Writing & StyleStyle guide

Postscript (PS) Formatting

A postscript is an extra note added after the main letter or email. “PS” is a standard abbreviation, and “P.S.” is also recorded in American dictionary usage; choose punctuation consistently with your editorial style instead of inventing a universal rule.

Quick answer

Use PS for a short afterthought at the end of a letter or email—for example, “PS: I’ve attached the updated schedule.” Put important instructions in the main body instead of hiding them in a postscript.

Key details

Core IssuePS identifies a short postscript added after the main letter or email; punctuation and styling can vary by editorial convention, so the guide should distinguish the function from house-style choices
Phrase Roleadding a postscript after the main message
Registergeneral to professional

Further guidance

Form

Cambridge records “PS” and the American-dictionary form “P.S.”, so punctuation should follow the style system you are using rather than being labeled universally right or wrong.

Function

Use a postscript for a short addition after the main message; it should not be a substitute for essential information that belongs in the body.

Placement

A postscript appears at the end of the letter or email, after the main message and closing/signature context.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Postscript — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Definition of postscript and PS as an added message after the main letter or email
  2. PS — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · PS/P.S. abbreviation and placement at the end of a letter or email

Explore the topic