You know that feeling? You've poured your heart into a letter or an email, carefully crafted every sentence, and then, just as you're about to hit send, a thought pops into your head. Something you really want to add, but it doesn't quite fit anywhere else. That's where the humble 'P.S.' comes in.
But what exactly is this little sign-off, and why do we use it? The 'P.S.' is actually an abbreviation for the Latin phrase 'postscriptum,' which literally translates to 'written after.' And that's precisely its function: to add something after the main body of your message has been completed. Think of it as a little bonus nugget of information, a final thought that might not have been part of the original flow.
Historically, in handwritten letters, a P.S. might even appear on the back of the page, a true 'written after' addition. In today's digital world, it typically sits at the very end of an email, after your signature. It's a space that often gets misused, with people tacking on anything and everything. But the real magic of a P.S. lies in its purpose: to convey information that's a bit separate from the main topic, or perhaps a gentle nudge towards something else.
For instance, if you've written a detailed email about a project, a P.S. could be used to hint at an upcoming related email, like, 'P.S. I'll be sending a follow-up email tomorrow with more details on the budget.' It acts as a subtle transition, preparing the reader for what's next without disrupting the primary message.
It's important to remember that a P.S. should be brief. If your 'written after' message starts to rival the length of your original letter, it's probably a sign that it should have been included in the main text or perhaps warrants a separate communication altogether. Overloading a P.S. can feel a bit disorganized and might even frustrate your reader.
When it comes to formatting, you'll see both 'PS' and 'P.S.' used. The latter is more common in the United States, while 'PS' is often seen in the UK. Whichever you choose, the key is consistency. And no, you don't need a comma after the 'P.S.' itself.
And for those rare occasions when another thought strikes after the P.S.? That's where 'PPS' (or 'P.P.S.') comes in, meaning 'post-postscript.' However, this is quite unusual and best reserved for very informal, lighthearted messages between close friends or family. In professional settings, it's generally best to stick to a single P.S. or none at all.
Ultimately, the P.S. is a versatile little tool. It can add a personal touch, offer a final piece of crucial information, or even serve as a subtle call to action. Used thoughtfully, it's not just an afterthought; it's a prime piece of real estate for making a lasting impression.
