In that means because or in the sense that: it explains exactly what a judgement is based on. The two courses differ in that one includes weekly group sessions. It usually follows words like different, unusual, similar or practical. The phrase is formal and works well in essays and reports.
How would you use in that?
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claim or description + in that + subject + verb
- The two courses differ in that one includes weekly group sessions.
- The archive is unusual in that visitors can handle selected objects.
- The design is practical in that every part can be replaced separately.
What changed
First versionThe design is practical in that every part replaceable.
RevisionThe design is practical in that every part is replaceable.
Every part replaceable reads like a note or a headline, so the verb gets left out. But in that needs a full clause with a verb: every part is replaceable. Put is back, and the explanation works.
In which means 'where' and points to a thing: the room in which we met. In that explains a judgement: The room is unusual in that it has no windows. In terms of means 'when it comes to', and only a noun follows it: in terms of cost.
Your turn
Choose the form introducing a complete explanation: The room is unusual ___ it has no windows.
Show the answer
in that — A full clause follows the gap, it has no windows, and it explains why the room is unusual. That's in that; in terms of would need a noun.
Compare two places where you've studied or worked, and say why one is better. Use in that.
My new office is better in that I can actually open the windows.
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