Translation guide
Used to say that something should happen or be true according to what is normal, fair, or expected, even if it is not the case in reality.
Expressing that something should be the case based on fairness, norms, or expectations, often implying that reality is different.
A common and natural way to say 'by all rights' or 'originally/normally'. It sets up an expectation that is often contrasted with reality.
By all rights, he should have won.
By all rights, they should have arrived by now.
Literally 'as a matter of course', used to state something that should naturally be the case. Slightly more formal.
Literally 'speaking from reason', meaning 'by all rights' or 'logically speaking'. Used in more argumentative or explanatory contexts.
本来なら is the most common and versatile, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. 当然のことながら is more emphatic and formal, often used in writing or speeches to stress that something is naturally expected.
By all rights, I should have contacted you sooner.
By all rights, he should be the one apologizing.
By all rights, he should take that position.
By all rights, she should take responsibility.
By all rights, the rules must be followed.
By all rights, this shouldn't be happening.