Learn English – “never” + past perfect vs. “never” + past

adverbsdifferencepast-perfect

Suppose that it is my first time visiting Italy, which is correct or what is the difference in saying:

I never visited Italy before

I had never visited Italy or I had never visited Italy until now

I mainly mean past perfect vs. past in this case.

Can I say:

I have never visited Italy

While I am currently in Italy?

If I visited Italy last year, can I say:

I never visited Italy until I visited there last year? (or last year)

If yes, what is the difference in saying:

I had never visited Italy until last year

Best Answer

"I have never visited Italy before" and "I never visited Italy before" both seem fine but if you are visiting a place (Italy) for a first time and you are currently there then could simply say:

This is my first time visiting Italy.

Or

This is the first time I have visited Italy.

Or

This is the first time I am visiting Italy.

"I had never visited Italy until now" sounds off because here you are using Past participle and now (present) at the same time. It would be appropriate in a situation for example:

I had never visited Italy until last year

However you could say:

I have never visited Italy until this week

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