There’s a unique expression in the English language in which the speaker asks a question and then, waiting a beat, offers and answer. Perhaps the most popular example is “What am I — chopped liver?” But some other examples include phrases like:

• What were you expecting — the Spanish Inquisition?

• What do you want — a medal?

• Who’s this — the Pope?

It’s a very familiar cadence to recognise when you hear it, and if it’s not punctuated correctly, you’ll fail to convey it efficiently.

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