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Discover LudwigThe phrase "before they know it" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen unexpectedly or quickly, often without the subject's awareness.
Example: "The children were so engrossed in their game that, before they knew it, the sun had set."
Alternatives: "before they realize it" or "before they are aware".
Exact(59)
My colleagues at Proteus and I are often in the position of knowing that someone is going to get let go before they know it.
Before they know it, they have won.
"Before they know it, they're at rock bottom.
Most people are amazed that so much of their income becomes depleted before they know it.
Because, often, their time sense is so off and before they know it, it's bedtime.
She can tell what will happen to people before they know it.
"People who are vulnerable can get hooked before they know it".
And before they know it, they're part of the Katie Grand club".
Before they know it, they've embarked on a delightfully absurd affair.
Sometimes you have to get inside the choreographer's mindset even before they know it themselves".
Similar(1)
Before they knew it, we were inside".
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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com