Disclosed are techniques for wireless communication. In an aspect, a method, performed by a network node, for selection of uplink control information (UCI) transmission format, comprises determining whether to use a coherent transmission; upon determining to use a coherent transmission, selecting a coherent transmission format for UCI transmission. Upon determining not to use a coherent transmission the method further includes determining whether to use an orthogonal sequence: upon determining to use an orthogonal sequence, the method includes selecting a non-coherent transmission format with an orthogonal sequence for UCI transmission; upon determining not to use an orthogonal sequence, the method includes selecting a non-coherent transmission format with a non-orthogonal sequence for UCI transmission. The method further includes using the selected format for UCI transmission. For example, a base station may send the selected format for UCI transmission to a UE, or a UE may select and use the UCI transmission format.