The Meaning of PS in Email

“PS” means postscriptum in Latin. It translates into “written after.” As such, it’s a paragraph after your email’s body. Use it to write relevant information you couldn’t naturally include in your message. This article will teach you how, and when, to use PS in email.

How to write PS in an email

Using PS is simple. You only need to follow four steps in your webmail:

1. Write your email.
2. End it with an appropriate goodbye, like “kind regards.”
3. Include your email signature.
4. Write the initials “PS” followed by your message.

Keep it brief. If you need more than one paragraph, sending a separate message is best.

Can I use PS in a formal email?

Yes, you can. Using PS is appropriate in formal and informal emails. But ensure that the tone of your PS matches what preceded it.

Also, stick to proper email writing etiquette. Avoid using your PS as an afterthought.

Example of PS in an email

There are many cases in which you may use PS. But they all follow the same principle: adding something to your message. To clarify this concept, look at the example below.

Using PS in an email (example)

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I hope you’re having a good Monday. I’m sending you the report for the sales of Product X from March to May. We’ve seen a 10% increase in online purchases but a 23% decrease in physical sales. We can schedule a meeting to discuss these numbers next week.

Kind regards,
Brandon Jones

PS: I’ll send you the other two reports you requested tomorrow.

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Brandon used PS to add new information after his text since he couldn’t fit it in the email’s body. It’s also brief. He would’ve written a separate email if he had felt the need to elaborate further on these two reports.

When to use PS in an email

Its most common use is to add new information. But you may use a PS in your email for three other reasons. Check them out below.

Deadline reminder

If you’re writing an email to discuss a project, you could finish your message by reminding its recipient of the deadline. Doing so can be vital if you want your email marketing campaign ready for the best time and day to send emails to clients.

But be careful. Overdoing it can backfire. People may think you don’t believe they’re responsible enough to remember their responsibilities.

Incentive

This one is useful, especially in email marketing campaigns. You can finish your message with a reward for people to click on a link or buy a product. For example, “PS: you can always check our blog for tips on how to build a website.” Doing so can boost conversion rates.

Personal touch

You can use a PS to end an email with a friendly message. You can use something like “PS: Hope you’re not too tired from celebrating Barcelona’s win last night.” But, before including such a message in an email, think if you’re close enough with its recipient.

Where do I put PS in the email?

PS always comes at the end of your email. You may want to put it right after the paragraph to which it’s pertinent, but that’s inadvisable. It’d break your text’s flow. It’d be better to find a way to include the information naturally in your text.