Unit 5: Function Labels
5.3 SPOCA
In addition to labelling words, we have attached FORM labels to phrases: NP,VP,AvP,PP,AjP,GP. To complete this stage of the analysis, we must now supply the phrases with function labels.
Phrases have five possible functions in the clause:
- SUBJECT (S)
- PREDICATOR (P)
- OBJECT (O)
- COMPLEMENT (C)
- ADVERBIAL (A)
A useful mnemonic for these is SPOCA, which indicates the order in which they normally occur in the clause. The five functions are exemplified below:
1.
S
NP
NP
H
(Laurel)
N
(Laurel)
N
P
VP
VP
H
(threw)
V
(threw)
V
O
NP
NP
M
(a
d
(a
d
M
custard
N
custard
N
H
pie)
N
pie)
N
A
PP
PP
(at
pr
H
Hardy)
N
Hardy)
N
2.
S
NP
NP
H
(Hardy)
N
(Hardy)
N
P
VP
VP
H
(was)
V
(was)
V
C
AjP
AjP
H
(upset)
Aj
(upset)
Aj
3.
S
NP
NP
H
(Laurel)
N
(Laurel)
N
P
VP
VP
H
(laughed)
V
(laughed)
V
A
AvP
AvP
H
(uproariously)
Av
(uproariously)
Av
From these sentences, you can make at least one correct deduction: the predicator is ALWAYS a VP.
