which is preferable where/in which ?

[Meerak869]

Source: crackgmat material

Which of these two sentences is preferable on gmat?

a. The trouble is that logical error is a subject where issues such as logical paradox, self-reference, and the inherent limits of reason rear their ugly heads in practical situations and bite.

b. The trouble is that logical error is a subject in which issues such as logical paradox, self-reference, and the inherent limits of reason rear their ugly heads in practical situations and bite.

In the solution it is explained as in which is verbose compared to where. But my question is where cannot be used to refer metaphorical place as per rules of Manhattan sc. Please explain.

[RonPurewal]

"where" is incorrect. "in which" is fine.

"preferable" is not a thing. don't complicate things unnecessarily.

[Meerak869]

thnks ron

[RonPurewal]

you're welcome.

[aflaamM589]

Hello Ron,
is where, in GMAT, acceptable only to modify geographical locations?
Thanks

[RonPurewal]

Hello Ron,
is where, in GMAT, acceptable only to modify geographical locations?
Thanks

it's not strictly geographical. the idea also extends to other things normally covered by the question 'Where?'

e.g.,
Where is this information found?
...books where such information is found

[RonPurewal]

MUCH MORE IMPORTANTLY—
don't forget that this is a multiple-choice test.

you will not ever have to make arbitrary decisions about whether it's ok to use a particular word (e.g., 'where') in some context.

instead, you'll be given a concrete choice.

if you're given a concrete choice such as the one above (at the head of this thread), then it's clear which option is correct.