Do you perceive a difference?

[blueridge3210]

7. One key element is how the sentence is "framed" so to speak.

So, if the sentence is "There have been __#__ school shootings since Newtown" the clear implication is that all shootings cited are generally similar to the Newtown tragedy. If an analysis of the incidents reveal a large number to be after hours shootings; gang shootings near a campus, suicides on the campus not during hours, etc. it is reasonable to assume the numbers are being presented with the intent to deceive.

If, on the other hand, one were to say "Since the incident at Sandy Hook, the city of Newtown has experienced __#__ of shootings" it is reasonable to infer the number cited is global and not intended to be interpreted as similar in nature to the Sandy Hook tragedy.