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I still remember quod erat demonstrandum, but ...that which was to have been made (actually generated)?

How would I best say that? I am thinking quod erat factum, but am unsure.

mcadorel
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Mawg says reinstate Monica
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2 Answers2

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Just like your Quod erat demonstrandum example suggests, you definitely need a gerundive form here :

quod erat faciendum

Depending on the context, you might want to consider facienda (n. pl, "that which is to be made").

mcadorel
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  • But if the plural 'facienda' is used, both 'quod' and 'erat' also need to be made plural. That isn't currently clear from your answer. – cnread May 31 '19 at 17:00
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    @cnread Sorry if my answer was a little terse : I meant facienda as a standalone form, 'those which are to be made'. Classic Latin probably wouldn't bother for the whole 'quae facienda erant' phrase unless to a specific effect. I just thought it sounded more idiomatic, but if OP needs a kind of closing formula like Q.E.D., quod erat faciendum and quae erant facienda both fit the bill. Hope that makes sense! – mcadorel May 31 '19 at 17:23
  • Ah, of course. Thanks for the clarification. – cnread May 31 '19 at 21:25
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Think mcadorel has provided the translation for "faciendum est"; not quite the same. Try "hoc (or quod) faciendum erat" giving: "this-ought-to-have-been-done/ made".

tony
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