We also use _er, hier_, and _daar_ to replace the pronouns _het, dit, deze, die_, and _dat._ We do this when these pronouns are preceded by a preposition.
For example: _in het_ (in it) becomes _erin_, _over dit_ (about this) becomes _hierover_, and _voor dat_ (before that) becomes _daarvoor_. These are just a few examples. There are many more possible combinations.
You can read more about this phenomenon on the page about the [Dutch pronominal adverbs](#/lesson/Pronouns.Ad02).
When we use _er_, _hier_ or _daar_ this way, the main clause always contains a ['postposition'](#/lesson/WordOrder.29) at the beginning of the right side. The postposition is the preposition that would have preceded _het, dit_ or _dat_ (had it been allowed to).
Examples
[FF](#/lesson/WordOrder.04) | [EHD](#/lesson/WordOrder.09) | [DIROB](#/lesson/WordOrder.16) | [MISC](#/lesson/WordOrder.29) | [OV](#/lesson/WordOrder.24)
Ik kan | er | geen touw | aan | vastknopen
It does not make any sense to me.
The literal translation of this expression is: "I cannot tie a rope to it".
[FF](#/lesson/WordOrder.04) | [EHD](#/lesson/WordOrder.09) | [DIROB](#/lesson/WordOrder.16) | [MISC](#/lesson/WordOrder.28) | [OV](#/lesson/WordOrder.24)
Zij hebben | er | hun voordeel | mee | gedaan
They have benefited from it.
The literal translation of this expression is "They have done their benefit with it".
[FF](#/lesson/WordOrder.04) | [EHD](#/lesson/WordOrder.09) | [MANNER](#/lesson/WordOrder.13) | [MISC](#/lesson/WordOrder.29) | [OV](#/lesson/WordOrder.24)
Je past | er | nog makkelijk | in | \-\-\-
You still easily fit in it.