How do I reformat my backup disk?

I deleted a file from an external hard drive that I use to make Time Machine backups from my MacBook Air. Apparently I did something wrong (I moved the file to trash on my computer, but didn't empty trash before ejecting the disk, I suspect that the problem is) and now I cannot use the backup disk any longer, because it says that it is "read only". I used Disk Utility to verify and try to repair the disk, but I can't. It says this: "Error: Disk Utility can’t repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk, and restore your backed-up files." Since the disk is a backup, I don't need to know how to do that, but can som

If you deleted a file you need to recover you can use a utility like data rescue or disk warrior.
They are expensive though.
If you just want to reformat the backup disk that is easy.
In Disk Utility go to the Partition tab and select Partition Layout.. change it to one or two partitions .. whatever you like.
Click on the options below the graphic of the disk partition.
Ensure the disk is partitioned correctly using GUID not MBR.
Ensure the disk is going to be formatted.. Mac OS extended Journaled .. that is the only acceptable format.
Then click apply.
However if you do this.. your file that you deleted is lost forever. (I am just unsure if you want to recover this file or not.. or it was you think the cause of all this happening).

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