One very important situation where you need to be completely clear whether it's a slur or a tie is when inputting to a computer notation program - particularly if you want playback. The two are logically quite different, and are entered using different commands. And they can have subtly different styles.

But that apart, I defy anyone to tell whether a handwritten line is a slur, tie or phrase mark other than by context. And context will be sufficient.

One very important situation where you need to be completely clear whether it's a slur or a tie is when inputting to a computer notation program - particularly if you want playback. The two are logically quite different, and are entered using different commands. And they can have subtly different visual styles.

But that apart, I defy anyone to tell whether a handwritten line is a slur, tie or phrase mark other than by context. And context will be sufficient.

One very important situation where you need to be completely clear whether it's a slur or a tie is when inputting to a computer notation program. The two are logically quite different, and are entered using different commands.

One very important situation where you need to be completely clear whether it's a slur or a tie is when inputting to a computer notation program - particularly if you want playback. The two are logically quite different, and are entered using different commands. And they can have subtly different styles.

But that apart, I defy anyone to tell whether a handwritten line is a slur, tie or phrase mark other than by context. And context will be sufficient.