Thread: It's on the(a) table.

Originally Posted by Selexin

Paulb, so, is the phrase "Where are there any books?" possible in a conversation like this:

A: "We need to change the bulb in the sconce"
B: "I can't reach it, it hangs too high"
A: "Use books or something to stand on"
B: "Where are there any books?"
?

In PaulB's example the question "Where are there any books on the floor?" is not a normal question but a challenge in the form of a rhetorical question, defying the mother to find books on the floor. The kid is not requesting information or expecting the mother to tell him where any books are located; he knows there aren't any. In your example, you are asking a traditional question and expect an answer so you should say something like:
A: "Use books or something to stand on"
B: "Are there any books around here?"