like PS with modern automation? Explore our guide on integrations to discover how LettrLabs connects direct mail with platforms like Shopify, Klaviyo, and Zapier.

Key Points for Using PS in Email Marketing

The postscript is simple, but when used strategically it can transform an email. Here are some key points to remember when you use PS in email marketing:

1. Reinforce the Main Point

The PS is often the best place to repeat the main point of your message. If your offer is time-sensitive, reiterating it in the PS makes sure the recipient’s attention doesn’t miss it.

Example: PS: Don’t forget — this discount expires tonight at 11:59 PM.

2. Share Important Information

A PS can also highlight details that might otherwise get lost in the main body. Think of things like hours, shipping updates, or special offers.

Example: PS: All orders placed this week will enjoy free shipping.

3. Add Information Without Clutter

Sometimes you want to include additional information or new ideas without overwhelming the original message. The PS gives you the freedom to insert those extras without breaking the flow of the email.

Example: PS: We just launched three new styles — check them out on our website today.

4. Personalize the Message

A well-written PS can feel like a personal note. Even in automated campaigns, this touch makes emails feel more human and increases engagement.

In short, the PS creates a perfect space to strengthen the main letter while still feeling conversational and approachable.

💡 If you’d like to see how personalization drives response rates, check out our post on variable data printing, where names, offers, and even images can be customized for each recipient.

Examples of PS in Email Campaigns

The easiest way to understand the power of the postscript is to see it in action. Here are three examples of how businesses use PS in email marketing to capture the recipient’s attention and drive action:

Example 1: Limited-Time Offer

PS: Don’t forget — this sale ends tonight at midnight. Place your order now and enjoy free shipping on all purchases.
👉 This reinforces the main point of the message (urgency) while sneaking in a special bonus.

Example 2: Customer Loyalty Bonus

PS: As a thank you for being part of our community, here’s a special bonus — 15% off your next order. Just use code THANKYOU15.
👉 Here, the PS creates exclusivity and makes the recipient feel appreciated.

Example 3: New Product Announcement

PS: We just dropped something exciting — three new flavors are now live on our website. Don’t miss your chance to try them first.
👉 This acts as additional information outside the main body, keeping the tone light and conversational while pointing to the next step.

Across industries, these examples show that the PS stand is far from outdated. Instead, it’s a proven way to reinforce a message, highlight a main point, and keep the recipient engaged to the very end.

💡 For more examples of campaigns that convert, explore our 100 customer retention direct mail examples — full of ideas you can borrow for your own strategy.

Why PS Works as a Marketing Strategy

The postscript isn’t just a stylistic flourish — it’s a powerful marketing strategy rooted in psychology. People naturally skim, and studies show that eyes gravitate toward the beginning and end of a message. That makes the PS an ideal place to capture the recipient’s attention.

Here’s why it’s so effective:

It Reinforces the Main Point

Even if the recipient skips the main body, the PS creates a chance to repeat the main point. A well-placed postscript ensures your offer, reminder, or announcement gets noticed.

It Feels Like a Personal Note

A PS comes across like a whisper or aside — more personal than the polished main letter. This makes it a natural way to add warmth, sincerity, or urgency.

It Adds Personality

Marketers often use PS lines to add personality to their outreach. It’s less formal than the main body, which helps brands feel approachable and human.

It’s an Effective Tool for Sales

From reinforcing deadlines to adding a special bonus, the PS works as an effective tool that gets results. That’s why it’s as common in email marketing as it once was in handwritten letters.

In short, the PS isn’t outdated — it’s one of the most strategic ways to highlight important information, reinforce a main point, and keep the recipient’s attention to the very end.

💡 Want to see how classic techniques like PS combine with data-driven targeting? Explore our guide on direct mail stats to learn why old-school formats are delivering modern ROI.

PS and Direct Mail Marketing

In direct mail marketing, the postscript is far more than an afterthought — it’s a proven technique for boosting engagement and responses. Just like in traditional letter writing, a PS sits apart from the main body of the message, making it one of the first things the recipient notices.

For handwritten letters, the PS can feel like a genuine personal note, reinforcing trust and authenticity. In printed letters or postcards, it can serve as a bold call to action, a reminder not to forget an offer, or a place to add a special bonus.

Marketers use PS in direct mail because:

• It’s visually distinct and immediately captures the recipient’s attention
• It reinforces the main point without overwhelming the main letter
• It can carry important information like discount codes, URLs, or “enjoy free shipping” offers

With LettrLabs, businesses can scale this tactic across formats — from handwritten mailers to trifold brochures — while keeping each PS customized to the recipient. That means even automated campaigns carry the authenticity of a final thought, making the outreach feel personal and engaging.

💡 Want to see how a PS works across different types of mailers? Explore our guide on mailer formats for an overview of handwritten cards, printed letters, postcards, and more.

Best Practices: How to Use PS Correctly

A PS can be a powerful addition to your letter writing or email marketing strategy — but only if used thoughtfully. Here are some best practices to keep in mind when you use PS:

Keep It Short

A postscript works best when it’s concise — typically just one or two sentences. Anything longer starts to feel like a second main body, which defeats the purpose.

Make It Directly Related

Even though many people add an unrelated note, the most effective PS lines are directly related to your main letter or message. It should reinforce a main point or offer a valuable final thought.

Add Information Without Clutter

Think of the PS as a space to include additional information or that last thing you didn’t want the recipient to miss. It’s a smart way to include details without crowding the original message.

Avoid Overusing Multiple Postscripts

Adding a post postscript or even a post post post scriptum might feel fun, but in professional correspondence it can weaken your message. Save multiple PS lines for casual notes, not business.

Include Other Information When Needed

Some businesses cleverly use the PS to insert other information, like a link to their website or a referral code. This works well when kept short and framed as a benefit to the recipient.

In short, always use PS correctly: as a concise, memorable, and authentic addition — never as a replacement for clear, well-structured writing.

💡 Looking for more tactical ways to maximize your campaigns? Check out our guide on the most important direct mail performance metrics — where tracking results is as important as crafting the perfect PS.

Differences in Style: American English vs British English

The way people use PS often depends on where they’re writing from. Both American English and British English accept the postscript as part of proper correspondence, but the tone and frequency can differ.

British English

In British English, a PS often feels more personal and conversational. It’s commonly used in handwritten letters or notes to include a warm personal note, an unrelated note, or even a lighthearted joke. Many writers see it as a way to be friendly rather than formal, which makes it especially helpful in family or social correspondence.

American English

In American English, the PS tends to be more strategic. Businesses and marketers often use PS as part of a marketing strategy, placing important information at the very end to grab the recipient’s attention. Whether it’s a main point repeated, a deadline reminder, or a special bonus like “enjoy free shipping,” the PS is leveraged as a persuasive tool.

Shared Ground

Regardless of geography, the PS creates impact because it stands outside the main body of the message. Whether playful or professional, it’s a reminder that a well-placed postscript can carry as much weight as the main letter itself.

💡 Want to see how different tones play out in marketing? Explore our post on direct mail for nonprofits — where the right voice and style can make all the difference in connecting with your audience.

Modern Views on PS in Writing

In today’s world of editable documents, autocorrect, and polished writing tools, some people argue that a PS is no longer necessarily needed. After all, if you have something to say, why not just add it to the main body of the message before sending?

But that viewpoint overlooks what the postscript has become. It’s no longer just a way to fix something you forget — it’s a stylistic choice that feels personal, direct, and authentic. In fact, many marketers and professionals see the PS as an effective tool for persuasion and emphasis.

In modern correspondence, the PS often serves to:

• Highlight important information in a spot the recipient can’t miss
• Provide extra information without cluttering the original message
• Add a conversational, human touch to otherwise formal writing

The truth is, while technology has made the PS optional, it hasn’t made it obsolete. Instead, it’s evolved into a rhetorical device that continues to stand out in both personal and professional communication.

💡 Curious how traditional touches like PS fit into today’s business world? Read our post on offline marketing to see how analog methods still win big in a digital-first landscape.

How Businesses Can Use PS Today

For businesses, the postscript is more than a quirky tradition — it’s a proven marketing strategy that can boost response rates across both direct mail and email marketing. When you use PS strategically, it helps keep the recipient’s attention focused on what matters most.

Here are some ways companies apply PS in modern campaigns:

Highlight Special Offers

The PS is the perfect place to emphasize special offers or promotions. Because the eye naturally scans the end, it ensures these incentives aren’t missed.
Example: PS: Don’t forget to use code SAVE20 to get 20% off — today only.

Share Important Information

If there’s a key detail that customers must know — shipping dates, deadlines, hours, or contact info — the PS is a natural place for this important information.

Reinforce the Main Point

Repeating the main point in the PS ensures that even skimmers absorb it. Whether it’s a reminder about an event, a product launch, or a limited-time deal, the PS doubles the chance that the recipient sees it.

Build Emotional Connection

By adding a personal note in the PS, businesses show they care. A simple thank-you, expression of hope, or note of congratulations makes the message feel less transactional and more human.

In short, the PS remains one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to communicate urgency, sincerity, or added value in a way that feels natural.

💡 Want to see how brands use details like PS to close more deals? Explore our post on high-ticket sales, where relationship-driven strategies lead to major wins.

Quick Style Guide for Using PS

If you want to use PS effectively, it helps to follow a few simple rules. Here’s a concise style guide you can reference whenever you’re adding a postscript to your letters, emails, or marketing campaigns:

Placement Matters

Always put the PS after your signature or closing line. This keeps it visually separate from the main body of the message, making it the natural last thing the recipient sees.

Keep It Conversational

Think of the PS as a space for a personal note rather than polished marketing jargon. The more authentic it feels, the more impact it has.

Emphasize the Main Point

If your message has one big takeaway, use the PS to restate that main point. Repetition here helps drive action.

Limit to One or Two Sentences

A PS works best when it’s short. Anything longer and it risks becoming another paragraph instead of a sharp, memorable hook.

Add a Human Touch

Don’t be afraid to include warmth, humor, or appreciation in your PS. It’s a natural way to add personality and connect with your recipient.

When used correctly, the PS turns from an afterthought into one of the most strategic parts of your correspondence.

💡 Want to see how brands pair timeless touches like PS with modern tools? Check out our guide on direct mail automation to see how businesses scale personalization without losing authenticity.

Final Thought: Why the PS Still Matters

The PS may have started as a workaround in the age of ink and parchment, but today it’s a deliberate choice in both personal and business correspondence. Far from outdated, it’s one of the most strategic ways to emphasize a main point, deliver additional information, or leave the recipient with a lasting impression.

Here are the key points to remember:

• A postscript reinforces what matters most in your message
• It feels like a personal note, creating trust and connection
• It works across formats: handwritten letters, direct mail, and email marketing
• It remains short — usually one or two sentences — yet powerful
• It ensures your recipient’s attention lingers on the final thought you want them to remember

In other words, the PS is both classic and modern. It bridges the gap between traditional letter writing and today’s digital-first world, proving that sometimes the smallest details carry the greatest weight.

💡 If you’re ready to put these lessons into practice, our direct mail campaign guide shows how timeless tactics like PS can be combined with tracking, automation, and personalization for measurable results.