in that

[idiotmike]

Hello,

Please teach me why the sentence below use in that? and how do I tell when to use which, in which,where, that, in that ?? how do I tell?

Electromagnets are similar to other magnets in that they attract metal objects, but the magnetic pull is temporary.

Thank you

[sarat_106]

Hello,

Please teach me why the sentence below use in that? and how do I tell when to use which, in which,where, that, in that ?? how do I tell?

Electromagnets are similar to other magnets in that they attract metal objects, but the magnetic pull is temporary.

Thank you

in which is a combination of a preposition (in) and a relative pronoun (which). So you can use “in which” to introduce a relative clause after a noun that refers to a place or to a time.
For example instead of saying
In my laboratory there is a blue cabinet where old equipment is stored. (place)
It was a time when the old were revered as sages. (time)
You can say
In my laboratory there is a blue cabinet in which old equipment is stored. (place)
It was a time in which the old were revered as sages. (time)
in that is an idiom meaning: because; inasmuch as:
In that you won't have time for supper, let me give you something now.
Which is a pronoun use to denote; what one? . whichever :
There are many types shoes on display. Which of these do you want?
These the latest designs available. Choose which appeals to you
It is used after a preposition to represent a specified antecedent):
the horse on which I rode
Where is used as adverb to express: in or at what place?:
Where is he? Where do you live? The book is where you left it.
That has a very wide application. It can be used as pronoun, adjective, adverb; conjunction, besides idiomatic uses(In that, at that, that way, with that)
This is my sister and that's my cousin. (pronoun)
That woman is her mother. (adjective)
It's not that important. (adverb)
Hold it up so that everyone can see it. (conjuction)