writing a formal letter (of complaint) - present simple or continuous

Eeons ago I was taught that to make your letter sound VERY formal you should start with writing "I write to (complain, enquire, etc.)" Now that my son showed me his FCE book, I am not sure. It just says "I am writing to..."
Is it a mistake to use present simple in such introduction or is it really more formal.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Welcome to the forum, matani. :hi:

"I write to ..." is very dated.

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Originally Posted by 5jj

Welcome to the forum, matani. :hi:

"I write to ..." is very dated.

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But not wrong? As I said I was taught English grammar some 20 years ago (ie. eons ;-))

I'm surprised you were taught this as recently as 20 years ago. I would say it is so dated as to sound unnatural. You will draw more attention to the WAY you write than WHAT you write, and that is not a good thing when clear communication, in any register, is your goal.

I was taught well over twenty years ago and I am writing was the form used. :up: