How to use MA shift to detect a trend

Hi all!

I have a question about the “shift” feature you often find in the modules of EA builders.

Basically I just want to know if the 20 period SMA is rising or not.

Isn’t this true:

IF

20SMA now > 20 SMA (shift 5)

AND

20SMA (shift 5) > 20 SMA (shift 10)

THEN

trend is rising?

Is this the intended use of this shift thing you see in so many expert advisor builder tools? I can’t imagine what else you would do with it really.

Many thanks!