PS Meaning: How to Use Postscript Effectively in Text Messages and Emails
Quick Answer
PS means “postscript.” It is a short note you add after you finish and sign a message. Think of it as saying “Oh, one more thing!” at the end of a letter, email, or text.
Best wishes, Sarah
PS: Do not forget to bring your umbrella tomorrow!
PS in Action — See How It Works
Look at these messages. Notice where PS goes:
- Thanks for dinner! PS: The cake was amazing.
- See you on Monday. PS: Can you bring the notes from class?
- Love, Grandma. PS: I put some money in the envelope for you.
- Talk soon! PS: Happy birthday to your sister from me.
Did you see the pattern? PS always comes after the message is finished. It is the very last thing the reader sees.
The word “postscript” comes from Latin: post means “after” and scriptum means “written.” So PS literally means “written after.”
How to Write PS Correctly
Using PS is simple. Just follow these three steps:
- Finish your message and sign your name first.
- Write PS (or P.S.) on a new line below your name.
- Keep it short — one or two sentences is enough.
You can write it in different ways. All of these are correct:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| PS: | PS: Call me when you get home. |
| P.S. | P.S. Call me when you get home. |
| PS | PS Call me when you get home. |
Easy way to remember: Pick one style (PS or P.S.) and use the same one every time. Do not mix them in the same message.
The Rule in One Line: PS goes after your name — a short extra note at the very end.
How to Use PS in Everyday Writing
Here are ways real people use PS every day:
- In a text to a friend: “See you at 7! PS: I already got the tickets.” (= adding helpful information)
- In a work email: “Thank you for your help. Best, Tom. PS: The meeting moved to Room 4.” (= a quick update)
- In a birthday card: “Happy Birthday, Mum! PS: Your present is hiding in the kitchen.” (= a fun surprise)
- In a letter: “I miss you. Write back soon. Love, Anna. PS: I sent some photos with this letter.” (= something you almost forgot)
- In a group chat: “Dinner is at 8. PS: Bring your own drinks!” (= an important detail at the end)
You are doing great. Now let us look at the mistakes many people make with PS.
Three Mistakes to Avoid With PS
Even native English speakers get confused about PS sometimes — so if you have made any of these mistakes, you are not alone. Most people have never been taught the proper way to use it.
Mistake 1: Putting PS before your name
✗ PS: Do not forget the meeting. Best wishes, Tom.
✓ Best wishes, Tom. PS: Do not forget the meeting.
Mistake 2: Writing a long PS
✗ PS: I also wanted to tell you about my holiday last week. We went to Spain and the weather was great. We visited three cities and…
✓ PS: I will tell you about my holiday when I see you!
Mistake 3: Writing “Ps” or “ps” in lowercase
✗ ps: Call me later.
✓ PS: Call me later.
How to remember: PS stands for two words (Post Scriptum), so both letters are capitals. And since “post” means “after,” PS always goes after everything else — your message, your goodbye, and your name. It is always the last thing.
Test Yourself: How Well Do You Know PS?
Choose the correct answer for each question. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. What does PS mean?
2. Where do you put PS in an email?
3. Which email ending uses PS correctly?
4. Which of these is a good PS?
5. Both “PS” and “P.S.” are correct. What should you do?
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned how to use PS correctly in emails, texts, and letters. That is a writing skill most people never think about — and now you have it.
But here is something to think about. You know that a comma (,) separates parts of a sentence. But have you ever seen a list like “apples, oranges, and bananas” and wondered — do you need that comma before “and”? It is called the Oxford comma, and people argue about it all the time. So which side is right?
Next lesson: What Is an Oxford Comma? And Should You Use One?
Source
Definition of postscript — Merriam-Webster
My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
