In the South, fixin’ has nothing to do with making repairs. It means we haven’t made the move yet, but we intend to. For example: I’m fixin’ to start exercising every day.
Most writers wouldn’t want to use Southern slang, so here’s what they would likely write: I’m going to start exercising every day.
What we often fail to recognize is the error in that statement. The intent is to exercise, not to start, but for some reason, writers often make “start” the main verb, shifting the focus away from the main action.
Whenever you see “start” in your writing, see if you can leave out that word, making the sentence stronger.
Write the sentence this way: I plan to exercise every day.
