Below are five examples of sentences with phrases that are used too commonly in the English language, and 5 rewrites of the cliched sentences.

“John planned on being up bright and early in the morning.”
“John planned to wake up early.”

“He weighed the pros and cons of the decision to buy the house.”
“He considered the advantages and disadvantages of buying the house.”

“She was distraught, but she knew she that there was no point crying over spilled milk.”
“She was distraught, but she knew that it was futile to fret: there was nothing she could do about it.”

“The winds of change were blowing.”
“The circumstances were changing, however.”

“As much conflict as had already taken place between them, they soon foundthat it was only the calm before the storm.”
“As much conflict as had already taken place between them, it was incomparable to the conflict to come.”