Email has many tiny habits that feel old-fashioned. One of the cutest is the postscript. It is small. It sits at the end. Yet it can make your email feel more human, more useful, and sometimes more exciting.
TLDR: A postscript in email is an extra note added after the main message, usually marked as P.S. For example: “P.S. The event starts at 6 PM, not 7 PM.” It is great for reminders, bonus details, or a friendly final thought. In a small team of 20 people, even one clear P.S. can reduce follow-up questions by 30% if it highlights the key action.
What does postscript mean?
Postscript means “written after.” It comes from the Latin phrase post scriptum. That literally means after writing.
In email, a postscript is a note you add after your main message. Most people write it as P.S. You may also see PS. Both are understood.
Here is a simple example:
Hi Maya,
Thanks for sending the report. I will review it today and send notes tomorrow.
Best,
Leo
P.S. Great job on the charts. They made the data much easier to read.
See what happened there? The main message was already finished. Then Leo added one extra thought. That extra thought is the postscript.
Why do people use P.S. in email?
People use P.S. because it stands out. Your eyes often jump to the end of a message. So a P.S. can feel like a tiny spotlight.
It can also feel personal. It is like turning back at the door and saying, “Oh, one more thing!”
A postscript can help you:
- Add a quick reminder. This keeps the main email clean.
- Share a bonus detail. Maybe a link, date, or helpful tip.
- Make the email warmer. A kind P.S. can feel very human.
- Highlight an action. It can repeat the most important next step.
- Add humor. A light joke can make your message memorable.
Think of P.S. as the cherry on top. Not the whole cake. Just the cherry.
Is postscript still used in modern email?
Yes. Very much.
Postscript started in letters. Back then, people wrote by hand. If they forgot something, they could not press backspace. So they added P.S. at the end.
Today, we can edit emails easily. Still, P.S. survived. Why? Because it works.
It gives the message a natural rhythm. It can also make a formal email sound less stiff. Even in business, a small P.S. can be useful.
For example:
P.S. If you approve the draft by 3 PM, we can still send it today.
That P.S. is clear. It creates urgency. It also explains the benefit.
How to write a postscript in email
Writing a postscript is easy. You place it after your sign-off. That means it usually comes after your name.
Here is the usual order:
- Write your main message.
- Add your closing, like Best or Thanks.
- Write your name.
- Add P.S. and your extra note.
Example:
Thanks,
Nina
P.S. I attached the invoice as a PDF.
Simple. Clean. No drama.
P.S. or PS: which one is correct?
Both are fine in most emails.
P.S. is the classic version. It uses periods because it is short for post scriptum. PS is more modern and casual. It skips the periods.
If your email is formal, use P.S. If your email is casual, PS is okay.
Do not stress about it too much. Your reader will understand both.
Good times to use a P.S.
A postscript is helpful when the extra note is short. It should not carry the whole email. If the detail is very important, put it in the main body.
Use P.S. for things like:
- A deadline reminder: P.S. Please send feedback by Friday at noon.
- A friendly compliment: P.S. Your presentation was excellent.
- A helpful link: P.S. Here is the guide I mentioned earlier.
- A small correction: P.S. The meeting is in Room 204, not 240.
- A call to action: P.S. Click “reply” and send me your top choice.
When not to use a P.S.
Now for the tiny warning bell.
Do not use a postscript for hidden bad news. Do not bury serious information at the end. That can feel sneaky.
For example, this is not great:
P.S. We are canceling your contract tomorrow.
Yikes. That deserves its own clear email.
Also avoid using five postscripts in one message. A long stack of P.S. notes can look messy. It can also make the reader wonder why you did not just edit the email.
One P.S. is charming. Two can be okay. Seven is a raccoon in a trench coat. Suspicious.
Can you use P.P.S.?
Yes, but use it carefully.
P.P.S. means post postscript. In plain words, it means “one more thing after the one more thing.” It is often used in casual emails, newsletters, and playful messages.
Example:
P.S. Don’t forget to bring your notebook.
P.P.S. Snacks will be provided. This is not a drill.
That works because it is fun. But in a serious work email, too many extra notes can feel cluttered.
Postscript in marketing emails
Marketers love the P.S. Why? Because people scan emails. They may read the subject line, the first sentence, and the final line. The P.S. often gets attention.
That makes it a good place for a final nudge.
For example:
P.S. The 15% discount ends tonight at midnight.
This works because it is short and clear. It reminds the reader what to do. It also adds a reason to act now.
But be careful. A P.S. should not feel pushy. It should help the reader. Not chase them around the internet with a tiny sales net.
Postscript in professional emails
In professional emails, a P.S. can be useful. It can make you sound thoughtful. It can also make your message easier to remember.
Here are a few polished examples:
- P.S. I included the meeting notes below for quick reference.
- P.S. Congratulations again on the launch. The team did great work.
- P.S. If Tuesday is too soon, Thursday also works for me.
Each one is brief. Each one adds value. That is the secret.
Tips for writing a great P.S.
Want your postscript to shine? Keep it simple.
- Make it short. One or two sentences is enough.
- Make it useful. Add something the reader will appreciate.
- Keep the tone right. Match the mood of your email.
- Do not hide key facts. Important news belongs in the main message.
- Use it with purpose. Do not add P.S. just because it looks cute.
A smart P.S. feels natural. It should not feel like an afterthought that fell out of your pocket.
Quick final example
Here is a full email with a postscript:
Hi Jordan,
Thanks for joining the call today. I liked your idea about simplifying the onboarding steps. I will share the updated plan by Wednesday.
Best,
Amira
P.S. I also added your suggestion about welcome emails to the project notes.
This P.S. works well. It is short. It is friendly. It tells Jordan that their idea mattered.
The simple meaning
A postscript in email is just an extra note at the end. It usually starts with P.S. It can remind, clarify, compliment, or add a little sparkle.
Use it when your message needs one final friendly tap on the shoulder. Keep it short. Keep it clear. And if your P.S. makes the reader smile, even better.