Learning how to add PS to a letter is a small detail that can make a big difference in how your message is received. And whether you are drafting a formal business correspondence, a heartfelt note to a friend, or a cover letter for a job application, knowing where and how to place a postscript ensures that your final thought is clear, professional, and impossible to miss. A PS, short for the Latin term post scriptum, allows you to add an afterthought without rewriting the entire document. In this guide, you will discover exactly how to add PS to a letter, when to use it, and the formatting rules that separate a polished letter from a careless one.
What Is a PS in a Letter?
The abbreviation PS stands for post scriptum, which literally means “written after.Also, ” Historically, writers used a postscript because typewriters made it difficult to insert forgotten information into the middle of a finished page. Instead of retyping the whole letter, they simply added a short note at the end Easy to understand, harder to ignore. That alone is useful..
This is the bit that actually matters in practice.
Today, word processors make editing easy, but the PS remains a useful tool. Even so, it is not just a place for random afterthoughts; it is a strategic spot where readers often look first. Studies of direct mail and email marketing have shown that many people scan the PS before reading the main body, which makes it a valuable location for emphasis, reminders, or personal touches.
Short version: it depends. Long version — keep reading.
When Should You Add a PS to a Letter?
You do not need a PS in every letter, but there are several situations where adding one is appropriate:
- You forgot to include important information. If you remember a key detail after signing your name, a PS lets you add it without starting over.
- You want to highlight a key point. A short PS can restate your main request or deadline in a way that grabs attention.
- You want to add a personal touch. In informal letters, a PS is perfect for a warm closing remark, a joke, or a memory.
- You need to include a call to action. A PS can remind the recipient to call you back, visit a website, or reply by a certain date.
Formatting the postscript
In a traditional paper letter the postscript sits directly beneath the signature block, separated by a single blank line. S.” (capital P, capital S) followed by a space and the note. The first line begins with “P.In most email clients a double line break before the postscript mimics the printed layout and signals to the reader that this is an add‑on rather than part of the main body The details matter here..
If the letter is written in a more relaxed style — such as a handwritten note or a casual memo — lower‑case “p.That said, s. ” is acceptable and often preferred, because it mirrors the informal tone. Regardless of case, the postscript should be concise; a single sentence or two is usually enough to convey the intended afterthought without overwhelming the primary message It's one of those things that adds up..
Short version: it depends. Long version — keep reading And that's really what it comes down to..
Illustrative examples
Business request:
“Please confirm the delivery date by Friday.
Sincerely,
Maria Lopez
P.S. The invoice number is 4521‑B, which should be referenced in your system Nothing fancy..
Personal note:
“Looking forward to our weekend hike.
Best,
Tom
p.s. Bring your favorite snack; I’ll handle the water.”
Follow‑up reminder:
“Kindly review the attached proposal at your earliest convenience.
Regards,
Emily Chen
PS. I will be out of the office on Monday, so a response before then would be ideal.”
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Lengthy digressions – the postscript is meant to be a quick addendum; sprawling paragraphs dilute its impact.
- Placement errors – inserting the postscript before the signature can confuse readers, making it appear as an unfinished thought rather than a deliberate supplement.
- Inconsistent styling – mixing “P.S.” with “p.s.” or using all‑caps throughout the letter may look sloppy; choose a style and stick with it.
- Redundant information – if the main body already contains the needed detail, the postscript adds no value and should be omitted.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of the postscript equips you with a versatile tool that enhances clarity, reinforces key messages, and injects a personal touch when appropriate. By adhering to simple formatting conventions, selecting purposeful content, and steering clear of frequent missteps, you can make sure every “P.S.” you include serves its intended purpose and leaves a lasting impression on the recipient Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
