What English words have stress patterns that indicate they constitute a compound word?

You're right, there isn't a single stress pattern that *always* indicates a compound word. However, there are some patterns that are common in compound words and can provide clues:

Common Stress Patterns:

* First-word stress: This is the most common pattern for compound nouns, adjectives, and verbs. The stress falls on the first word of the compound.

* Example: 'BLACKboard, 'GREENhouse, 'UNDERstand

* Second-word stress: This pattern is less common but can occur in some compounds.

* Example: 'airplane, 'nightgown, 'fire**place

* Stress on both words: Some compound words can have stress on both words, but this is often a matter of emphasis or regional variation.

* Example: 'hotdog, 'sidewalk

Important Considerations:

* Lexical Stress: English words have inherent stress patterns that can vary from word to word. This means that some words, even when combined, might not follow the expected stress patterns for compounds. For example, the word "airplane" is stressed on the second syllable even though it's a compound word.

* Meaning and Context: The stress pattern can sometimes change depending on the meaning or context. For example, "blackboard" (a writing surface) is stressed on the first word, but "black board" (a board that is black) could have stress on the second word.

* Evolution of Compounds: Over time, some compound words become so common that they lose their compound status and the stress pattern might change accordingly.

Overall:

While stress patterns can sometimes be helpful in identifying compound words, it's crucial to consider the context and the specific words involved. There is no foolproof rule.