Which article is it correct to use before a noun that is modified by "called"?

Question

Do I have to use a or the in the following sentences?

Kate is from a/the big city called New-York.

The man is holding a/the thing called a table.

Answer 1

The definite article (the) is used to indicate that the identity of the noun is known to the reader. The indefinite article (a) is used when its identity is not known.

So it all comes down to whether or not your audience has heard of "New York", or "a table" before.

I can't imagine anyone not knowing what a table is, but let's assume you're introducing a table to someone for the very first time.

The man is holding a thing called a table.

There are lots of "things", not just one, so the indefinite article is correct.

I'll use the second example to explain why knowing the noun makes a difference.

If someone had never heard of New York, then it would be correct to say:

Kate is from a big city called New-York.

This is because there are lots of big cities, not just one.

However, you could also say:

Kate is from the city of New York.

Even though there are many cities, you are identifying that she comes from a specific city, and naming it, so the definite article the is appropriate.