that is where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is where" is a perfectly grammatical phrase used in written English.
It is usually used as a way of connecting two ideas, the first idea being a description of a particular place, and the second idea being the place itself. For example, you could say, "My grandparents live in a small town in Connecticut - that is where I spent my childhood summers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is where she died.

The New York Times

That is where we're wrong".

The New Yorker

That is where I'm going.

The New York Times - Sports

That is where he finished.

The New York Times - Sports

That is where we differ.

The New York Times

That is where things ended.

The New York Times

"That is where you are".

The New Yorker

"That is where people get sidetracked.

The New York Times - Sports

That is where it gets tricky.

The New York Times - Sports

That is where Beatport comes in.

The New York Times

That is where the trouble starts.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is where" to smoothly transition between describing a place and elaborating on its significance or the events that occur there. It's useful for providing context and creating a clear connection for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that is where" when referring to abstract concepts, times, or conditions. "Where" should typically denote a physical location. Instead use "that is when" or "that is how" for time or process references, respectively.

Linguistic Context

That is where" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb by specifying a location. It typically introduces a clause indicating the place where something happens or exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that is where" is a versatile phrase used to pinpoint locations, often connecting them to relevant events or meanings. Grammatically sound and very common in news, media, and general writing, it effectively bridges descriptions and significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Remember to reserve its use for actual places, avoiding abstract contexts to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. While the usage of "that is where" is grammatically correct, consider the related phrases to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the place where

Replaces 'is' with 's' and adds 'place', emphasizing the location.

there is where

Emphasizes existence at the specified location.

that is the location of

More formal, specifying the exact location.

that's where you'll find

Highlights finding something at a specific place.

it is in that place that

More emphatic and literary way to indicate a place.

that's the spot where

Uses 'spot' instead of 'place' for a slightly less formal tone.

this is the area where

More descriptive, referring to a broader area.

that is the site of

Formal, often used when referring to events or historical occurrences.

that's the point at which

Shifts focus to a moment or point in time related to a location.

this is where it happens

Highlights activity at a given location.

FAQs

How can I use "that is where" in a sentence?

Use "that is where" to connect a description of a place with an action or state related to it. For example, "Paris is the city of lights; "that is where" I fell in love with art".

What are some alternatives to "that is where"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that is the place where", "there is where", or "that is the location of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "that is where"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "that is where" if you're not referring to a physical location. For abstract ideas or times, use "that is when" or "that is how" instead.

What's the difference between "that is where" and "this is where"?

"That is where" typically refers to a place previously mentioned or understood in context, while "this is where" is used to introduce a place directly or in the immediate setting. The choice depends on whether the location is already known to the audience.