clause or word as a subject

Hi!

Sometimes I get confused whether it's the clause or one particular word that determines the verb.

If someone could check my examples, I'd really be appreciate it.

Thanks

1) (Where I think the clause in italics determines the verb)

- 'Men fighting in the street IS a concern'

- 'To go to their stadium and beat them WAS the highlight of my life'

2) (Where I think one word is the key)

- 'The men fighting in the street HAVE caused concern'

- 'Political theories ARE really interesting'

- 'There ARE going to be times when you are out of work' (Here I think 'time' determines the usage of 'are')

- 'The words in italics ARE what you should focus on/upon'

Thanks for all your help.

[K]