SAT Writing Sentence Error Question

Test Preparation
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<p>This question is from the college board 2nd edition SAT study guide p. 601 #19. </p>

<p><em>Instead of underlining the choices I will put them in parenthesis</em></p>

<p>19) In (a. those cities) (b. in which) public transportation is adequate, fewer traffic problems occur and pedestrians (c. are rarely) (d. involved in) accidents. (e. No Error)</p>

<p>Wouldn't the correct choice be (b) because it should be "where" instead of "in which"? This is what I thought but the correct choice is (e) No error. I understand why the other choices are grammatically correct but I thought when referring to a place (ex. cities) you have to use "where". I have done this before and gotten the answer correct.
College Board's explanation online is : "The phrase 'in which' is properly used to introduce a subordinate clause."
What does this mean exactly? I am confused. What rule should I remember so that I know when to use "in which" and when to use "where"?</p>

2

<p>Bump…</p>

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<p>For all practical purposes “in which” is almost always equivalent to “where”. “In which” is more formal than “where” and preferable by some in formal written English.</p>

<p>See: [Grammar</a> Girl : “Where” Versus “In Which” :: Quick and Dirty Tips](<a href=“http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/where-versus-in-whichadverbs.aspx]Grammar”>http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/where-versus-in-whichadverbs.aspx)</p>

4

<p>lol…i made the same mistake and put B, i asked about this question on the sat writing help center thread. you can read explanations there.=)</p>