by rights

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "by rights" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that something should be done or that something should be according to established rules, regulations, or traditions. For example: "By rights, the profits should have been divided equally between all the partners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BY RIGHTS, it should not have been this hard.

The Economist

BY RIGHTS, Than Shwe, Myanmar's dictator, should be a worried man.

The Economist

The promotion was criticized by rights groups.

The New York Times

"Well, you are here by rights".

The New Yorker

By rights, she should be guarded.

The Guardian - Books

By rights, Versi should be frazzled.

The Guardian

By rights, alarm bells should have rung.

The Guardian

By rights, we should absolutely hate him.

The Guardian - Film

By rights, Carpool Karaoke should be awful.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By rights, that veto belongs to us.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Iron Throne is mine by rights".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by rights" to express an expectation based on established rules, laws, or principles. For example, "By rights, the championship should have been awarded to the team with the best record."

Common error

Avoid using "by rights" when expressing a personal preference or opinion that isn't based on objective standards. "By rights, I should get a promotion" is weaker than "I deserve a promotion based on my performance records."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by rights" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that something should occur according to what is just, fair, or in accordance with established rules. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by rights" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express an expectation grounded in justice, fairness, or established rules. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage spans both formal and informal contexts, with a strong presence in News & Media. While alternatives like "rightfully" or "justly" exist, "by rights" offers a unique nuance of highlighting what is expected or deserved based on a perceived entitlement. When employing this phrase, ensure that the expectation is rooted in an objective standard rather than mere personal desire. Ludwig's examples showcase its effectiveness in expressing discrepancies between expectations and reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rightfully

Closest single-word synonym, stressing the legal or moral entitlement.

in all fairness

Emphasizes the perspective of impartiality and justice.

deservedly

Focuses on the idea that something is earned or merited.

justly

Single word alternative; focuses on the fairness aspect, omitting the expectation of a particular outcome.

as a matter of justice

Highlights the principle of fairness and moral correctness.

fairly

Similar to "justly", but emphasizes impartiality rather than inherent right.

if justice were served

Highlights hypothetical situations where a just outcome is desired but not guaranteed.

equitably

Highlights the aspect of equal treatment and proportional distribution.

in accordance with what is right

A more verbose alternative, stressing adherence to moral principles.

by all accounts

Shifts the focus to general agreement or consensus.

FAQs

How can I use "by rights" in a sentence?

Use "by rights" to express that something should happen according to rules, justice, or expectations. For example, "By rights, the inheritance should be divided equally among the siblings."

What's a good alternative to "by rights"?

Alternatives include "rightfully", "justly", or "in all fairness" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "by rights" formal or informal?

"By rights" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more common in writing or moderately formal speech. It adds a sense of justification or expectation to the statement.

What's the difference between "by rights" and "in theory"?

"By rights" implies a sense of justice or deservedness, while "in theory" ("in theory") refers to what should happen according to a plan or idea, often without considering practical limitations. "By rights, he should be promoted" suggests he deserves it, while "In theory, everyone gets a fair chance" describes an ideal situation that might not occur.