Personally, I think

[duiter]

Dear all,

I read this essay written by a native speaker

Personally, I think prison should be the last option when all else has failed

Is "personally " essential for this sentence ?

Is "personally" making this sentence wordy ?

Is it correcct to say ....all else fail, instead of has failed

Many thanks

[CarloSsS]

NOT A TEACHER
No, personally isn't essential in this sentece as there's already the phrase "I think", which has a similar meaning.
I wouldn't say that it makes the sentence wordy, just emphasizes that fact that it is the author's opinion.
You could say "all else fails", or "all else failed", not fail.

[jegan0825]

NOT A TEACHER!
I would say that the use of "Personally", though isn't compulsory, actually emphasizes the fact that it is the opinion of an individual. Generic usage, like "I think" alone can also indicate a possiblity that the opinion is based on an external influence.

[Tdol]

It's unnecessary but OK- some will argue that it is redundant, so making things wordy, and others will say that it emphasises the personal nature of the opinion.

[Tdol]

Vote on the topic here: Poll: Personally, I think prison should be the last option. - Language Polls - UsingEnglish.com

[shannico]

It's unnecessary but OK- some will argue that it is redundant, so making things wordy, and others will say that it emphasises the personal nature of the opinion.

I also think there is a difference between saying "Personally, I think that...." and writing it in an academic context.I have often been told not to use the two together in academic essays.

[Tdol]

I would avoid it in academic contexts.