Long-winded phrases should be avoided when you’re writing a story.
Why?
The answer is simple: It can be expressed in a shorter form without losing its meaning and it will improve the pace of the storyline/s.
Examples of Long-Winded Phrases and Their Shorter Alternatives:
A group of 15 people… >> 15 people
A large number of… >> Many
A multiple number of… >> Many…
A number… >> Several, some…
Apart from the fact that… >> But, except
A plethora of… >> Many
Appeared on the scene… >> Appeared, arrived
As a consequence of… >> Because of…
At the time of… >> Now, at present..
At this moment… >> Now, at present…
Became aware of… >> Learned, found out…
Because of the fact that… >> Because
Broke down and cried… >> Cried, wept, sobbed…
Due to the fact… >> Because
Each and every… >> Each
Face up to… >> Face
Few in number… >> Few
Fill up… >> Fill
In addition to which… >> Besides
In all probability… >> Probably
In close proximity to… >> Near…
In connection with… >> About…
In less than no time… >> Soon, quickly…
In spite of the fact that… >> Although, even though…
In the neighbourhood of… >> Near, about
In the recent past… >> Recently
Large amount of… >> A lot, plenty of, much…
Made an apology… >> Apologise/d
Of the opinion that… >> Think, believe…
On a temporary basis… >> Temporary, Temporarily…
Provide a contribution… >> Help…
There can be little doubt that… >> Clearly…
With the exception of… >> Except…
Worst-case scenario… >> At worst
Kate Halena 
On my gosh, I’m so bad about using these longer versions – thanks for guidance!
I think we all are guilty of using the longer versions at some stage. It is good to keep an eye out for them.