I missed the woods that we took hikes

I missed the woods that we took hikes. And the backyard where you used to play. Spring lake. Where you learned to skate.

Question: Is it okay to say “I missed the woods WHERE we took hikes” and “the backyard THAT you used to play”? Are they interchangeable in this situation?

Thank you!!!

I’d naturally say, “I missed the woods where we hiked/where we took hikes/where we used to hike”, but never “the backyard that you used to play” unless you add “in” at the end ie. ”the backyard that you used to play IN”.

It’s also natural to say, “the backyard where you used to play”.

As for the word “that”, it’s not necessary to include, ie. you can just say “the backyard you used to play in”.

Interestingly, Australians (not just myself) use the word “that” a great deal more than Americans. I’m more self-conscious of it since I read about it some years ago, and often edit my posts to decrease my usage of “that” - even though it’s perfectly good Australian English! :rofl::rofl:

However, “I missed the woods that we took hikes” sounds unnatural to me without including “in”.

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“where we took hikes” is correct.
As a native English speaker, I wouldn’t say “I missed the woods that we took hikes”.

They are not interchangeable.

I missed the woods that we took hikes. (original, incorrect)
I missed the woods that we took hikes in. (correct)
I missed the woods where we took hikes (correct, your sentence)

And the backyard where you used to play. (original, incorrect)
And I missed the backyard where you used to play. (correct)
And I missed the backyard that you used to play in. (correct)

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