folelser, "To start with" is used to introduce a statement that is the first in a series of statements. How to make an omelette: -To start with, buy fresh eggs. Crack the eggs over bowel, being careful not to leave any shell. (You start WITH THE EGGS.) - I don't think we should buy an Ipad. -Why not? -To start with we can't afford it. When " to start with" is at the end of a sentence it means "at the beginning of some situation" or "in any case". My heart can't possibly break, when it wasn't even whole to start with.(in the beginning of the love affair) You shouldn't have asked me to start with. (in any case)

"To start with" is like "para empezar" in spanish, in terms of context, it is usually used in statements where the outcome isn't really possible or to begin making a certain point about a topic. :)

- John, Would you like us to go to the Bahamas on holidays? - TO START WITH, it's much too expensive (=it's anything but cheap)