Periphrasis

The term ‘periphrasis’ refers to the use of excessive language and surplus words to convey a meaning that could otherwise be conveyed with fewer words and in a more direct manner.
Simple sentence: You’ve been getting on my nerves a little, lately. Periphrasis: The manner in which you have been acting as of late is somewhat irritating.

Simple sentence: This essay is due tomorrow and I haven’t even started it! Periphrasis: This writing assignment is to be done by the day after today, however as of yet, I have written nary a word.

Simple sentence: The fish swam in the ocean. Periphrasis: A creature of icktheological descent partook in movement through a large, saline body of dihydrogen monoxide.