Why didn't I get this SAT writing question right?

fogcity
Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:31:00 +0000

In this particular situation “where” would be an acceptable alternative to “in which”. Indeed in informal speech most of us would say “where”. On the SAT you’re not asked if some alternative is perhaps better than the one presented. Rather you’re asked if the presented phrase is correct. And “in which” is almost always correct. Moreso, in formal writing “in which” is “preferred” to “where”. Well – probably most of the time.

For the long answer see “grammar girl” (a recommended web site for grammar questions). She explains it all. The relevant URL is: [Grammar Girl : “Where” Versus “In Which” :: Quick and Dirty Tips](http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/where-versus-in-whichadverbs.aspx)