Question “Where is” + indefinite article

Question

Can we ask a question "Where is a rat?" instead of "Where is the rat"?Now what's about the longer story?My friend told me there are six rats in the grass. I went there and I ask myself:Where is a rat?It is in the grass.I assume I, while asking, decide the meaning of the sentence, so both forms are correct? In this example I know about six rats and I don't care about which one I ask, because any of them is important for me. So this rat is not specified, because I choose so.Is there any grammatical rule that says we must use definite article aftere "Where is?". Who decides if a thing is (the) specified or (a) unspecified?

Vsuresh · Accepted Answer

anonymousCan we ask a question "Where is a rat?

This is possible in this situation. This may not be the only situation where it is possible.

When there are different animals including a rat, we can have a question "Where is a rat?"

"Where is the rat" is asked when the speaker is referring to a particular rat.

anonymousMy friend told me there are six rats in the grass. I went there and I ask myself:Where is a rat?It is in the grass.I assume I, while asking, decide the meaning of the sentence, so both forms are correct? In this example I know about six rats and I don't care about which one I ask, because any of them is important for me. So this rat is not specified, because I choose so.

I don't think " where is a rat" makes sense here because you have been told that there are six in the place.

Where are the rats or where are they seems natural.

CalifJim · Answer

anonymousCan we ask a the question "Where is a rat?"

You can, but it's not idiomatic English.

anonymousI assume I ... decide the meaning of the sentence, so both forms are correct.

If we could all decide the meaning of sentences, language would devolve into chaos. Next thing you know, people will be saying that "I will pay back the loan next Tuesday" means "I will steal your money and spend it on drugs", just because they think they can decide the meaning of the sentence.

anonymousMy friend told me there are six rats in the grass.

Then you'll probably say I can't find even one rat. I wonder where I can find even one rat. Or as a question Where can I find even one rat? or Where is a rat likely to be?

If you begin with "Where is a", you'll need a particular kind of ending on the sentence.

Where is an earthquake most likely to happen?
Where is a credit card's security code located?
Where is a good place to eat in this town?
Where is a person supposed to go to apply for a job with the post office?

anonymousWho decides if a thing is (the) specified or (a) unspecified?

You can't ask where an unknown thing is. It's logic more than grammar rules.

If you have 'a rat', essentially you have no (specific) rat. So it's illogical to ask where this unspecified thing is.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

anonymousMy friend told me there are six rats in the grass. I went there and I ask myself:Where is a rat?

It would have to be "Where is there a rat?" This starts to sound like an Abbot and Costello routine pretty quickly, though.

Question “Where is” + indefinite article

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