I have never been so sure about anything in my life before.
I have never been so sure about anything in my life.
I have never been as sure as I am about this than anything in my life.
Are all the above sentences grammatically correct?
Do all of them convey the same meaning?
Best Answer
Consider StoneyB's suggestion for the third sentence. And that said, rest of the two are okay.
However, the meaning may change for those two.
talks about the point of time you are talking. So, when you utter that sentence, it is in the context of what is happening to you right now, at this moment.
But, on the other hand...
is a general statement and is true even at this point of time. And, probably for the future.
Consider an example:
You just made a new friend. While exchanging each others' information, you formally say...
This means you are giving a general statement and has nothing to do with the present situation.
Now, imagine that you and your friend are on trekking. You feel so energetic today. There's a big hill and you confidently tell your friend that you can climb it for sure.
This means that this time, you are sure that you can climb the hill without any problem! 'Till now,' you weren't so sure like this.
So, to repeat, when you add 'before', it talks about things 'till now'. When you don't add it, it makes a general sentence.