Usage of essential modifier

[gmatwork]

In the essential modifier that begins with 'that' does 'that' will refer always to the noun right before 'that'?

Eg: Because there are regulations of the new act that can be the basis for claims against the oil companies, workers in oil companies that have suffered injuries are filing claims more frequently.

modifier - that can be the basis for claims against the oil companies

'that' is modifying new act OR regulations?

How does the rule that we have studied for which modifier differ for an essential modifer beginning with 'that'

When I say rule I mean in a which modifier - which either modifies the noun right before OR noun + essential modifier.

How does the above rule vary for an essential modifier beginning with 'that'?

[tim]

not necessarily. "which" is more strict about attaching to the nearest eligible noun, but "that" is subject to the same "exceptions" you'll see for other modifiers in our book. in fact, this is pretty thoroughly covered in our book. let me know if i've answered your question though; there were a lot of grammar errors in your post that kept me from understanding exactly what you were asking..

[gmatwork]

so what I understand is .....modifier beginning with 'that' does not really modify the noun that comes right before but it can have flexibility in terms of the noun it will modify ( as opposed to modifier beginning with 'which')?

[tim]

it sounds like you're trying to make the restrictions on "that" too loose. :) just go back to the strategy guide and review the rules about noun modifiers touching the nouns. there are "exceptions", but they will only apply to cases where there are multiple modifiers of the same noun and they are all attached to each other..