Final answer:
The correct punctuation in George Washington's phrase about the war for independence is: 'Our cause is noble; it is the cause of all mankind' (option A) It illustrates the importance of proper punctuation in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The debate around the phrasing used by George Washington during the war for independence highlights the importance of punctuation in shaping the meaning and readability of a sentence. Within this context, it is crucial to maintain the punctuation that accurately conveys the sentiment and breaks intended by the speaker.
When Washington said, "Our cause is noble; it is the cause of all mankind," the use of a semicolon appropriately separates two related independent clauses that could stand alone as sentences yet are closely connected in thought.
Any deviation from this structure, whether omitting the semicolon or replacing it with a comma (a common mistake known as a comma splice), would alter the flow and clarity of the sentence.
Therefore, option A, Washington said this about the war for independence: Our cause is noble; it is the cause of all mankind. is the correctly punctuated statement. It reflects a common rhetorical style of the period and underscores the significance of punctuation in written communication.