Grammar
-아/어 보면
If one tries / goes and sees
Form
Verb stem + -아/어 보다 + -(으)면 — “if one tries / goes to see ...”
Function
가 보면 combines -아/어 보다 (“try / go and see”) and -(으)면 (“if”). It presents what might result from trying or experiencing something.
Why this form?
-(으)면 is a plain condition; the full construction suggests going to see for oneself.
Forms not to confuse
- -(으)면 — 가면 makes going the condition; 가 보면 adds finding out by going.
직접 가면 알아요. — You will know if you go.
Examples
안내 데스크로 가 보면, 거기서 이야기할 사람을 찾을 수 있을지도 모른다. — If I go and check at reception, I might find someone to talk to.
가 보면 생각이 바뀔 수도 있어요. — If you go and see, you might change your mind.