I want my “ing” back. It doesn’t have to come beautifully wrapped with a bow on top, but those who took it need to hand it over unharmed.

The “ing” I’m after is the one that used to be regularly associated with our clogged hospitals. Once upon a time under the Australian system, patients were stuck on waiting lists, and all was right with the world of words.

Now, they are just as likely to be on wait lists, facing long wait times while languishing amid linguistic anguishing over the frequent absence of the humble “ing”. Where’s the mercy?

Give me an “i”, an “n” and a........

© The Sydney Morning Herald