Question on relative adverb - "where"

Question

I did a grammar test and had a question as below:
Our security data is connected to a file server in Spain's Larimer County, ___ freedom of speech is protected.
the answer is "where"

Why can’t I choose “that”?
because “that” cannot be used after "comma mark", am I right?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

Wrong.

If that were the problem, you could use "which."

The problem is contextual. What could be the antecedent of "which"? "Server?"

Our security data is connected to a file server in Spain's Larimer County, which is constantly crashing.

It's really a matter of trial and error. We need a place - a place where / in which freedom of speech is protected. That place is Larimer County.

"That" simply doesn't fit the context.

You could say, "While visiting Spain's larimer County, we noticed that freedom of speech is protected.

Your point about the comma is correct, but that's not the only problem.

Yoong Liat · Answer

0915regWhy can’t I choose
because “that” cannot be used after "comma mark", am I right?

Yes, you are right. 'Furthermore the clause followng 'County' is non-restrictive.

Avangi · Answer

Note that in the next-to-last line, "Larimer County" should be spelled with a capital "L." My pinkies are a bit weak, and sometimes don't fully depress the shift keys.

We are now unable to make corrections, with the new format. Sorry.

Avangi · Answer

Taking Yoong's reply into consideration, I suppose "that" could refer to a place.

" - - - to a file server in a place in Spain's Larimer County that is quite inaccessable."

The clause is now restrictive.

Thanks, Yoong.

Yoong Liat · Answer

Hi Avangi

Thanks for taking my reply into consideration.

0915reg · Answer

Hi:

According to your useful replies, could I boldly say that the three sentences below are all correct?
But only #1#2 have the same meaning; #3 is different(non-restricted).

1. Our security data is connected to a file server in Spain's Larimer County, where freedom of speech is protected.
2. Our security data is connected to a file server in Spain's Larimer County, in which freedom of speech is protected.
3. Our security data is connected to a file server in Spain's Larimer County that freedom of speech is protected.

Thanks!!

Avangi · Answer

I'll have to be more cautious this time. (I sincerely hope Yoong is looking over my shoulder.)

Actually, I should study up on this.

But once again, I'm going to say "no."

1 & 2 are fine, but 3 has a problem I was still trying to sort out in my mind last time around.

For some dang reason, "Spain's Larimer County" cannot function as the antecedent of "that." That's why I inserted "a place" in my previous post. Further, "that" must be the subject of the clause. (This is just going by ear, which is why I should study it before I give you an answer - but I'll tell you everything I know (it won't take very long!))

So you can say, " - - - to a file server in a place in Spain's Larimer County that protects freedom of speech."
This, of course, changes the meaning, because when we switch from passive to active voice, the agent of the action is stated. That is, it's now the place which protects the freedom. In the passive version, the place is where it happens, but we have no idea who actually does it.

Avangi · Answer

Okay, I'm thinking you can preserve the passive spirit of the thing like this:

" - - - to a file server in a place in Spain's Larimer County that enjoys freedom of speech."

" - - - that enjoys the protection of free speech."

Avangi · Answer

Edit. I can't think of a way to include all of Larimer County and still make the clause restrictive.

Question on relative adverb - "where"

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