I have seen in a letter writing textbook (also many websites like this) while preparing for my English test that we should begin a letter like this : Dear ..., I am writing to ... I have not seen this format in the last few months that I have lived in an English speaking country. Is the above format considered old-fashioned? The most common format I have seen is like this: Hi.., (They never say ""I am writing to ..."": they just start immediately.) I am confused about which format to use in my work place to sound normal and at the same time stay polite. Is the format of beginning a letter with 'Dear ...' and 'I am writing to ...' considered old-fashioned?
