where在定语从句中可以指代地点，引导一个定语从句。地点分为两种，一种是具体地点。比如in the room（在房间里）、on the desk（在桌子上）、under the bed（在床底下）等等。他们都可以具体指代一个看得见，摸得着的地方，容易理解。
另外一种地点我们称之为虚拟地点或抽象地点。这不是一个具体的看得见摸得着的地点，而是一个虚拟出来的地点。比如心里面、一个案件等等。请先看下面例子，然后总结其中规律。
1. There were dirty marks on her trousers ______ she had wiped her hands.
A. where B. which C. when D. that
2. It's helpful to put children in a situation ______ they can see themselves differently.
A. where B. which C. that D. when
3. I have reached a point in my life ______ I am supposed to make decisions of my own.
A. which B. where C. how D. why
4. Life is like a long race ______ we compete with others to go beyond ourselves.
A. why B. that C. what D. where
5. —What do you think of teaching, Bob?
—I find it fun and challenging. It is a job ______ you are doing something serious but interesting.
A. when B. that C. where D. which
6.All the neighbors admire this family ______ the parents are treating their child like a friend.
A. that B. why C. where D. which
7. Later in this chapter cases will be introduced to readers ______ consumer complaints have resulted in changes in the law.
A. when B. where C. which D. who
8. The media today can draw public attention to situations ________ help is actually needed.
A. while B. whose C. why D. where
9. The treatment will continue until the patient reaches the point ______ he can walk correctly and safely.
A. where B. which C. when D. whose
10. We're just trying to reach a point ______ both sides will sit down together and talk.
A. that B. which C. when D. where
11. Ebay, Amazon and Wal-Mart are popular websites ______ people can sell goods to each other.
A. which B. where C. whose D. when
上面所有题目的答案都是where。这些where都是属于虚拟地点，或者抽象地点。不难看出在这些题目里面，先行词（被定语从句）修饰的名词或代词，都不充当主干成分，先行词在从句中都是做地点状语用。
可能有的同学还是不明白，换个角度说是这样的：上面题目中的从句都有完整的句子结构。要么是主谓宾或主系表等。此时，先行词在从句中只能做状语用，只有三个可能，就是when，where，why。从句意中可以看出，先行词讲的不是时间，不是原因，只能是虚拟地点。
明白了吗？欢迎留言。
