Understanding the Postscript: A Guide to the Afterthought
Have you ever finished writing a long, heartfelt letter, only to realize you forgot to mention the most important detail? This is where the postscript comes in. Whether you are drafting a formal email or writing a personal note, a postscript allows you to add a final thought without rewriting the entire body of your document. It is one of those timeless linguistic tools that remains incredibly useful, even in our digital age.
What Exactly is a Postscript?
The term postscript originates from the Latin phrase postscribere, where post means "after" and scribere means "to write." Quite literally, it is something written after the main work is finished.
There are two primary ways the word is defined:
- In Correspondence: It is a short note or sentence added to a letter after the writer’s signature.
- In Literature: It refers to supplementary text added to the end of a book or scholarly document, often providing extra information, a correction, or an update that was finalized after the main text went to print.
Usage and Grammar Patterns
When using a postscript in a letter, the convention is almost always to use the abbreviation P.S.. Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding its structure:
- Placement: A postscript should always come after your signature. If you add it before you sign your name, it is simply considered part of the main body of the letter.
- Punctuation: You can write it as P.S., PS, or even P.S. All are generally accepted, though adding periods is the most traditional style.
- Usage in sentences: While the abbreviation is common, the full word postscript is used when speaking about the concept or when discussing the extra material in a book.
Example sentences:
- The author added a short postscript to the second edition of her novel to clarify the ending.
- I almost forgot to include the time of the party, so I added a postscript to the bottom of the invitation.
- "P.S. Don't forget to feed the cat!" she wrote in the postscript of her letter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using a postscript is straightforward, there are a few traps students often fall into:
- The "Body" Mistake: Do not use a postscript to add information that is critical to the main message. If the information is vital, rewrite the body of the letter. A postscript should feel like an afterthought or a "bonus" detail.
- Overusing Postscripts: Adding multiple postscripts (P.P.S., P.P.P.S.) can look messy and unprofessional in modern correspondence. If you have several things to say, try to incorporate them into the main text instead.
- Redundancy: Since the abbreviation P.S. stands for post scriptum (Latin for "after the written"), writing "P.S." followed by the word "postscript" is redundant. Simply use the abbreviation or the word, but not both at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ever professional to use a postscript in an email?
Generally, no. In professional emails, it is better to edit your text before sending it. However, in casual emails to colleagues or friends, a postscript can be used to add a friendly, informal touch.
What does P.P.S. mean?
P.P.S. stands for post post scriptum, meaning "after the postscript." It is used if you have a second, additional thought to add after the first one.
Can a postscript be a whole paragraph?
Yes, it can. While most postscripts are one or two sentences, there is no strict length limit. However, brevity is key; if your postscript is too long, the reader might miss it.
Do I need to capitalize P.S.?
Yes, it is standard practice to capitalize the letters in the abbreviation.
Conclusion
The postscript is a charming and practical relic of traditional writing. It serves as a reminder that communication doesn't always have to be perfectly linear. Whether you are adding a quick "P.S." to a greeting card or reading a scholarly postscript at the end of a long book, this simple feature helps us express those final thoughts that matter most. Next time you reach the end of a letter and remember one last thing, don't worry—just add a postscript!