Have never + (before)

[JaneGothic]

If I add 'before' to the sentence 'I have never done it' ('I have never done it before'), will the meaning change?

And if I say the second sentence, can it imply that I have gained this experience at the moment of speaking? For example, if I am driving a car for the first time and I mention it.

 

[probus]

"I have never done it before" implies that you have now done it. However, it does not imply that the accomplishment was at or just before the moment of speaking. It may have been some time ago.

 

[jutfrank]

In present perfect sentences that say something about life experience, the word 'before' is similar in meaning to the word 'ever' in that it covers the speaker's whole experience. The difference is that with 'before', there is at least an implication of the possibility of doing it. As probus says, it may be that you have now done it, or that you are currently doing it, or that you are about to do it, so yes in that sense the meaning is different.

Casual conversation in a pub:

A: Jane, have you ever driven a Ferrari?
B: No, never. have you?

Jane and her friend Helen climb into the car. Jane gets in the driver's seat.

A: Jane, have you driven a Ferrari before?
B: No, this is my first time.