1. Do not allow a phrase or a clause to string out your expression when one word might answer. Boil your communication to the clearest minimum.
(a). We went back to headquarters with all possible speed. We hurried to headquarters.
Here the specific verb hurried does away with your phrase with all possible speed.
(b). When we were present in the cantonment, the soldiers looked as though they were quite hungry.
Our inspection of the cantonment revealed the soldiers to be hungry.
Here our inspection does away with the clause when we were present; and to be hungry does away with as though they were quite hungry.
This error of spreading words is common to ordinary writers and is most tiring and time-wasting to readers.
2. Do not omit words from your phrases and clauses where there is a chance for misunderstanding. Examples:
The detachment commander will be with the main body until 7 a. m. and thereafter the advance guard.