word choice - "In cases when" vs. "in cases where"


This is one I struggle with from time to time. Which is better?




  • Methodology X is more suitable in cases where users' needs are well understood up front.

  • Methodology X is more suitable in cases when users' needs are well understood up front.



Is one of these ungrammatical? Or is it purely a matter of personal preference?



Answer



Since you use "in cases..." I'd say where, because you specified a "location" when you said "is more suitable in cases where..."


You could instead use when if you deleted that part so:



...is more suitable when users' needs...



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