except

One could use "stay," or "to stay"; one could use "wait" or "to wait." I know of no reasonable objection to either form.

-John could not do anything except __ in that place.

WB, he's right as almost always. So I consulted my Better Half who I'm sure #....034 would agree almost has to be smarter than me, and she prefers it with the "to"

Could be a minor vocal matter where "except to wait" flows better off the tongue

Without some more context:

John could do nothing in that place but wait.

Glenn well put

Assures us that there's nothing else the poor fellow can do anywhere

Poor john . . .

Excellent answers. Thank you.

For Glenn, what's your 1st language? UK or US?