In common practice, rule 3.11 is disregarded in references to newspapers, periodicals, vessels, airships, trains, firm names, etc.
- the Washington Post
- the Times
- the Atlantic Monthly
- the Mermaid
- the U-3
- the Los Angeles
- the Federal Express
- the National Photo Co.
In foreign names such particles as d', da, de, della, den, du, van, and von are capitalized unless preceded by a forename or title. Individual usage, if ascertainable, should be followed.
- Da Ponte; Cardinal da Ponte
- Den Uyl; Johannes den Uyl; Prime Minister den Uyl
- Du Pont; E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.
- Van Rensselaer; Stephen van Rensselaer
- Von Braun; Dr. Wernher von Braun
but d'Orhigny; Alcide d'Orbigny; de la Madrid; Miguel de la Madrid
In anglicized names such particles are usually capitalized, even if preceded by a forename or title, but individual usage, if ascertainable, should be followed.
- Justice Van Devanter; Reginald De Koven
- Thomas De Quincey; William De Morgan
- Henry van Dyke (his usage)
- Samuel F. Du Pont (his usage); Irénée du Pont
If copy is not clear as to the form of such a name (for example, La Forge or Laforge), the two-word form should be used.
- De Kalb County (AL, GA, IL, IN)
but DeKalb County (TN)
In names set in capitals, de, von, etc., are also capitalized.
The full names of existing or proposed organized bodies and their shortened names are capitalized; other substitutes, which are most often regarded as common nouns, are capitalized only in certain specified instances to indicate preeminence or distinction.