#3525. Rhetorical uses of precise numbers and semi-magical round numbers in political discourse about COVID-19: Examples from the government of the United Kingdom

October 2026publication date
Proposal available till 30-05-2025
4 total number of authors per manuscript0 $

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Journal’s subject area:
Language and Linguistics;
Linguistics and Language;
Communication;
Sociology and Political Science;
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Abstract:
This paper examines how the government has used statistics about COVID-19 for political ends. A distinction is made between precise and round numbers. Historically, using round numbers to estimate the spread of disease gave way in the 19th century to the sort precise, but not necessarily accurate, statistics that are now being used to record COVID-19. This is demonstrated in examples from the government’s claims about COVID-19. The paper illustrates how the government uses ‘good’ round numbers to frame their COVID-19 goals and to announce apparent achievements. These round numbers can provide political incentives to manipulate the public opinions. .
Keywords:
COVID-19 statistics; manipulation; round numbers; semi-magical numbers

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