The “PS” at the end of a letter or email might seem old-fashioned, but it still holds power in digital communication today. PS, short for postscriptum (Latin for “written after”), is a tool to add emphasis, highlight key details, or inject a personal touch into an otherwise formal message. Whether you’re writing to a client, a colleague, or a friend, using PS effectively can grab attention and leave a lasting impression.
In practice, a postscript in email is a chance to emphasize an action, leave a personal touch, or make sure the reader notices what matters most.
Whether you’re sending a message to your manager, writing to a client, or updating your team, knowing how to use PS in an email will make your communication sharper and more effective.
What does PS mean in an email?
PS stands for postscriptum, which literally means “written after.” It signals an afterthought, but in modern communication it works as a deliberate way to highlight something extra.
You’ll also sometimes see P.S. in email with the periods, or P/S (more common in some regions). All mean the same thing: a short note placed after your signature.
Using PS in an email: Handy templates
A PS works best when it’s intentional. Think of it as a tool to underline what matters most, whether that’s a deadline, a thank-you, or a quick follow-up. Below you’ll find a simple template and practical examples you can adapt for formal or informal situations.
- Formal reminder to a manager: “P.S. Please confirm by Wednesday if the updated slides are ready for review.”
- Client follow-up after a meeting: “P.S. I’ll be available tomorrow afternoon if you’d like to discuss the proposal in more detail.”
- Acknowledgment in team communication: “P.S. Great work on last week’s launch — the results spoke for themselves.”
- Gentle reminder: “P.S. Don’t forget to [action] by [date].”
- Networking or professional relationship-building: “P.S. Looking forward to seeing you at the conference next month.”
- Sharing an additional resource: “P.S. Here’s the link to our latest report: [insert link]. It covers the data we discussed earlier.”
- Light touch in an informal note to a colleague: “P.S. Coffee’s on me next week — you’ve earned it.”
- Out of office reminder: “P.S. I’ll be out of the office on annual leave from [date], returning on [date].”
- Expressing gratitude after support: “P.S. Thanks again for your quick turnaround on this. It made a real difference.”
- Highlighting a key date: “P.S. Don’t forget — the [project] deadline is [date].”
- Closing on a friendly note: “P.S. Enjoy the long weekend — you’ve more than earned the downtime.”
Where should PS go in an email?
Placement matters. Always put your PS after your sign-off and name. That way, it feels like a natural add-on rather than part of the main body.
Here’s the structure:
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
[Main body of your email]
Best regards, [Your Name]
P.S. [Add your postscript here — e.g., a reminder, note, or CTA]
How to write PS in an email effectively: Tips and advice
If you want your PS to work hard for you, it needs to be deliberate. Think of it as the last word your reader sees — short, sharp, and meaningful. Here are the essentials to keep in mind:
- Capitalization: Use “P.S.” with periods in formal contexts like client or executive emails. Go with “PS” in casual notes to colleagues or friends.
- Keep it short: One or two sentences is enough. A PS should stand out, not turn into another paragraph.
- Make it useful: Give it a clear purpose — a reminder, a next step, or a closing thank-you.
- Match the tone: Keep it professional in business emails (“P.S. Please confirm the delivery date.”) and light in informal exchanges (“P.S. Don’t forget — coffee’s on me next week.”).
- Add value, not filler: A PS should highlight what matters most, not repeat what you’ve already said in full.
- Emphasize an action: If you need a response or want someone to click a link, the PS is the perfect place to repeat it.
- Add a personal note: A short thank-you or acknowledgment feels natural in a PS and helps build rapport.
- Share something extra: Point to a report, a resource, or an event without overloading the main body of your email.
- Create memorability: Readers often skim. They’ll remember the first and last thing they see — your PS makes that last line count.
- Placement matters: Always put your PS after your sign-off and name so it’s clearly separated from your main message.
- Direct it to the right person: If you’re emailing multiple people, make sure the PS is relevant to everyone copied. If it isn’t, keep it in the main body.
Should you use PS in professional emails?
Yes — but only when it serves a purpose. In the workplace, a PS can add clarity, reinforce your message, or create a personal touch. The key is to use it intentionally, based on who you’re writing to and what you want them to take away.
- With managers or executives: Keep it focused on action. Use the PS to highlight deadlines, confirm availability, or flag one important detail they shouldn’t miss.
Example: “P.S. Please review the updated budget before Friday’s meeting.” - With colleagues: A PS is a simple way to recognize effort or keep the tone friendly without adding length to your main message.
Example: “P.S. Great job on the presentation today — it made the client conversation much easier.” - With clients: Use it to reinforce your call-to-action or provide a useful extra, such as a link or reminder, without crowding the email body.
Example: “P.S. Here’s the link to schedule a time that works for you: [insert link].” - In broader team updates: A PS can soften the tone or end on a motivating note, which helps the message feel personal.
Example: “P.S. Thanks again to everyone who worked late last week — the results speak for themselves.”
Used thoughtfully, a PS gives your email a natural closing touch that helps it stand out in a busy inbox.
PS in emails FAQs
Do you need the periods in P.S.?
Both “PS” and “P.S.” are correct, and you’ll see both widely used in emails. The difference comes down to tone and formality. If you’re writing to a client, manager, or anyone where professionalism is key, “P.S.” with periods is the safer choice. In day-to-day emails with colleagues or friends, “PS” without the periods works just as well and keeps things simple.
But ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. What matters most is being consistent within your own communication style.
Can you use more than one PS?
Technically, you can — after “P.S.” comes “P.P.S.” (post-postscript), and then “P.P.P.S.” if you really keep going. But in professional emails, that quickly becomes distracting. One well-written PS is clear and memorable; multiple postscripts make your message feel cluttered or unpolished. If you have more than one extra point to make, fold it into the main body of your email instead. Keep your PS for the single most important note you want the reader to take away.
What to say instead of PS in an email?
If you’d rather avoid using “PS,” you can work the same idea into your closing line. Try phrases like “One last thing…”, “Before I forget…”, or “Quick reminder:” followed by your note. These feel natural at the end of an email and achieve the same effect without the formal “P.S.”. Use them when you want a lighter touch or when the message doesn’t call for traditional formatting.