The latest coronavirus update from Missouri Governor Mike Parson has left many netizens baffled – stating that “nearly 17” people had been tested in the state – prompting some to brainstorm the meaning of the “specific” figure.
Informing Twitter of the status of the deadly COVID-19 illness in Missouri on Thursday evening, Parson’s post was perhaps not as clear as he first thought, with dozens weighing in to ask what “nearly 17” could possibly mean.
How do you count to 'nearly 17'?
— D Villella ❄️ (@dvillella) March 5, 2020
What does “nearly 17 people” mean? Like, 15 people and some hobbits or what? https://t.co/9te0eMHfsm
— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) March 5, 2020
"nearly" and "specific" seem to be dueling there
— Peter W. Singer (@peterwsinger) March 5, 2020
Maybe 16 and a dog 🤷🏾♂️
— matte Os (@Matte_Os) March 6, 2020
One expert grammarian later weighed in to dispel the mystery, suggesting a correction for the statement.
17 people have nearly been tested is probably more correct.
— Erik the Rural Juror (@EDoggTheRed) March 5, 2020
Source: RT