neither restaurant vs. neither restaurants

[Debgrayson]

Okay, I'm an English teacher looking for an explanation. I read the comment on neither being the negative of either, but it isn't exactly true. It can be the negative of "both" (meaning 2), but not either (meaning 1).
My student asks, Why is it "neither restaurant" and not "neither restaurants"- because it means the same thing as both restaurants are not expensive.

My answer was that it is like "not any" or "no" and that explains the usage but the meaning is off target.
Can you help?
Debra Grayson

[Conchita]

Welcome to the forum, Debra!

Here's some good news for us:

[Debgrayson]

Actually, that doesn't answer my question because I know the singular verb is more formal, but both are acceptable.
However, after doing some "digging" I found the answer. When "neither" is used with the subject, the noun is always singular. Therefore, Neither book is expensive.
Thanks for the help though- I'll refer my students here with their grammar questions.
Debra