A collocation is a combination of words that commonly go together. Learn the whole phrase, including its preposition and grammar. Replacing a word with a synonym, or changing its word form, can alter the pattern.

VERB + NOUNmake a decision

VERB + ADVERBlisten carefully

ADVERB + ADJECTIVEdeeply disappointed

NOUN + NOUNtraffic congestion

VERB + PREPOSITIONAL PHRASEwork under pressure

ADJECTIVE + NOUNheavy rain

Article focus: make your bed; influence someone greatly; have an influence on someone; help someone (to) do something; assist someone in doing something; take / sit a test. A teacher sets a test for students to take.

Use vocabulary that fits your message. Longer wording is not automatically better.