Many phrases or clauses do not stand alone, but are attached to some other

element. They are not complete in themselves, but are dependent on some other
structure.
If a dependent element precedes the main element, we say it is leading.
If it follows the main element, we say it is trailing.
In either case, the unmarked tone for the dependent element is a non-fall (= a
fall-rise or a rise). Wells, J.C. English Intonation.

LEADING tones

With a leading dependent element, the most usual tone is the fall-rise. Examples:

• After lunch / we could call on Mary.

• British Airways / flies there on Tuesdays.

Alternatively, a leading dependent element may have a rise (including the possibility of
a level tone).

• After lunch / we could call on Mary.

Dependent element independent element

TRAILING tones

With a trailing tone dependent element, the most usual tone is a rise. It is used to
indicate that it belongs with what went before.

• I’m rather annoyed, / frankly.

• They’re arriving tomorrow, / as far as I know

The following pairs each contain the same material, but in different orders
• If you’re ready, / we could begin. The dependent element has a leading fall-rise.

• We could begin if you’re ready The dependent element has a trailing rise
Topic and comment

We might say that the basic meaning of a falling tone is something like major
information or primary information.

Correspondingly, the shared general meaning of non-falling tones is something like

incomplete information, minor information, secondary information.
We can often divide an assertion into two parts: a topic (a subject or theme) and a
comment (the thing we say about the subject or topic, a `rheme`).

The topic is typically said with a non-falling tone ( a dependent fall-rise or rise), the
comment with a falling tone (a definitive fall):

• My brother (topic) / will be angry. (comment)

topic comment