I'd like to know what's the rule for putting stress on the first/second syllable in the words like: open-minded, big-headed, easy-going, etc..
If I remember correct, there is something about whether the compound is followed by a noun, or not. But I can't remember exactly what the rule says. Give me a hint please.
The following might help. Remember these are generalizations only. There’ll always be exceptions.
1. Stress the 1st word if the word is made up of 2 individual (compound) words.
E.g. 0airport, 0freeway
2. Stress the preposition if the word is a 2-word phrasal verb.
E.g. go 0away, get 0up
3. Stress the 1st syllable of a 2-word noun.
E.g. 0Bedroom, 0stoplight, 0teapot, 0windscreen, 0chairman
4. Stress the 2nd word in a 2-word (compound) verb.
E.g. out0smart, out0do
5. Stress the 1st or 2nd syllable or word if the word is a 3-syllable or 3-word words.
E.g. 0newspaper, 0grandmother
6. Stress the 2nd syllable of a 3-word verb.
E.g. get 0out of, keep 0up with
7. Stress the noun in an adjective-noun phrase.
E.g. black 0board, green 0house
8. Stress the adjective in an adjective-noun compound word.
E.g. 0blackboard, 0greenhouse