Job Discussion Forums

[johnslat]

Dear Deborah,
I've always like that "fixin' to" usage, but I'm not so sure that the justification has to be that a gap is filled. After all, we do have the "about to" future:

He's (just) about to leave.

which speaks of a very imminent future. And there are other ways to convey the same:

He's getting ready to leave; He's almost ready to leave, etc.

But to me, the "fixin' to" future also carries the idea of a stronger intent, as well, a determination that those others don't offer.
Regards,
John

[chinagirl]

I live in the deep South. Not surprisingly, I can confirm that "might could" is often used around here. One wouldn't write it that way, though. Being a native New Yawker myself, I found that expression quite surprising the first few times I heard it. So don't mind the expression, y'all. Folks 'round here are pretty colorful with their use of English. Lots of Cajun inflection.

[arioch36]

to my poor noggin, most studies found, almost every study found sounds right.

Yo Brits, Mr. Leeroy, to me "til" or till is poor usage of the word "until"

But the Brit book (which I hate) uses it as a real word...wait till your mother gets home, 10 till eight 0-clock ???????