I can't say I wasn't tempted, though.

[Topstudent]

I wrote this dialogue:

Man: What were you doing up there?
Guy: Nothing. Just looking around. I didn't take anything if that's what you think.
Man: No?
Guy: No. I can't say I wasn't tempted, though. I took a look inside that walk-in closet. Your wife seems to have very expensive taste in clothes and jewelry. It must have cost you a fortune.

Question: Is 'though' correct and natural here? Does it improve the sentence?

 

[5jj]

Question: Is 'though' correct and natural here?

Yes.

Does it improve the sentence?

'Improve' compared to what?

 

[Topstudent]

'Improve' compared to what?

If I left it out.

 

[jutfrank]

I don't think the sentence is quite right without it.

 

[emsr2d2]

"I can't say I wasn't tempted, though" could be worded "However, I can't say I wasn't tempted" or "No, although I can't say I wasn't tempted". Like jutfrank, I think the sentence works better as one of those than just "No. I can't say I wasn't tempted".

 

[jutfrank]

Equally:

No, but I can't say I wasn't tempted.