TL;DR: Always capitalize the first letter of any sentence—even when it starts with names like van Gogh or von Müller. The prefix is part of the surname, so treat it like any other proper noun.
What’s the deal with capitalizing sentence starters?
When a sentence begins with a name that has a lowercase prefix (think van, von, or de), you still capitalize the first letter of the entire name. It’s not about the prefix—it’s about the name as a whole. Take “Van Gogh painted The Starry Night.” That’s correct, even though you’d normally see van Gogh in lowercase elsewhere.
This keeps things clear and consistent. Proper nouns always get that capital letter at the start of a sentence, no exceptions. (Honestly, this is the simplest rule in English grammar.)
How do I actually fix this?
- Spot the sentence starter: Find the first word. If it’s a name with a lowercase prefix (van, von, de, d’), move to the next step.
- Flip the switch: Make the first letter of the entire name uppercase. For example:
- van dyke → Van Dyke
- von willebrand → Von Willebrand
- Double-check proper nouns: If the name is a proper noun (a person, place, or title), it keeps that capital letter no matter where it appears. Sentence starters are no different.
- Scan the rest of the sentence: Make sure the rest follows standard capitalization rules. If you’ve got a colon introducing a full sentence, capitalize that first word too.
See how it works in practice
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| van morrison released a new album. | Van Morrison released a new album. |
| von trapp family singers were famous in austria. | Von Trapp family singers were famous in Austria. |
| d’artagnan was a character in the three musketeers. | D’Artagnan was a character in The Three Musketeers. |
What if capitalizing the name still feels wrong?
If the capitalized name just doesn’t sit right, don’t force it. Instead:
- Rearrange the sentence: Skip starting with the name. Swap “van gogh’s art is stunning” for “The art of Van Gogh is stunning.”
- Find a substitute: Lead with a description instead. Try “The Dutch painter Van Gogh created iconic works.”
- Check the style guide: Different publications have different rules. If you’re writing for a specific audience, consult their style guide—like APA Style, which insists on proper noun capitalization.
How can I avoid this problem in the future?
Prevention is easier than fixing mistakes later. Here’s how:
- Pick a style guide: Bookmark The Chicago Manual of Style or APA Style. They spell out the rules for tricky names.
- Read it aloud (or use a tool): Proofreading catches sneaky errors. Apps like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor highlight capitalization slips.
- Verify with trusted sources: For names with prefixes, check official bios or reputable references. Encyclopaedia Britannica, for instance, lists standardized name formats.
At the end of the day, clarity wins. When in doubt, capitalize that first letter—it’s the safest bet.
