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The verb to assume is followed by a clause or to infinitive. Though dictionaries don't mention it, for me, it seems correct to use this structure: assume + a noun. For example:
Assume a sudden increase in population, ~
Is such a structure appropriate, or should it be written in the clause?
When a noun is the direct object of the verb assume, most of the time the connotation of the verb is undertaking some role or task:
When the owner of the company died, he assumed the powers of CEO.
But for the meaning of assume as "take as true," a noun can serve as direct object:
I think it's a racism thing when you assume things about Ed.
This is common in mathematics:
If we assume the Riemann Hypothesis, the real part of ρ is always 1/2.
