One of the usage of "that" is : that" is usually used in a way similar to the way "which" is used, but there's more of a tolerance for inserting intervening constructions, such as small clauses, between the noun and "that".
* a chemical has been discovered that will revolutionize the petroleum-processing industry.
* the chemists have discovered a way of processing crude oil into useful petroleum extracts that has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
Recently, I came across a sentence that violates the above rule :
(E) Aho, a Kiowa matriarch, held festivals in her home that featured the preparation of great quantities of ceremonial food, the wearing of many layers of colorful clothing adorned with silver, and the recounting of traditional tribal jokes and stories. --- This sentence is incorrect, because "that" is referring to home. Why can't that refer to festivals here. Aren't we allowed to have phrases in between ? [/u]
* a chemical has been discovered that will revolutionize the petroleum-processing industry.
* the chemists have discovered a way of processing crude oil into useful petroleum extracts that has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
Recently, I came across a sentence that violates the above rule :
(E) Aho, a Kiowa matriarch, held festivals in her home that featured the preparation of great quantities of ceremonial food, the wearing of many layers of colorful clothing adorned with silver, and the recounting of traditional tribal jokes and stories. --- This sentence is incorrect, because "that" is referring to home. Why can't that refer to festivals here. Aren't we allowed to have phrases in between ? [/u]
