In a method of video decoding at a video decoder, a first high level syntax (HLS) element and a second HLS element can be received. The first HLS element can indicate whether an explicit multiple transform selection (MTS) is enabled or disabled for an intra coded block. The second HLS element can indicate whether the explicit MTS is enabled or disabled for an inter coded block. The first and second HLS elements can control a same set of coding blocks that include the intra coded block and the inter coded block. An implicit MTS can be enabled for the intra coded block when the first HLS element indicates the explicit MTS is disabled for the intra coded block, and the second HLS element indicates the explicit MTS is enabled for the inter coded block.