Why Everyone Is Using P. S. Again: the Psychological Trick Behind Modern Email Sign-Offs
By Elena Rostova
Grammar debates around proper punctuation for PS stem from transatlantic stylistic traditions. Both major styles remain widely accepted, though standard usage varies depending on context:
- American Usage: Traditional American style manuals, including The Chicago Manual of Style, favor periods: P.S.
- British and Modern Digital Usage: British conventions and fast-paced tech environments often omit punctuation: PS. Both forms are grammatically acceptable, provided capitalization remains consistent. Writing "ps" in lowercase signals carelessness rather than stylistic intent.
When a writer wants to add an additional note after the initial postscript, the correct designation is P.P.S., meaning post post scriptum ("written after what was written after"). Adding further layers yields P.P.P.S. (post post post scriptum), though stacking multiple postscripts in professional correspondence generally signals disorganization.
Context determines whether a postscript belongs in an email. In peer-to-peer collaboration, casual check-ins, sales sequences, and external newsletters, it works exceptionally well. In formal legal notifications, crisis management statements, or solemn internal corporate announcements, it can undermine your authority. An afterthought note attached to a restructuring memo reads as flippant or poorly conceived.
Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.
