Splitting Pronominal Adverbs
When combining er with a preposition like op, you create a pronominal adverb like erop (on it). However, in a standard Dutch main clause, these words frequently split apart.
When they split, er stays early in the sentence—usually right after the verb, subject, or direct object—while the preposition (op) is pushed toward the end of the clause.
| He is stacking the boxes on it now. | Hij stapelt de dozen er nu op. |
Notice how er and op split to make room for the adverb nu (now).
What Goes Between 'er' and the Preposition?
Almost any extra information can squeeze between er and its preposition. This includes adverbs of manner (like voorzichtig, carefully) and negation words like niet.
| He sticks the label on it carefully. | Hij plakt het etiket er voorzichtig op. |
| Why don't you stick the label on it? | Waarom plak je het etiket er niet op? |
Entirely separate prepositional phrases can also be sandwiched in the middle. For instance, if someone is waiting for it (er ... op) in the warehouse, the phrase for "in the warehouse" goes right between er and op:
| Is the driver waiting for it in the warehouse? | Wacht de chauffeur er in het magazijn op? |